Hi Sonny, congratulations on your graduation! Can you summarise your PhD topic for someone unfamiliar with the field?

My PhD examines how public awareness, attitudes, and behaviour affect solid waste management in Nigeria, revealing that weak policies and low environmental awareness hinder progress. It recommends stronger laws, education, and public campaigns to promote sustainable practices like reduce, reuse, and recycle - contributing directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The COVID-19 pandemic started just six months into your studies – how did this affect your research, and how did you respond or adapt as things unfolded?

My research started on 1st October 2019 and progressed during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Initially, ethical approval had been granted for face-to-face data collection. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 and the subsequent restrictions, both in the UK and Nigeria, necessitated a complete revision of the methodology. My research ethics application was urgently resubmitted and successfully amended to allow virtual data collection.

Despite best efforts, the pandemic significantly disrupted the research process, limiting participant accessibility and affecting data quality. Data collection was eventually conducted using virtual tools such as WhatsApp, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, and email, platforms that were still evolving in functionality at the time.

Major Challenges Faced

• Methodological Disruption: The original plan for in-person data collection had to be abandoned midway, requiring a complete redesign of the research methodology.
• Ethics Reapproval: An urgent resubmission of the ethics application was needed to reflect the new virtual approach, in compliance with institutional and governmental COVID-19 protocols.
• Technological Limitations: At the time, virtual platforms were still under development, and both myself and my participants faced technical difficulties in using them effectively.
• Reduced Participation: The switch to virtual engagement led to a lower response rate and difficulty in reaching a representative sample, particularly in areas with limited internet access.
• Loss of Non-verbal Cues: The lack of in-person interaction limited my ability to observe participant behaviour and emotional responses, impacting qualitative data depth.
• Increased Burden: Navigating rapidly changing protocols, adapting to new technology, and re-establishing contact with participants led to delays and increased workload.
• Institutional Constraints: Adherence to Leeds Beckett University's evolving pandemic-related research guidelines created additional administrative and procedural demands.

Academic Emotions and Experience

The sudden shift in methodology and prolonged uncertainty due to the pandemic evoked a range of emotional responses, including:

• Anxiety over maintaining the academic rigour and relevance of the study under constrained conditions.
• Frustration at the loss of initial planning and the limitations of virtual communication.
• Resilience in adapting to an evolving research landscape with limited resources.
• Determination to continue producing meaningful research despite significant global and personal disruptions.
• Reflection on the role of flexibility and innovation in academic inquiry during times of crisis.

This experience not only shaped the trajectory of my research but also deepened my understanding of adaptive methodologies and the importance of resilience in scholarly work.

What advice can you share with other research students working on an international project like yours?

When working internationally, it is a good idea to develop a contingency plan to address potential challenges that may arise with the primary research approach. Equally important is maintaining the flexibility to implement and adjust to this alternative plan when required.

Timely communication of any emerging difficulties or methodological changes to all relevant stakeholders—including facilitators, the supervisory team, and the School support team - is essential. Maintaining regular contact with both the supervisory team and the School ensures continued alignment and support throughout the research process.

What other standout lessons did you learn through your research journey, and how do you feel the experiences will help you in your future career?

One of the standout lessons I learned during my research journey was the importance of resilience and adaptability when navigating complex, real-world challenges, particularly those that arise in cross-cultural or international contexts. I also gained a deeper appreciation for the value of clear and consistent communication with all stakeholders, which proved essential in managing expectations and ensuring alignment throughout the project. The experience sharpened my critical thinking, project management, and problem-solving skills, especially when dealing with unforeseen circumstances or data collection constraints.

These experiences have not only enhanced my capacity for independent research but also strengthened my confidence in handling multifaceted projects in professional settings. I believe the competencies developed during this process such as intercultural sensitivity, strategic planning, and academic rigour will be directly transferable to my future career, particularly in roles that require analytical thinking, collaboration across borders, and the ability to manage complex information under pressure.

Can you tell us about the support you received at LBU throughout your studies?

Throughout my PhD journey at LBU, I received invaluable support across academic, administrative, and personal dimensions. My supervisory team provided consistent guidance, constructive feedback, and encouragement, all of which were instrumental in shaping both the direction and quality of my research. Regular supervisory meetings ensured that I maintained steady progress and offered a critical space for intellectual engagement and reflection.

I am especially grateful to my main supervisor, Dr. Ash Ahmed, who consistently went above and beyond in his support. He generously granted me unfiltered access to his time and expertise, and his mentorship played a pivotal role in helping me publish four academic journal articles during my PhD. His commitment and encouragement made me a more confident and capable researcher.

Beyond supervision, the University offered a wide range of development workshops and training opportunities specifically designed for research students. These sessions significantly enhanced my research methodology, academic writing, and understanding of ethics and project management. Additionally, the Research and Enterprise team supported my professional development by assisting with funding applications and facilitating opportunities for conference participation, which expanded my academic network and exposure.

The university’s online resources, comprehensive library services, and access to scholarly databases were essential tools for conducting in-depth literature reviews and staying engaged with current academic discourse. Administrative staff were also highly responsive and supportive, especially during key stages such as progression reviews, ethics submissions, and final thesis submission.

Overall, the robust and well-structured support system at LBU was critical to the successful progression of my research and my development as an independent scholar. I am deeply appreciative of the academic community that surrounded and supported me throughout this transformative journey.

What are your aspirations now that you’ve completed your PhD, and where would you like your doctorate to take you in the future?

Now that I have completed my PhD, my aspirations are twofold: to contribute meaningfully to academic scholarship and to apply my research expertise in practical, real-world contexts. I am particularly interested in pursuing a career that allows me to bridge the gap between academia and industry, whether through a research-intensive academic position or a strategic role within a policy or consultancy environment.

In the immediate term, I am exploring opportunities to publish further from my thesis, collaborate on interdisciplinary research projects, and engage in teaching or mentoring emerging scholars. Long term, I hope to play a role in shaping evidence-based policy or innovation within my field, contributing to impactful change at a national or international level.

My doctoral training has equipped me with advanced analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills that I believe are highly transferable across sectors.

Ultimately, I see my PhD not as the culmination of my academic journey but as a strong foundation for ongoing professional and intellectual growth.

You can read Sonny's published papers here: Waste Management Regulations Enforcement: Lead Way to a Healthy Environment in Nigeria and The People’s Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Solid Waste Management in Nigeria?