The Doctoral Candidates' Association (DCA)
The Doctoral Candidates' Association (DCA) is a vibrant, candidate-led association dedicated to advocating for the interests and addressing the concerns of doctoral candidates across the University.
As a representative body, the DCA plays a crucial role in various committees including the Graduate School Academic Board (GSAB), Student Experience Committee (SEC), and Research Strategy Committee (RSC), ensuring that the voices of PhD candidates are heard in every aspect of academic and campus life.
Collaborating closely with the Graduate School, the DCA strives to improve communication between the University administration and doctoral candidates, facilitating a supportive and enriching environment for everyone.
The DCA is spearheaded by a dynamic team of co-chairs who volunteer their time to serve distinct roles, each contributing uniquely to our collective mission.
Since its formation, the DCA has been a pillar of support and unity for doctoral candidates, fostering a community spirit and advocating for academic and professional excellence.
The DCA is actively engaging in:
- Providing advice and representation on academic issues.
- Hosting social activities to foster networking and camaraderie among doctoral candidates.
- Facilitating information sharing to ensure all candidates are well-informed of university updates and opportunities.
- Organizing the Annual QMU Postgraduate Conference, a cornerstone event that showcases the innovative research conducted by our students.
Make sure to follow us on our platforms and join our groups to stay up to date.
DCA Conference
The QMU Doctoral Conference is an annual event to showcase the remarkable research endeavours of our PHD candidates.
The conference serves as a vibrant hub for scholarly dialogue, where innovative ideas converge, igniting conversations that propel the boundaries of knowledge forward.
The event is delivered through a collaboration between the QMU Graduate School, the DCA and QMU candidates themselves.
The conference is open to all doctoral candidates, PGT students and research staff at QMU as well as our collaborative universities, including, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University, and Heriot-Watt University.
Join us for this year's DCA Conference
DCA 2024 Conference Abstracts Booklet (External PDF)
DCA Co-Chair Representatives
The DCA Co-Chairs change on a yearly basis. Your 2024 team are:
Gavin Watt Bisset
Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD) and Centre for Person-Centred Practice Research (CPcPR)
PhD Candidate
Role in DCA: DCA Convener
Summary Biography:
I joined QMU as a part-time student in September 2023 to start a PhD focusing on Unpaid Carers experience in Estonia.
I have a wealth of experience in the Health Governance and Planning spheres and currently work as Planning Adviser for the Scottish Government.
Research Interests:
Health Structures, Policy Evaluation, Health Planning, Unpaid Carers
Follow Gavin Watt Bissett on LinkedIn
Mustafa Ahmed
Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research (CHEARR)
PhD Candidate
Role in DCA: GSAB and SEC Member
Summary Biography:
I joined QMU in January 2022 to start a PhD focusing on the domain of physical activity.
My project is a collaborative initiative between QMU and ENU, aimed at advancing the methodologies for assessing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) through the integration of wearable technology and advanced machine learning algorithms.
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Duke Fan-Chiang
Institute of Global Health and Development
PhD Candidate
Role in DCA: DCA Conference Co-ordinator
Summary Biography:
Hi! I am Duke, a PhD candidate at IGHD, QMU. My research focuses on the mental health and psychosocial well-being of vulnerable children in humanitarian settings and Low- and Middle-Income countries (LMICs).
I also provide technical support on MHPSS and child protection projects in World Vision International as an advisor.
Research Interests:
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, Child psychology, Child Well-being, Humanitarian crisis, and international development.
Follow Duke Fan-Chiang on LinkedIn
Nur Syuhada Binte Emanan
Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research (CHEARR)
PhD Candidate
Role in DCA: Co-Chair
Summary Biography:
Hello, I am Nur Syuhada Binte Emanan (Syu)! I joined QMU in Jan 2023 and my research aims to understand the rehabilitation experiences of individuals recovering from critical illnesses post-hospitalization and shed light on the gap in post-discharge rehabilitation.
Research Interests:
Critical Care, Community Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy
Email Nur Syuhada Binte Emanan
Follow Nur Syuhada Binte Emanan on LinkedIn
Ainuska Sheripkanova
Institute for Global Health and Development
PhD Candidate
Role in DCA: Co-chair
Summary Biography:
I joined QMU as a full-time PhD candidate in September 2023. My research topic is on mental health service delivery to refugee and asylum-seeking women in Scotland. I am a social work professional and worked internationally with UNHCR, UN Women, OSCE and other INGOs in the Russian Federation, Republic of Georgia, USA and Central Asian region.
Research Interests:
Refugee and asylum-seeking women’s wellbeing, access to mental health services among migrant population in Scotland, domestic abuse prevention and response, MHPSS in conflict and humanitarian settings.
Silène ten Seldam
Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research (CHEARR)
PhD Candidate
Role in DCA: Co-chair
Summary Biography:
I joined QMU as a full-time PhD student in September 2023. My research is investigating children and young people with chronic kidney disease and the impact on physical activity and mental health.
Research Interests:
Mixed methods, Psychology, Mental Health, Quality of Life, Physical Health
Follow Silène ten Seldam on LinkedIn
Get Involved
Every year, the leadership of the DCA transitions to new co-chairs, maintaining a fresh and progressive outlook.
As leaders in their respective fields, our doctoral candidates are at the forefront of research and innovation, contributing significantly to the body of knowledge and society at large.
The DCA is proud to support and promote this vital academic journey. Join us in making a difference in the doctoral community at QMU!
Email us at dca@qmu.ac.uk if you are interested.
To keep updated with events and opportunities for Doctoral students, follow us on Twitter.
