Skip to Main Content

PGR Research Culture & Community Seminar Programme: Science and Engineering Seminar Series

Improving the Postgraduate Research Experience at the University of Hull

Faculty of Science and Engineering 2021_2022 Research Culture and Community Seminar Series

'Publication Ping Pong'- FOSE PGR Research Culture and Community Seminar - Tuesday 26th April 2022 - 12-1pm - Room TR3 Library

Book onto the seminar now!

The Faculty of Science and Engineering invite Postgraduate Researchers from across the University to an informal event around Research Publications.

Associate Dean for Research and Enterprise in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Professor Jeanette Rotchell, will introduce the trials and tribulations around publishing research and help researchers negotiate the weird and the wonderful rules of the game!

Few first-time writers have the knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes at their chosen publishers.  However developing a basic understating of the publication process and how you can impact this, will be crucial to your success.  

Jeanette will share her own 'manuscript to do list' and map out the process from idea to publication.

The event will be of interest to those preparing for their first journal publication as well as those who may be thinking of dipping their toe in the water.

We hope that you are able to come along, meet other PG Researchers, ask questions and grab a piece of cake!

Book onto the seminar now!

This event has now taken place - FOSE PGR Research Culture and Community Seminar - 8th February 2022 - 1-2.30pm - On Campus

PGR Culture and Community Seminar  To book a place click here

Tuesday 8th February 1pm - 2.30pm - Byron Suite, Canham Turner

 

The Faculty of Science and Engineering are hosting a PGR Research Culture and Community Seminar for PGRs and Early Career Academics from FOSE.   PGRs from other faculties are very welcome to attend to make contact with those from other disciplines. 

 

The event will be hosted by FOSE Associate Dean for Research and Enterprise, Professor Jeanette Rotchell and will focus on the facilities and equipment available around the Faculty and how to access them for research purposes.

 

There will  be presentations from:

Dr Jennie Brigham - Head of Technical Services, FoSE

Mr Paul Green - Stores Technician

 

This will be an opportunity to meet other Postgraduate and Early Career colleagues, and representatives from the Doctoral Col­lege, Faculty Research Team and Departments will be available to your questions either in person or via the anonymous Menti­meter platform.

 

To book a place click here

This event has now taken place - FOSE - PGR Research Culture and Community Seminar No 3 - Tuesday 7th December 2021 - 1-2.30pm

Outline of the seminar                  Book onto the seminar now!

This event is taking place on campus in MR4 in the Allam Medical Building.

1.            Introduction – Dr M. G. Francesconi, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry, Director of Postgraduate Research (Chemistry), Faculty of Science and Engineering - (5 mins)

 

2.            PGR Presents:  'My research journey' - including a reflection on the skills I have developed during my research and how they have enabled me to overcome the challenges of PhD research. 

with Mila Sari, PhD Candidate in Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering. - (20 mins plus 10 mins Q&A) 

Abstract:

"Monitoring of heavy metal levels in river water is an important step in managing the hazardous contaminant. With the currently available technology, this process can be costly and time-consuming, requiring experts to collect the data. During my PhD we are developing simple workflows to monitor metals using paper-based sensors that would enable citizen sciences to carry out some of the monitoring. To achieve this we are also developing an simple in-situ pre-concentration workflow using a cafetière. During my talk I will reflect on the skills I have developed during my project that have enabled me to overcome some of the challenges faced during my research".

 

3.            PGR Presents feedback (5 mins) by academics in attendance

 

4.            Perspectives on: 'My research journey' - with Dr Samantha Richardson, Lecturer in Chemistry -  (15 mins plus Q&A 5 mins)

Samantha will provide some insight into her research background (environmental chemistry, microfluidics, science communication), which is very similar to Mila's, as they work in the same research group.  She will also talk about her academic journey from MChem, to PhD student, and then ECR (post doc, now lecturing) at the University of Hull. This should be relevant to PGRs from across the University who are considering their career options, including a career in research/academia and teaching.    

 

5.            Perspectives on: 'Communicating science to public audiences'

with Phil Bell-Young, Science Communicator, Faculty of Science and Engineering - (20 mins plus Q&A 10 mins)

Phil has a great deal of experience in the practice (and science!!) of science communication and engaging the public with science.  He has represented the University at numerous events, conferences, exhibitions and science festivals across the country, engaging a wide range of audiences with his awesome communication skills and scientific knowledge! (NB: these are our words not Phil's!).

