Rachel Gregory

Course: PhD Physics

PhD student Rachel is reaping the benefits of her Mayflower Scholarship at Southampton gaining research and teaching experience that will be invaluable to her in her future career.

Southampton scholarship

“I am funded by a Mayflower Scholarship that means I have extra funding in exchange for spending some of my time on teaching.

"Mayflower Scholarships are offered by Physics and Astronomy at Southampton and are open to UK and European Union residents. The successful students are expected to engage in research in one of the University’s internationally-leading groups and to assist in the department’s teaching programmes.

“As I am nearing the end of my PhD I am looking for jobs outside of physics, but the opportunities I have had through my teaching scholarship and the wide range of skills I have been able to develop through the course of my PhD will be very useful.

“There is a generous amount of funding for postgraduate students in the Physics department to attend conferences and last year I got the opportunity to present my work at an international meeting in Washington, USA.”

Join the club

“I took up powerlifting when I started my PhD. As there were no local or affordable clubs around, I became part of a group who founded the Southampton University Crossfit and Strength Sports Club.

“I am currently President of the club and hope that it will continue to grow and encourage more people to try out these sports.”