Hi Jessica, can you give us a short summary of your PhD project and its goals, in a way that someone outside your area could understand?

My research concerns international criminal law which exists to prosecute the gravest atrocity crimes - war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity. When I noticed that disabled people (who are more likely to be victims of these crimes) were virtually absent from the law at present, this inspired my research. I want to dig deep into previous cases and disabled people's stories to understand why and how we change this.

What led you to the decision to study for a PhD, and what drew you to Leeds Beckett?

I have been involved in disability activism for half my life and always been interested in human rights and justice. My tipping point came when I worked in the emergency response to Covid. Many disabled people died due to systemic negligence and injustice. I decided to take a risk to do a master's in human rights law then this PhD subject emerged from all of that.

My choice to come to LBU came down to two main things; the enthusiasm of my supervisor when I proposed this subject and my own ethical considerations. Higher education has been in the news for questions around research partnerships and where funding goes. So, as I'm studying a subject that directly concerns human rights violations this was an important consideration for me.

In some ways, doing this PhD is a gamble for me; but I decided to go for it for myself as much as for anyone else.

You have now completed your first year. What have you learned so far that has helped you to grow as a researcher?

The lesson I am still learning in many ways, which is the art of patience! I also did not come from a research background (and the research I did do was more in direct policy) so understanding and constructing a workable methodology for my work has been a steep learning curve.

What have been the most memorable or significant milestones in your research journey so far?

I have been lucky enough to present at a couple of PGR (postgraduate research student) conferences including LBU, and to speak at a seminar on inclusive legal education organised by my supervisor! I felt it was important to get my research out there to increase awareness of an area of law that affects us all and is vital right now. I also want to show that (hopefully!) someone who's autistic, working class and fumbling through an unconventional path can make it in international law.

What has surprised you most about your first year as a PhD student, whether in your research itself or in the wider experience of doing a doctorate?

Though I expected my PhD to be challenging, it hasn't been challenging in all the ways I expected. Learning to deal with critical feedback healthily, balancing how much I should read versus making progress in writing, trying to feel I can belong - being myself and looking after myself despite some of the culture around law and academia. I feel I can be proud of my resilience, showing up every day one way or another and making even small steps forward.

What kinds of support or opportunities have been most valuable in helping you to make progress this year?

As soon as I enrolled, I asked to access the disability advice service and would encourage any PhD student that may be neurodivergent or have another disability or health condition to do so. I have a Reasonable Adjustments Plan in place for formal assessment milestones. They were also able to help me be able to stay in suitable accommodation while I study after I told them of previous struggles and difficulty linked to my disability.

Finally, what advice would you give to new PhD students as they begin their own journey?

Believe in your research and believe in yourself. Take care of yourself too. It's easy to look at your supervisors, colleagues or peers and feel you aren't clever or busy enough even when going all out! But resist the pressure to run yourself into the ground and create a routine to progress little by little each day in a way that works best for you and your wellbeing.