 

6. 'Any other business / future seminar topics'

 

Book onto the seminar now!

 

If you have a specific question you would like to raise, click here to send it to the FOSE PGR Admin Team.

To view the full PGR Research Culture and Community Programme click here for more details

 

If you have any general questions about the seminar programme please contact Jackie McAndrew at the Doctoral College in the first instance on jackie.mcandrew@hull.ac.uk

This event has now taken place - FOSE - PGR Research Culture and Community Seminar No 2 - Tuesday 9th November 2021 - 1-2.30pm

Outline of the seminar                                         Book onto the seminar now

1.  Introduction Professor Jeanette Rotchell, Associate Dean for Research, Faculty of Science and Engineering - (5 mins)

 

2.  PGR Presents – 'Interdisciplinary working and geoscience outreach' - (20 mins)

Kelly Stanford – Postgraduate Researcher, Geography, Geology and Environment and the Energy and Environment Institute 

Kelly is a science communicator, researcher and artist who combines her three talents to share science with the public and inspire people to get involved in STEM.  Her accomplishments include taking an active role in organising the 2020 Postgraduate Research Conference, being a co-ordinator for the ‘Pint of Science’ and being a voice for peers on the Faculty Research Committee.

Questions - 5 mins.

Panel Feedback - 5 mins with the academics in attendance.

 

3.  Spotlight on - 'Rivers and wine: my lockdown experience in France' Dr David Milan, Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography (15 mins plus Q&A 5 mins)

Dr Milan will talk about some of the work he started with French colleagues as an Advanced Study Fellow at Collegium de Lyon (20201-2021), using LiDAR to scan large wood on the Allier river, tributary junctions on the Severaisse catchment, and a vineyard in Beaujolais to assess soil erosion.

 

4.  Perspectives on - 'Securing the job you want in a time of economic crisis' – (20 mins plus Q&A 10 mins)

Dr Vicky Skoulou, Director of Research, Senior Lecturer and Principal Investigator in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, 

Dr Skoulou will share her experience of searching for a relevant Post Doctoral Research Assistant role in a prestigious university during a financial crisis and what helped her secure that role when she found it.

 

5. 'Any other business / future seminar topics'

 

Book onto the seminar now

 

If you have a specific question you would like to raise, click here to send it to the FOSE PGR Admin Team.

To view the full PGR Research Culture and Community Programme click here for more details

If you have any general questions about the seminar programme please contact Jackie McAndrew at the Doctoral College in the first instance on jackie.mcandrew@hull.ac.uk

 

Image credit - Csar-Fotografie from Pixabay 

This event has now taken place - FOSE - PGR Research Culture and Community Seminar No 1 - 2021_2022 Season - Wednesday,13th October 2021 - 1-2.30pm

Outline of the seminar                                             Book onto the seminar now! 

1.  Introduction (5 mins): Pam Doyle and Jackie McAndrew

 

2.  PGR Presents - (20mins plus Q&A 10 mins):

Favad Mobahriz is studying for a PhD in Chemical Engineering with the Aura Centre for Doctoral Training and is researching alternatives to our current methods of storing energy. Favad recognised during his BEng at the University of Hull, that the traditional forms of generating energy are contributing to climate change and his interests in more environmentally friendly methods for meeting our energy demands secured his place on the highly competitive CDT programme. Favad will share his own student journey reflections, his passion for chemical engineering and his future research and innovation ambitions.  Here is an introduction from Favad himself! "I am Favad Mobahriz, a chemical engineering graduate from University of Hull from 2019 and I have moved on to doing my PhD here at Hull through the Aura CDT linked with the chemical engineering department. My Project looks to use electricity from intermittent offshore wind to provide the energy required to carry out ultrasonic emulsification electrolysis to oxidise para-xylene into purified terephthalic acid (ePTA) whilst simultaneously generating green hydrogen and oxygen from water."

 

3.  Perspectives onEnergy and the Environment Research

With Dr Stuart McLelland, Deputy Director of the Energy and Environment Institute -  (15 mins plus Q&A 5 mins):

The Energy and Environment Institute have had a significant impact on the climate and energy sustainability agenda since its inception at the University of Hull. Dr Stuart McLelland will delve in to Institutes current research priorities and talk about some of the new developments for the energy and environment sectors. The talk will offer some insight in to the merits of effective horizon scanning and the value of strategically planning for future opportunities.

