Natalie Sedacca, Faculty Research Scholarship

Programme, and year of study: PhD, 3rd year
Where you are from: London, UK
Area of research: Labour Law & Human Rights 
PhD supervisor: Professor Virginia Mantouvalou (first supervisor), Dr Par Engstrom (second supervisor)
Scholarship received: Faculty Research Scholarship from 2017; then also London Arts & Humanities Partnership scholarship from 2018

Why did you choose to apply to study at UCL Laws?
The main reason was my supervisor, plus also the reputation of the law school and range of research there. 

What are your favourite things about studying at UCL Laws?
My primary supervisor is excellent, a leader in the field and very supportive, while my secondary supervisor provides expertise in aspect of my PhD dealing with Latin America. I also like the structured nature of the course and being in an environment where a range of high quality research is being carried out, including by people with a very different approach to my own. 

What do you hope to do once your studies are complete?
To gain a full time academic position, or alternatively a research / policy position in an NGO.  

How did you hear about the UCL Laws scholarships? 
I researched them online. 

What impact has receiving this scholarship had for you?
It allowed me to move from a former position in legal practice to take up the place at UCL in September 2017. Since receiving the LAHP scholarship in 2018, the UCL scholarship has allowed this to be topped up. 

If you hadn’t received this scholarship what do you think your plans would be, if not studying at UCL Laws?
I would have gone to another institution – either King's or Durham where I had funded offers, or Cambridge where I had an offer and a decision on funding was pending. 

If someone was thinking of applying for a scholarship what would you say to them?
I would certainly encourage them to do so as it allows you to focus on your PhD by pursuing it full time and provides a great opportunity. 

If someone was thinking of funding or sponsoring a scholarship what would you say to them?
Again, I would encourage them to do so, as I would like other prospective researchers in the future to have the opportunities that I have had.