Hello from Ann, one of the new PGR Bloggers

Hello all! I’m Ann, and I’m excited to be starting as one of the new bloggers here. We’re looking forward to sharing with everyone our experiences, tips and new discoveries of PGR-life at the UofG. But, before all that, here’s a post to quickly introduce myself.

With family based in England, I’ve studied and worked at several different universities and cities across the UK. However, as many others have told me, Glasgow is a truly special place to study, with so much to see and do, and so many friendly and welcoming people to meet. It is perhaps no wonder that, after completing a Masters in Psychology here, then leaving for a year to work with PLOS, an open access academic publisher, I found myself speeding back to Glasgow to embark on my PhD in Law.

My current research has an interdisciplinary emphasis and explores the intersections of law and psychology, focusing on legal responsibility. My areas of interest lie in legal theory, cognitive, social, evolutionary and moral psychology, as well as moral philosophy. Having made it through my first year, I’ve really appreciated the opportunities and support the University provides. These range from the many academic groups and events organized across the different Schools which have inspired my research, to the career, research development, and resources training offered. Some of these include citation and dissertation structuring courses.

Panorama of the UofG’s West Quadrangle

What I also love about the University is its history. I am in constant admiration of the stunning architecture, and the University’s impressive museum collections. When I first moved to Glasgow, I was surprised too by the number of green spaces around, including the nearby Kelvingrove Park and Botanic Gardens. As this previous post on the Botanic Gardens agrees, it’s a great place to take some time away from studies, enjoy some fresh air, and, yes, catch a look at our squirrel friends! Keep an eye out for interesting events too, such as the occasional cactus weekend:

Bought a few months ago from a cactus weekend at the Botanic Gardens (left), and still healthy and growing (right)!

I’m still taking in a lot about the University, the city, and how to make the most of my time as a PGR. But I hope to be able to write about and share all the things I’m learning and have experienced, from navigating the logistics of PGR life at the UofG to broader matters of personal development and wellbeing, and current issues affecting PGR students. The PGR Development Blog has been a really useful resource for me, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any future content that you’d like to see covered too!