 

4.  PGR Skills…. Insight in to Doctoral Training: with Dr Danielle Smith -  (20mins plus Q&A 10 mins):

Dr Danielle Smith is the Programme Manager for the Aura Centre for Doctoral Training , a partnership between Universities and Industry. Many of the key skills and good practice have relevance to anyone undertaking a research project at the highest academic qualification level.

 

5. Spotlight on... Getting to grips with University purchasing procedures for PGRs: with Ms Sarah Ord

Sarah Ord is an administrator within the Faculty Student HUB and will be providing an introduction or refresher to our Postgraduate Researchers on how to navigate the university procurement processes. She will provide an overview of the terminology, the regulations and the processes involved in what can often be quite a convoluted process for those not yet indoctrinated!

 

6. 'Any other business / future seminar topics'

 

Book onto the seminar now! 

 

If you have a specific question you would like to raise, click here to send it to the FOSE PGR Admin Team.

To view the full PGR Research Culture and Community Programme click here for more details

If you have any general questions about the seminar programme please contact Jackie McAndrew at the Doctoral College in the first instance on jackie.mcandrew@hull.ac.uk

This event has now taken place - 'How to recognise your PGR Skill Set!' - A Careers Session for PGRs and ECRS - FOSE PGR Research Culture and Community Seminar - 20th July 2021 - 1-2.30pm

In response to PGR demand. University of Hull Careers Consultant, Tony Taylor will provide a careers event tailored to address the needs of our postgraduate researchers (and early career researchers).

Tony will provide attendees with useful tools for recognising their own transferable skills and how they meet the needs of academic and external organisations. Postgraduate researchers develop a range of skills over the course of their research degree but often struggle to sell themselves and their skillset when applying for jobs.   

Attendees will be encouraged to recognise the valuable and diverse skills and knowledge they have and how these translate/map onto the criteria in person specifications used by employers when recruiting staff.

Using a number of different methods, Tony will share his hints, tips and insights to help researchers market their own skills and abilities.

Target audience:

Whilst this session has been organised by the FOSE Research Team, as usual it is open to all PGRs from all faculties and disciplines. 

 

Book your place now!

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

This event has now taken place - FOSE PGR Research Culture and Community Seminar 8 - Tuesday 15th June 2021 - 1-2pm - Online

Outline of the seminar                        Book onto the seminar now!

 

1. 1pm - 'Welcome and Introductions' (5 mins)

 

2. 1.05pm - 'Perspectives from a Post Doctoral Research Associate on: Research, funding applications, and knowledge exchange: A Post-PhD Journey’, (15-20 mins plus Q&A 5-10 mins).

With Dr Agota Mockute, Post Doctoral Research Associate, Energy and Environment Institute, University of Hull.

The PhD is a thrilling journey, at the end of which lies a roundabout of choices what to do next. Dr Agota Mockute will share her adventures during the transition from a technical PhD on wave loading on offshore wind turbines, to the unknown fields of knowledge exchange and commercialisation. Expect a story of twists and turns through countless funding applications, fatigue from the still…not…finished…papers and exciting unexpected projects, and a constant chase for that little bit more of funding to extend the contract for a few more months as Agota tries to find her career path post her PhD. Spoiler alert – there’s a happy ending.

 

3. 1.30pm - 'Spotlight on: The Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, An Introduction to Aura and the Aura Innovation Centre’, (15-20 mins plus Q&A 5 mins).

With Sarah Clark, Operations Manager, Aura Innovation Centre.

Sarah will provide us with an introduction to the work of the Climate Commission and the key roles and contributions of Aura and the Aura Innovation Centre.  

 

4. 2pm - 'Perspectives from Professor Dan Parsons’

Director of the Energy and Environment Research Institute, University of Hull, (20 mins plus Q&A 5 mins).

Professor Parsons is one of the University's most high-profile academics and successful research leaders and he is sure to provide us with an inspiring and interesting talk about the impactful work of his research portfolio activities.

As the Director of the Energy and Environment Institute, Dan has gathered together a multidisciplinary team of over 80 researchers, has a portfolio of active research grants and projects of over £21M, and hosts two taught MSc programmes as well as being home to the EPSRC-NERC Aura Centre for Doctoral Training in Offshore Wind and Environment.

