Nicole 'Nicole' Brooks - Social Science Postgraduate Research Officer

Hello Everyone! 

My Name is Nicole Brooks I am a Second Year PhD Student from SSPC (Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology). I have had the opportunity to represent my department as a SSPC PGR rep and hope to continue advocating for students through the role of the Social Science PGR Faculty rep. 

As many of you may know, doing a PhD is HARD! There are so many things to navigate, both in and outside of the PhD and can be extremely overwhelming. If I am elected, I hope to create a toolkit for students made by students, so that it is easier for students to integrate into the community and navigate the complexities of the PhD. Information overload was a significant problem for me when I first started and I hope to support students, so they don't feel the same, whether that be first years or those closer to graduating.  

Working for the University can also be a challenging process to navigate when roles are restricted by visas or just logistically unclear. I would like to improve transparency and accessibility around teaching and work opportunities at the University ensuring the process is easier for future students. 

Although the University has been significantly improving in building greater understanding of consent, bullying and sexual abuse, I believe there is so much more we can do to create a safer environment on campus. I initially took on the role of a PGR Rep due to my frustrations with the lack of domestic abuse awareness in Universities and hope to be part of the team that can improve support and bystander awareness for victimisation. 

Finally, I aim to organise more opportunities for socialising between faculties and disciplines through inclusive beginner sports sessions and social events while accommodating availability needs for all students.  

I look forward to hearing about your feedback and advocating to make the University a place we can take pride in being a part of. 

I hope you consider me an appropriate candidate :)