Growing up, I never knew anyone with a PhD. So naturally, pursuing one has been both exciting and challenging. Along the way, I’ve learned research isn’t just about findings; it’s about curiosity, persistence, and the connections we build with others.
During my undergraduate degree, I completed a placement at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, working across paediatric psychology. It was my first taste of research beyond the classroom, and I realised the real-world impact research can have. Balancing this placement with part-time jobs taught me resilience, time management, and the importance of seeking support. Yet even then, a PhD didn’t really feel like the move for me.
Later, on the encouragement of my friends and mentors, I applied for a research internship with the Yorkshire Consortium for Equity in Education (YCEDE). I explored inclusive assessment and degree awarding gaps, conducting interviews, analysing data, and presenting findings at conferences. These experiences challenged me but also gave me the confidence to take ownership of my work. Mentorship, guidance, and peer support showed me that I belong and that progress is actively created, not simply given.
Still unsure, I could pursue a PhD; I was once again encouraged to apply for the Leeds Doctoral Scholarship. Somehow, through determination, support, and a little luck, I was offered the opportunity. Now, I’m in my third and final year as a cognitive neuropsychologist, exploring cognition and functionality in multiple myeloma patients.
I love research. It allows me to engage with questions that matter; not just academically, but for real people living with disease. Along the way, I’ve learned that progress isn’t just about milestones; it’s about recognising your strengths, understanding the barriers you face, and using your experiences to help others. I hope sharing my journey encourages other students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to value their own voices. Opportunities may open doors, but it’s curiosity, determination, and support that transform them into meaningful paths.
Sumayyah Patel is a Cognitive Neuropsychology PhD researcher at the University of Leeds. Her work, funded by Leeds Doctoral Scholarships, focuses on the cognitive, neurophysiological, and neuropsychological profile of individuals living with multiple myeloma, with an emphasis on how disease and treatment shape long-term wellbeing and quality of life. As a British Asian Muslim, she is committed to equity, representation, and amplifying under-represented student voices. Her dedication to widening participation is shaped by her own experiences and her early involvement with YCEDE, whose internship programme helped spark her path into doctoral research. She can be contacted via email at ps19sp@leeds.ac.uk.
Read the November 2025 newsletter publication here.