Dan is an active researcher in areas related to fluvial, estuarine, coastal and deep marine sedimentary environments, exploring responses of these systems to climate and environmental change, for example understanding how evolving flood risk on large mega-deltas can impact populations and related regional and global food security - through to understanding the impact of plastics, particularly in coastal and marine environments.

 

5. 'Any other business / future seminar topics'

If you have a specific question you would like to raise, click here to send it to the FOSE PGR Admin Team.

 

 

Book onto the seminar now!

 

To view the full PGR Research Culture and Community Programme click here for more details

 

If you have any general questions about the seminar programme please contact Jackie McAndrew at the Doctoral College in the first instance on jackie.mcandrew@hull.ac.uk

 

 

 

 

Sarah Clark - Biography

As Aura Operations Manager at the University of Hull, Sarah runs the Aura Innovation Centre, supporting the development of the low carbon SME supply chain, providing access to innovation support, enabling collaboration and knowledge exchange. Sarah is a project management professional and former business owner with over 25 years’ experience managing complex publicly funded programmes in support of businesses.

 

This event has now taken place - FOSE PGR Research Culture and Community Online Seminar 7 - 18 May 2021 - 1pm-2.30pm

Outline of the seminar                      Book onto the seminar now!

 

1. 1pm - 'Welcome and Introductions' with Professor Andrew Heyes, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering.  (5 mins)

 

2. 1.10pm - 'Perspectives from:' Dr Ian Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce. (20 mins plus Q&A 10 mins). 

 

The Faculty of Science and Engineering have the greatest pleasure to welcome guest speaker, Dr Ian Kelly, CEO of Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce.  Dr Kelly's talk will reflect on the changes borne from the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and the devolution agenda, what the future looks post-LEP, and what we can expect for our region in the future, particularly following the wonderful Humber Free Port announcement.   

Dr Kelly has an extensive knowledge of business, lobbying and regeneration management which he uses to enhance enterprise and investment across our Yorkshire and Humber region.  Ian has previously worked at the House of Commons, in the Australian Parliament, as well as lecturing in British Politics at Leeds University.. 

In 2011 the Secretary of State requested that Ian and the Chamber Board establish the Humber LEP as a step towards devolved governance for the region in line with the Industrial Strategy Northern Powerhouse agenda.  The LEP secured the largest Enterprise Zone in the country and helped bring many important businesses to the region.  Their success in securing EU and Government funding supported investment in local businesses and people since its inception.  The University of Hull has benefitted from much of the work driven by the Chamber, and have joined other Universities in the North in a commitment to collaborate to support a competitive northern economy.  

 

3. 1.40pm - 'Spotlight on:'  'Principles of effective data visualisation’ 

with Nick Lowthorpe, Research and Enterprise Analyst, Research and Innovation Directorate, University of Hull.  (20 mins plus Q&A 5 mins).

How we present data has an impact on how it is interpreted and understood. This talk will cover the importance of effective data presentation, and how to maximise the impact of your visualisation.

 

4.   2.05pm - 'Perspectives on:' 'Hindsight, lessons learned after I finished my PhD.  

with Dr Martin Taylor, Post Doctoral Research Assistant, from the Energy and Environment Research Institute, University of Hull.    (20 mins plus Q&A 5 mins). 

Abstract: As a PGR you work hard, very hard. Write papers, complete the thesis and reach the summit that is the end of the whole process. Then you move on, that could be industry or academia but what skills and knowledge do you really need to know? How do you climb the next mountain? After working at different universities, research institutes, a synchrotron and a Tier 1 COMAH site, I have picked up a few skills and knowledge along the way that I wish someone had told me eight years ago…

 

5.   'Any other business / future seminar topics' 

 

If you have a specific question you would like to raise, click here to send it to the FOSE PGR Admin Team. 

 

Book onto the seminar now!

 

To view the full PGR Research Culture and Community Programme click here for more details

 

If you have any general questions about the seminar programme please contact Jackie McAndrew at the Doctoral College in the first instance on jackie.mcandrew@hull.ac.uk

 

This event has now taken place - FOSE PGR Research Culture and Community Seminar 6 - 20 April 2021 - 1pm-2.30pm

Outline of the seminar                      Book onto the seminar now!

1. 1pm - Welcome and Introductions - (5-10 mins)

 

2. 1.10pm - PGR Presents:  'My research journey and changing the face of Physics'

by Leah Cox, PhD Researcher in the Department of Physics and Mathematics, in the Faculty of Science and Engineering - (20 mins, Q&A 5-10 mins). 

