London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

My PhD is full-time and lab-based with my research focusing on mechanisms that control antibody secretion in B cells. I utilize CRISPR/cas9 gene technology and some microscope techniques. I’m from the UK, but I am new to London, and enjoy outside of my PhD singing, going for walks around Hampstead Heath and reading.  

Challenging time

Beforehand, I completed my Integrated Master's at the University of York in Molecular Cell Biology. Completing this four-year degree through a pandemic was hard, with lots of online work and independent reading. It is an understatement to say that I struggled, like many others. I brushed off my struggles with proofreading and spelling, my challenges with keeping up with lectures, and was determined to get that degree.  

Coming to LSHTM, I found the environment fast-paced, and exciting. I met many lovely people. Working full-time in a lab is something that I have always wanted to do. But I was still struggling; I was often mislabeling tubes, getting confused with the reagents I was working with, and struggling to remember verbal tasks I had been given. In addition to this, I found that all the reading I had to do for my PhD was really challenging. I struggled to absorb all the information and found working on a screen outside of my lab time to be a challenge too.  

Getting support online

It was then that, after discussing with my PhD supervisor, I decided to go to Student Support Services, in need of a dyslexia assessment. The task appeared daunting to me, as I was a bit unsure of what the support services could do. But, I emailed, asking for a test, and in just two days, I was given an online dyslexia test to complete. I was happy with how quickly the Support Services handled and referred me for an online test.  

After completing the assessment, the Student Support Services could see that I had borderline signs of dyslexia. Again, I was promptly referred to an educational psychologist by the support team, for me to carry out an official dyslexia assessment. These sorts of assessments are something that I would never be able to afford by myself, but LSHTM was able to provide me with this.  

The Student Support team are brilliant at communicating effectively online, meaning anyone can get help, wherever they may be. For my situation, it did not require meeting in person; as a PhD student it was much easier to send emails than organise a time to meet and discuss. Talking over email might seem challenging, but everyone I spoke to was super friendly and explained things clearly to me.  

Once I received the results from my in-person dyslexia assessment, the support services were then quick to help me figure out how I could make certain adjustments to my studies, ranging from setting up learning plans to meeting with a support worker. During this time, I was able to have a friendly and relaxed Zoom call with a member of the Support team, where they helped me identify what help I might need.  

The Student Support team were able to help me discuss ways in which I can adapt my learning style with my PhD supervisor, as well as in and out of the lab, to benefit me. Additionally, planning for future situations, such as upcoming assessments in my PhD. This really helped me feel confident in what I could do and made me feel that I could reach out whenever I needed to.  

The power of online support

Now, I am a couple of months on from getting my dyslexia test. I met with a study advisor that the Student Support Services sorted out, who recommended ways in which I can improve my learning style. I have a study plan in place, which ranges from small things like giving me extra printing credits to figuring out the adjustments I need for written assessments. It’s the simple things like finding an app that changes the colour of my internet browser to help me see better (it’s called colorVeil, I highly recommend). It all helps me feel like I have the toolkit I need for my studies at LSHTM.  

I am grateful for the support I have received; understanding that I have dyslexia, and how I can adapt my learning style has given me greater confidence in my ability, as well as identify how I can become a better lab worker, writer, and PhD student in my time at LSHTM.  

Sometimes it can be daunting to take the step to seek help. But, regardless of the service you need, you will be met with understanding and helpful advice from the support team, like I was. Whether you are in person every day at LSHTM, or a distance learner, the team is there for you to contact and seek help from.  

If you have any questions about getting help with the support services, dyslexia, or anything about LSHTM, feel free to contact us. I am always happy to help if I can.  

Thanks for reading!
 

• Contact Millie via our contact student ambassador page.
• Read Extracurricular opportunities and transferrable skills gained from my time at LSHTM.
• Learn more about the Student Support Services at LSHTM.
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