Bartlett PhD Alumni: Dr Tatiana Moreira de Souza

What project are you currently working on?

I am working on a research project I put together which explores the lived experiences of renters renting privately and looks at the governance of the private rented sector by local authorities.

What working achievement are you most proud of?

I am very proud of my work on an EU-framework 7-funded project called DIVERCITIES, which examined how Europe benefits from diversity and aimed to explore ways public policies and governance arrangements can make more intelligent use of diversity’s potential.

I started working in the project whilst I was doing my PhD and this allowed me to improve my confidence as a researcher, particularly with regard to writing academic materials, conducting interviews and attending academic events and meetings.

How do you feel about being nominated as a role model?

I am very happy about being nominated as a role model. I have to confess that I had no idea this existed! It is a great boost to my confidence as I start life in academia.

How would you describe your journey to your current role?

Whilst interviewing residents of a neighbourhood in London for my PhD research, I unintentionally received a considerable amount of responses that touched on the issue of private renting in the capital. I then became quite interested in developing a project on the topic. When I saw the call for the fellowship position at the Bartlett School of Planning, I felt that that was an opportunity I could not miss.

I discussed my ideas with an academic who agreed to be my mentor and I put together a research proposal. After being invited for an interview, I booked an interview appointment with UCL’s Career Services, which I found very helpful. There were only two positions being advertised and I am very proud my proposal was chosen.

What motivated you to complete a PhD at the Bartlett?

I am very passionate about the topic of my research and I had superb support from my supervisors, who were very attentive to everything I did, provided fast and constructive feedback, and gave me a lot of support to go to conferences and present my work.

The support of other colleagues, especially whilst I was working on the DIVERCITIES project was also invaluable! I learned a lot by being at the Bartlett.

How did studying at the Bartlett help to shape your career?

I found the Bartlett to be an amazing friendly place. The PhD students hold frequent research-related activities and social events, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The Bartlett also holds frequent planning seminars and other events which allowed me to keep myself up-to-date with planning and urban-related discussions.

Whilst doing my PhD at the Bartlett, I attended a wide range of courses provided by the UCL Doctoral School as well as residential courses on personal and professional management and facilitation skills.

I also worked as a PGTA and I took the opportunity to enrol in the Arena One’s Teaching Associate Programme, which culminated in my obtaining the Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy certification in 2015.

What advice would you give to current Bartlett PhD students?

Make sure you make time to go to the PhD events and the seminars held at the Bartlett and also, make full use of UCL’s support for doctoral students! There are so many opportunities to meet people, discuss your research and receive support, especially, at times when you feel overwhelmed by your PhD.