Leah commenced her PhD in September 2018 after being awarded a fully-funded scholarship by the University of Hull. Her research focusses on the galactic halo and galactic chemical evolution. She will briefly discuss what she has worked on so far and will also share some guidance about what helped her get to where she is today. Leah will talk about some of successful extra-curricular commitments to the E.A. Milne Centre for Astrophysics, which include being a member of the University's Athena Swan committee which aims to widen gender diversity in STEM subjects.  Leah has given a talk for International Women's day where she discussed her experiences as a woman pursuing a career in a male-dominated field.  She has been into schools to be a part of 'Women in STEM' panels and is also part of the national "Changing Face of Physics" campaign which is aimed at encouraging young women to pursue science.  Well done in advance Leah for all of that before we even hear you speak!  

 

3. 1.40pm - PGR Presents:  'Managing your supervisor'

by Felicitas Ten Brink, second year PhD researcher in Earth Sciences, Energy and Environment Institute (EEI)

(Microplastics in marine food webs group) - (10 mins, Q&A 5-10 mins).

Felicitas will share her personal experience on how to build a good supervisor relationship and how to get what you want from your PhD. Focus will be on what to expect from your supervisor and what is expected from you, some practical dos and don'ts what to do if things go wrong.

 

4.   2pm - Perspectives on: 'Hints and tips for a happy and healthy research career'

by Professor Brad Gibson, Head of Department (Physics & Mathematics), Director (E.A. Milne Centre for Astrophysics, Faculty of Science & Engineering - (20 mins - 5 mins for Q&A).

Professor Gibson will first take you on a stroll through his career, from confused student in Canada to (now) confused Head of Department at the University of Hull. More importantly, he will explore a range of helpful (and very unappreciated) hints for a happy and healthy career. While his background lies in physics, the focus will be broad, and include results of a survey of 70 academics around the world who were asked to rank the characteristics they valued most in the staff that they were hiring. He can assure you that there will be some surprises here that you can take on board as you progress through your PGR career.

 

5.   Any other business - future seminar topics 

If you have a specific question you would like to raise, click here to send it to the FOSE PGR Admin Team. 

 

Book onto the seminar now!

 

To view the full PGR Research Culture and Community Programme click here for more details

 

If you have any general questions about the seminar programme please contact Jackie McAndrew at the Doctoral College in the first instance on jackie.mcandrew@hull.ac.uk

 

 

 

Speaker biography/profile

Professor Brad Gibson is the Head of Physics & Mathematics, and Director of the E.A. Milne Centre for Astrophysics, at the University of Hull. Brad completed his MSc and PhD at the University of British Columbia, building the world's first Liquid Mirror Telescope Observatory and designing software to map the distribution of the chemical elements throughout the Universe. Brad was responsible for using exploding stars to determine the expansion rate of the Universe, as part of the Hubble Space Telescope Key Project on the Extragalactic Distance Scale, for which the team was awarded the Gruber Prize in Cosmology. He was the first to identify the locations within the Milky Way most likely to harbour complex biological life, for which his work was named by National Geographic magazine as one of the top 10 news stories of the year. Brad's 350+ papers has been acknowledged by his peers 30,000 times, making him Hull's most cited academic, and one of the top few percent in the world. Brad’s 400+ outreach events over the past 5 years have reached nearly a million people around the world, including more than 50 schools and colleges around the UK. His commitment to widening participation and diversity, and improving the career prospects of physics students, led to his “Changing Face of Physics” campaign being named Best Practice in the Country by the UK’s Equality Challenge Unit. These efforts led to him being named the Institute of Physics’ John Porter Memorial Lecturer, the 2019 Leon Davies Lecturer, the 2019 Ray Bootland Memorial Lecturer, and Manchester’s Bexwyke Lecturer; he has spoken at the Cheltenham Science Festival, the British Science Festival, the Royal Institution of Great Britain, and opened for Brian Cox and Lucy Hawking at European AstroFest, and delivered a highly popular TED talk on the subject of the search for alien life.

This event has now taken place - FOSE PGR Research Culture and Community Seminar 5 - 16th March 2021 - 1pm-2.30pm

Outline of the seminar                                  

 

 

1. 1pm - Welcome and Introductions, and 

2.  Research Strategy Focus 

with Dr Vicky Skoulou, Director of Research for Chemical Engineering, Principal Investigator of the B3 Biomass Waste –Bioenergy - Biochars Challenge Group, and Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Chemical Engineering and Bioenergy(15 minutes plus 5 minutes for questions). 

