Reflections on my halfway PhD experience at Oxford University!

Words fail me as I look back over the past two years of my life at the University of Oxford. The journey has been one of discovery, growth, and unforgettable experiences, and I’m deeply grateful for every moment. 

It feels like yesterday when I received the selection email from the Director of Graduate Studies at the time, Prof. Mark Coles (who has since become one of my greatest cheerleaders on this journey). Being selected as the inaugural AfOx KTPS scholar to pursue a DPhil at Oxford was an incredible honour. I remember the excitement, not only for the opportunity to study at such a prestigious institution but also because I would be working on a project that aligned so well with my passion. To top it off, I had a brilliant supervisor, Dr. Yang Luo who has been nothing short of incredible—truly, I hit the jackpot with her.

Embarking on my PhD journey in a foreign land was both thrilling and daunting. I wasn’t just here for my own growth; I was paving the way for future African scholars to follow. This sense of responsibility fueled my determination to succeed both academically and socially. I wanted to excel in my studies, yes, but also to ensure that my journey was one of community and inclusion, bringing others along with me.

One of the highlights of these two years has been serving the African community in various capacities. Before being elected Vice President in my second year, I had already become actively involved with the society, and it was a great honor to serve alongside my amazing President, Isatu Bokum. Together, we organized one of the largest Africa-focused conferences in Europe, hosting incredible speakers from across the continent, including the former Prime Minister of Kenya, the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga. Additionally, I had the unique privilege of meeting His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace —an unforgettable experience. 

As someone who is passionate about mentorship, I was honoured to lead the AfriSoc/AfOx mentorship scheme aimed at increasing the number of African students pursuing graduate studies at the University of Oxford. The program was a huge success, as seen by the increase in applications and admissions from African students. We even got shortlisted for the inaugural Vice Chancellor’s Award at the University of Oxford! Currently, alongside Nina and Marah, we are running an exclusive mentorship program for the AfOx/KTPS PhD studentship.

I have also had the privilege of curating a project close to my heart: the “My Science Journey” (MSJ) platform. At MSJ, we cultivate a vibrant community dedicated to sharing knowledge and experiences to inspire both current and future African scientists. The platform also serves as a valuable space for intergenerational networking, connecting scientists at various career stages. My team and I have dedicated ourselves to expanding MSJ’s global reach, featuring distinguished speakers from around the world, and recently launching the MSJ website. 

As part of my PhD, I have also had the opportunity to travel the world, attending conferences, trainings, and workshops. These experiences have broadened my horizons and enriched my academic journey. The most recent highlight was a lab exchange visit at Harvard Medical School, which further expanded my research skills and network.

Throughout this journey, I’ve been fortunate to receive remarkable support from various people and communities. Despite the distance, my family has provided unwavering emotional support. My supervisor has been incredibly supportive, both academically and personally, motivating me to grow in and out of the lab. My teammates, Esther and Jennie, have been incredible, offering invaluable assistance with my research and presentations. Friends, both in and outside of Oxford, have been a constant source of strength. The AfOx team has played a significant role as well, offering personalized guidance and organizing numerous social and leadership events. My college, Reuben, has also been outstanding, enriching my experience through a variety of academic, social, and entrepreneurial events. How can I forget the Department? Their intentional check-ins, student events, symposiums, and retreats have been truly unforgettable. Thanks to all these supportive elements, Oxford has truly felt like a home away from home. It truly takes a community.