Seven Questions with... Abena Akonnor

What are you studying, why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future?

I am studying a MSc in Social Cognition – human behaviour has always interested me. During my undergraduate programme, I got to understand some of the cognitive theories around human behaviour and decided I wanted to study this further.

There are few ventures I want to pursue in the future, and I’m hoping my Master's will give me clarity on which path to go down.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen, or got involved with while at UCL?

This would have to be the Dissertation Showcase that took place at the beginning of the academic year. Seeing students from the previous cohort produce fantastic research had me (and still does!) inspired to begin my studies.

Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at UCL?

I don’t know if I have found THE gem yet, but I feel like I discover something new about UCL every week! I’ll have to get back to you on this question!

Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London:

I’m a big foodie so my top place would be ICCO! It’s a small pizza chain and the pizzas are fantastic and cheap! They range between £5 and £10 and are made fresh onsite.

 I would also recommend Gravity – there are so many fun activities there! The cable cars are also quite cool.

What’s one thing you’d like to see in a post-COVID world?

We are already moving towards this but flexible working and living. We’ve seen that it is possible during COVID, and I think it’s better to have balance in everything that we do.

Who inspires you and why?

Black women! As a Black woman myself, I look to those who are like me as I know they understand the same struggles I go through – and Black women have a few! Whenever I see any Black woman succeed despite the issues that come with their intersectionality, it’s another reminder that I can achieve all my dreams too.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I’m a big MCU fan – even Phase 4!