1. Dr Skoulou will welcome attendees to the event and will introduce our PhD speaker. 

2. Dr Skoulou will also provide an introduction to the Research Strategy and sustainability and interdisciplinary research themes for the Chemical Engineering and Chemistry departments and how they link to the Faculty's, Research Institutes and University's research strategies. Vicky will also discuss the importance of PGRs in these research areas and in research processes.  

 

3.  1.15pm – Introduction to our PGR speaker by Dr Sharif Zein, Reader in Biorefinery Processes and Reaction Engineering, Director of Postgraduate Research in the Department of Chemical Engineering, in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

 

4.   1.20pm - PGR Presents:  'Valorisation of waste biomass research' by Mathew Holliday, PhD Researcher in the Department of Chemical Engineering, in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Mathew will talk about his research into the important area of valorisation of waste biomass.   He will share with us how he came to study his research topic, what motivated him to keep going, how he stayed motivated, what his aspirations are. He will also talk about his research journey experience, the good/the bad and the ugly and his transition from his Masters by Research degree to his PhD.   

Research Abstract:

Biomass is an abundant carbon resource which can be used as a feedstock to produce energy, food, chemicals and materials. Animal and plant farming, forestry and municipal waste offers a renewable source of biomass which is often left unused. This waste is often high in moisture content and would require drying before use, which can be an expensive processing step. Hydrothermal carbonisation solves this issue by heating the biomass with water in a pressure vessel from 150 to 275 °C under self-generated pressures. The resultant carbonaceous material is called hydrochar and can be used as a solid fuel or pollutant adsorption. This method is greener than conventional methods, like pyrolysis, because the greenhouse gasses, like CO2, are dissolved in the water.

 

5.   1.35pm - Spotlight on: 'Media Do's and Don'ts - Your research profile and promoting yourself for PGRs',

with Professor Mark Lorch, Professor of Public Engagement and Science Communication, Interim Head of Department for Chemistry, Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering

 

6.   1.50pm - Spotlight on: 'Effective Data Management in research',

Dr Kevin Pimbblet, Senior Lecturer, Department of Physics and Mathematics, Faculty of Science and Engineering. 

 

7.   Any other business - future seminar topics 

 

If you have a specific question you would like to raise, click here to send it to the FOSE PGR Admin Team. 

 

 

 

PRES 2021 - If you are enjoying and benefitting from these research culture and community seminars, please tell us by completing the PRES 2021 Survey now!

 

To view the full PGR Research Culture and Community Programme click here for more details

 

If you have any general questions about the seminar programme please contact Jackie McAndrew at the Doctoral College in the first instance on jackie.mcandrew@hull.ac.uk

This event has now taken place - FOSE PGR Research Culture and Community Seminar 4 - Tuesday 16th February 2021 - 2-3.30 pm - Online

Outline of the session                                    

 

1. Welcome and Introductions  (5 mins)

A member of the FOSE PGR staff team will introduce the seminar and speakers. 

 

2.   PGR Presents:  'PhD researcher seeking to answer volcanic mystery through geological data' - (25 minutes plus 5 - 10 minutes for questions).

Karen Nicolson, PhD Researcher in the Department of Geology in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Karen will talk about her fascinating research into the evolution of oceanic plateaus.  She will also speak about how she came to academia, the Open University, her path to her PhD and managing her research with her work in the Faculty Research Team.  She will also share her experience in balancing a number of different roles and will hopefully get the chance to provide us with some insight into the successful administration of academic research projects.     

Abstract: click here to view abstract

 

3.   Spotlight on: 'How to be a productive researcher'  (20 minutes plus 5 - 10 minutes for questions).

Dr Elsbeth Robson, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography, Director of Postgraduate Research, Department of Geography, Geology and Environment in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Elsbeth will deliver an interesting and informative session providing us with her top tips on how to be an effective researcher.  Elsbeth will draw upon her broad experience and successful career as an academic, researcher and consultant, managing impactful multi-partner international research projects, engaging with communities and stakeholders.

