The Newspoint team met up with two of the Doctoral graduates at UM, who celebrated their achievements during the graduation ceremony last Monday, 21 March 2022, at the Jesuit church (Valletta Campus). Dr Suzanne Maas and Dr Edward Mazzacano D'Amato shared their PhD experience with us!
Graduand: Dr Suzanne Maas (Research Support Officer II at the Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Development)
Q: What is your dissertation about?
A: My PhD research at the University of Malta (with the Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Development) focused on sustainable urban mobility; looking at the use of shared bicycles in cities that are just starting to promote cycling as a mode of transport. I specifically studied this in a Southern European island context, where cycling is not (yet) so common, with case studies in Malta, Cyprus and Gran Canaria. I chose this topic as I am passionate about sustainable mobility and believe the promotion of active travel and people friendly urban spaces can contribute to happier, more livable cities. What I love about cycling is the flexibility it provides, you鈥檙e free and independent, but also right in the middle of the action: seeing sights and meeting people on the way. For this reason, in my research I set out to discover more about the use of public bicycle sharing systems, which have become commonplace in cities around the world in the past two decades, and the role they play in the promotion of cycling.
Q: What was the most challenging part of achieving your PhD?
A: Overall, I really enjoyed the process of doing my PhD research. A research project spanning multiple years may sound daunting, but in reality it is made up of lots of smaller steps: discovering the research area, formulating the research gap you want to address, gathering information, analysing data, learning new techniques, building your professional network and sharing your insights with others. While I loved the freedom and independence that the PhD trajectory gave me, such a project can also be lonely at times, and you can find yourself going in circles trying to figure something out. Thankfully, I had a very supportive and inspiring supervisor, Prof. Maria Attard, with whom I could discuss these challenges and after such chats I always managed to find the energy and motivation to move forward again.
Q: What does this achievement mean to you?
A: Successfully finalising and defending my PhD research of course made me feel proud, it is a testament to being able to motivate yourself and tackle difficult challenges and teaches you inventiveness and resilience. With the research and projects I undertake, I always try to tackle real societal challenges, topics such as climate change, pollution and congestion, in the case of my PhD research. I made an effort to share my research findings through popular channels, such as in newspaper articles and social media, as well as through scientific papers. I also created a summary with the recommendations flowing out of my research, targeting policy makers and urban planners, in the hope that my findings can contribute to real change on the ground
Q: What is your advice to students/Academics considering to follow a PhD research?
A: Find a topic that you love, and enjoy the process of learning new skills, meeting new people and discovering new places!
Graduand: Dr Edward Mazzacano D'Amato (Senior Executive Operations and Research at the ACCESS-Disability Support Unit, MATSEC)
Q: What is your dissertation about?
A: The title of my dissertation is "Profiles of Students diagnosed with SpLD - An Investigation of Maltese and English Essay Writing in National Examinations". In this research, I analysed the scripts of students who have difficulties with literacy (SpLD students) and those who do not. The analysis included language and literacy development, bilingualism and writing.
Q: What was the most challenging part of achieving your PhD?
A: The most challenging part was juggling between work, family life and study. Achieving this PhD would not have been possible without the support of my family in particular my wife, supervisors, friends and colleagues.
Q: What does this achievement mean to you?
A: Doing a PhD is a very long and at times arduous journey. Nevertheless, it is a very fulfilling experience of growth. On a personal level, I learnt about myself, about managing time, working towards long-term goals... to mention a few. The PhD helped me in my work to better understand the issues that students, their parents/carers and educators go through when there is struggle with learning. It would be an even greater achievement to me if my work helps in any way to better the educational experience of students with SpLD in local primary and secondary schools - these make up a significant number of the Maltese student population (at least 25%; 1 in 4).
Q: What is your advice to students/Academics considering to follow a PhD research?
A: Choose a subject that really interests you and always search for meaning in what you do at all stages of your work. This is intrinsic to helping you stay motivated throughout the research process. Kura摹摹!