 

4. “How COVID is affecting me” - Open Discussion (up to 25 mins)

This part of the seminar is an opportunity for our PGRs to share:

  • How they are doing.
  • How their research is going in the current circumstances. 
  • What approaches they are using that are particularly helpful from a personal and professional perspective.
  • What they can do to help each other.
  • Any other arising issues.

 

5.   Any other business

If you have a specific question you would like to raise, click here to send it to the FOSE PGR Admin Team. 

 

To view the full PGR Research Culture and Community Programme click here for more details

 

If you have any general questions about the seminar programme please contact Jackie McAndrew at the Doctoral College in the first instance on jackie.mcandrew@hull.ac.uk

 

 

 

 

Abstract:  (Formal title of talk: 'Volcanic Edifice Evolution: Shatsky Rise (Large Igneous Province), NW Pacific Ocean')

The Ontong Java, Hess, Manihiki, and Shatsky Rise oceanic plateaus in the Pacific Ocean are among Earth’s largest igneous provinces (Sager et al., 2013). However, the evolution of these plateaus remain poorly understood. Controversy remains whether they ever became widely emergent, and therefore capable of changing global climate, and/or whether their eruption products altered ocean chemistry. Shatsky Rise, in the NW Pacific Ocean, was recently explored by the International Oceanic Drilling Programme (IODP) Expedition 324 (2009), and is the oldest (~140-150 Ma), and one of the largest, examples of these plateaux. It consists of three very large submarine volcanoes (Tamu, Shirshov and Ori edifices) which erupted across the Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary, making their construction coincident with the (J-K) biotic crisis and associated changes in global marine chemistry.

The largest edifice, Tamu Massif, is characterized by massive lava flows similar to those of continental flood basalt provinces (Koppers et al., 2010). These pass into pillow lavas in the later, more northerly volcanoes (Ori and Shirshov), implying a transition from sub-aerial to submarine volcanism over time. However, although dredge and drill-achieved data imply the edifice summit was in shallow water, seismic and swath bathymetry data acquired in a second expedition (2010) cannot confirm sub-aerial erosion. Detailed logs collected during the expedition reveal several red horizons preserved in the volcanic successions, which have been interpreted as sub-aerial weathering profiles. Furthermore, a lack of sub-aerial emergence is contrary to that expected from an edifice of this size. Accordingly, the question remains as to whether these volcanic edifices ever became emergent (Yasuhara et al., (2017), and thus able to deliver volcanic gases directly to the atmosphere. Whether the edifices remained submerged or became emergent may have provided a trigger for J-K climate change through prodigious emissions to either or both the marine and atmospheric systems (Self et al., 2008).

This event has now taken place - FOSE PGR Research Culture and Community Seminar 3 - 19th January 2021 2-3.30pm - Online

Outline of the session                                               

1. Welcome and Introductions  (5 - 10 minutes)

Dr Sharif Zein, Reader in Biorefinery Processes and Reaction Engineering, Director of Postgraduate Research in the Department of Chemical Engineering, in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Dr Zein will introduce our speakers. He is also our main PGR speaker’s second supervisor. 

 

2.   PGR Presents: ‘Improving biomass waste to generate low carbon energy’

(25 minutes plus 5 - 10 minutes for questions).

Hassan Alabdrabalameer, PhD Researcher in the Department of Chemical Engineering, in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Hassan will talk about his research and will also spend some time talking about how he decided on his PhD topic, his experience, his motivations and what he plans to do next.

Abstract: 'In the race to reverse global warming damage and eliminate the use of fossil-based fuels, lignocellulosic biomass derived wastes such as straws are an attractive new type of solid fuel for alternative approach to produce low carbon energy. However, this form of lignocellulosic waste is considered problematic due to its inherently high alkali and alkaline earth metal (e.g. Na, K, Ca and Mg) content. On the other hand, A low cost and efficient method of removing problematic inorganic components from the feedstock is via leaching (water washing). Leaching straws lead to a sustainable energy production, this means that straws can be considered as an alternative solid fuel.

There will be time afterwards for open discussion/questions.

 

3.   Perspectives on:                                            (20 minutes plus 5 -10 minutes questions)

Dr Vicky Skoulou, Director of Research for Chemical Engineering, Principal Investigator of the B3 Biomass Waste –Bioenergy - Biochars Challenge Group, and Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Chemical Engineering and Bioenergy

Dr Skoulou is Hassan’s principal supervisor and has agreed to talk to us about the context of Hassan’s research within the work of their research group, how important it is in supporting the University’s environmental and sustainability research agenda and contributing to this important global challenge. 

Dr Skoulou will also talk about some of the skills our researchers need to develop, what the potential opportunities there are in this field of research, how to get the most out of being in a research group, and considerations for progressing onto a Postdoctoral position. 

 

4. “How COVID is affecting me” 15 - 20 mins

This part of the seminar is intended to provide an opportunity for our PGRs to share:

  • How they are doing.
  • How their research is going in the current circumstances. 
  • What approaches they are using that are particularly helpful from a personal and professional perspective.
  • What they can do to help each other.
  • Any other arising issues.

 

5.   Any other business

If you have a specific question you would like to raise, click here to send it to the FOSE PGR Admin Team. 

 

 

If you have any general questions about the seminar programme please contact Jackie McAndrew at the Doctoral College in the first instance on jackie.mcandrew@hull.ac.uk

This event has now taken place - FOSE PGR Research Culture and Community Seminar 2 - 1st December 2020 - 1-2pm - Online

Running order for the seminar            

1.   Welcome

2.   'Faculty Focus' - 5- 10 mins

Research update on what’s happening with research activity in the faculty by Professor Graham Ferrier, the Head of Department for Geography, Geology and Environment. 

3.   'Talk to us' - 5-10 mins

PGRs can raise group/individual issues, discussions around health and wellbeing and any other issues.  Email them to us in advance if you like! 

4.  'Perspectives on': 'Geopolitics of city-regionalism' - 30 mins

With Dr Andy Jonas, Professor of Human Geography, Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Hull. 

Abstract: 'England’s city-regions, such as Liverpool and Greater Manchester, are very much in the news at the moment in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet for many the city-region is an abstract concept seemingly far removed from everyday urban experience. This seminar examines the origins of the city-region concept and how it has been put to work by national governments in different countries. I argue that city-regionalism is not just an administrative tool, which is used by national governments to manage domestic political problems and tensions. It is also becoming a geopolitical instrument deployed by nation-states to enhance international competitiveness'.

 

5.   Question and Answer Session - 15 mins

With Professor Jonas and FOSE colleagues. 

If you have a specific question you would like to raise, click here to send it to the FOSE PGR Admin Team. 

 

 

Any Questions?

If you have any general questions about the seminar programme please contact Jackie McAndrew at the Doctoral College in the first instance on jackie.mcandrew@hull.ac.uk

Target audience

Whilst this seminar may be of particular interest to PGRs from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, it may also be of interest to postgraduate researchers from all faculties from an inter/cross/multi-disciplinary and general interest perspective.  

This event has now taken place - FOSE PGR Research Culture and Community Seminar 1 - 27 October 2020 - 1-2pm - Online

Running order for the seminar                  

1.   Welcome

2.   'Faculty Focus' - 5- 10 mins

Research update on what’s happening with research activity in the faculty by a senior member of the faculty PGR staff team. 

3.   'Talk to us' - 5-10 mins

PGRs can raise group/individual issues, discussions around health and wellbeing and any other issues.  Email them to us in advance if you like! 

4.  'Perspectives on Health and Safety - We're all in this together!' - 30 mins

With Steve Pace, Specialist Course Director, The Institute for Chemistry in Industry @ University of Hull.  

The current Covid-19 pandemic has brought the topic of health and safety to the forefront of every conceivable type of organisation in the world.  This seminar is intended to be a primer for postgraduate researchers on the importance of Health and Safety in general, providing an overview of roles and responsibilities that we all have both legally and morally in relation to health and safety.  The seminar will highlight requirements of UK legislation that apply to everyone, whether working in academia or industry.  It also aims to highlight how postgraduate researchers can contribute and cooperate to maintain or improve health and safety standards in their activities. 

Whilst this  seminar is of particular interest to PGRS from the sciences, the content will also be relevant to postgraduate researchers from all faculties.   

5.    Health and Safety Question and Answer Session - 15 mins

With Steve and (hopefully) a Health and Safety Legal Expert/Solicitor (TBC) from a Kingston Upon Hull solicitors practice.

If you have a specific question you would like to raise, click here to send it to the FOSE PGR Admin Team. 

 

Any Questions?

If you have any general questions about the seminar programme please contact Jackie McAndrew at the Doctoral College in the first instance on jackie.mcandrew@hull.ac.uk

Image by Queven from Pixabay