Doctoral Dialogues

How do corporate leaders navigate the chaos of digital transformation, and what drives value inside one of the world's most powerful innovation ecosystems? In this episode of Doctoral Dialogues from the University of Westminster Graduate School, we dive into these pressing global business questions with PhD researchers Timo Holtappels and Wei Wang. Timo shares insights from his qualitative study on how middle managers make critical decisions during rapid digital shifts, while Wei breaks down her mixed-methods research into the practical mechanisms of China’s innovation ecosystem. Beyond their data, both reflect on what it takes to actually thrive as a researcher, highlighting the vital role of diverse peer communities, collaborative culture, and social connection in doctoral success. You can read a transcript of the conversation here. Find out more about the University of Westminster Graduate School at westminster.ac.uk/research/graduate-school   This is a Research Podcasts production.  Credits: Presenter and editor: Jamie Adam, Research Podcasts Guests: Timo Holtappels & Wei Wang, University of Westminster Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts 

Can granting legal rights to nature stop corporate environmental destruction, and what does it actually mean to be a "good" football club owner? This episode of Doctoral Dialogues dives into the intersection of law, ethics, and accountability with Department of Law researchers Marie-France Nguo and Mark O’Neill. Marie-France details her final-year research into the rights of nature in the Democratic Republic of Congo, drawing on the philosophy of Ubuntu to argue for corporate models that protect ecosystems rather than just human interests. Mark, a part-time researcher, traces the history of football club ownership from the 19th century to the modern day, exploring how regulatory frameworks align - or clash - with the values and expectations of local fans. You can read a transcript of the conversation here. Find out more about the University of Westminster Graduate School at westminster.ac.uk/research/graduate-school   This is a Research Podcasts production.  Credits: Presenter and editor: Jamie Adam, Research Podcasts Guests: Marie-France Nguo & Mark O’Neill, University of Westminster Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts 

How does digital transformation reshape the physical world around us - whether we are navigating a bustling international airport or experiencing art in virtual reality? This episode of Doctoral Dialogues bridges the gap between infrastructure and technology with researchers Su Jayaraman and Maritina Keleri. Su outlines her mixed-methods PhD assessing how digital shifts impact airport efficiency, sustainability, and passenger processes across Europe, India, and Panama. Maritina describes her practice-based study on how immersive VR tools shape the creative art-making process and alter an artist’s psychological "flow state." Together, they discuss surprising overlaps in biometrics, managing data concerns, and the immense value of interdisciplinary collaboration. You can read a transcript of the conversation here.  Find out more about the University of Westminster Graduate School at westminster.ac.uk/research/graduate-school   This is a Research Podcasts production.  Credits: Presenter and editor: Jamie Adam, Research Podcasts Guests: Su Jayaraman & Maritina Keleri, University of Westminster Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts 

Welcome to Series 5 of the Doctoral Dialogues podcast, where doctoral researchers from across the University of Westminster share the stories behind their research, the impact they hope their work will have, and the experiences that shape their doctoral journeys.From virtual reality and creative practice to research culture, collaboration, and the diverse ways of undertaking a PhD, this series explores the breadth of doctoral research at Westminster while offering honest conversations about the challenges, opportunities, and realities of doctoral study.Discover what to expect from the series and hear how Doctoral Dialogues shines a light on the people, ideas, and research making a difference both within and beyond academia.Find out more about the University of Westminster Graduate School at westminster.ac.uk/research/graduate-school   This is a Research Podcasts production. 

In this episode of the Doctoral Dialogue podcast, we’re joined by Maggie Go, a third-year PhD researcher at the University of Westminster.Maggie discusses her research on the nuanced portrayal of China’s influence within U.S. foreign policy, exploring how power in international relations extends beyond military and economic strength to include cultural and ideological dimensions. She emphasises the importance of historical context and the role of discursive power in shaping global narratives.The conversation also reflects on Maggie’s personal PhD journey, including the challenges of navigating imposter syndrome and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her research experience. She shares how her work connects closely with her own identity and lived experience, particularly her Filipino-Chinese heritage.Maggie also highlights the importance of diversity and inclusivity within academia, both in shaping research perspectives and strengthening the wider academic community.

In this episode of the Doctoral Dialogue podcast, we’re joined by Jess Porritt, a first-year PhD researcher working across Tourism and Events and Architecture and Cities at the University of Westminster.Jess explores transformational experiences in ultra-marathons and marathon environments, focusing on how experience design influences the depth and longevity of personal transformation. She discusses the importance of creating more inclusive event design, considering factors such as physical accessibility, socio-economic inclusion, and participant safety. Jess also reflects on the concept of “serious leisure,” highlighting how hobbies such as running can become meaningful and transformative life experiences.The conversation also explores her approach to PhD research, particularly her use of visual methods such as colour-coded notes, post-its, and digital tools like Miro to map out ideas and manage complexity. She reflects on the evolving nature of her conceptual framework and the importance of embracing change throughout the research process.Jess offers advice for other PhD students, encouraging them to stay true to their own methods, avoid comparing progress with others, and accept that research naturally evolves over time. She also emphasises the importance of work–life balance and recognising the diverse and non-linear nature of doctoral study.

In the first episode of Series 4 of the Doctoral Dialogue podcast, Megan Carnwright is joined by PhD researchers Dimitri Hui Ken Chong and Kaigan Carey.Dimitri discusses his research on home-making practices among asylum seekers and refugees, exploring how individuals create a sense of belonging in the face of displacement, as well as the violence and trauma often embedded within these experiences. Kaigan shares her work on the occupational culture of prison officers, examining the emotional demands of the role and its impact on mental health.Together, they reflect on the psychological and affective dimensions of constructed spaces, and how environments such as housing and prisons shape lived experience. The conversation highlights the importance of humanising these perspectives, as well as the role of media and architecture in influencing public understanding.They also discuss the challenges of conducting emotionally demanding research, emphasising the need for strong support networks and a sense of community throughout the doctoral journey.

In this episode of the Doctoral Dialogue podcast, we’re joined by Ellen Nolan, a PhD researcher at the University of Westminster.Ellen discusses her research centred on the archive of her great-aunt, Nita Harvey, documenting Nita’s journey as an actor in 1930s Hollywood. Nita, a British beauty contest winner, was selected by Cecil B. DeMille and starred in the pre-code film Search for Beauty.Ellen explores the richness of the archive, which includes thousands of negatives, a 35mm casting wheel, and a range of personal ephemera. Through this material, she examines Nita’s experiences as a British actress in Hollywood, with particular attention to issues of treatment, pay, and objectification within the studio system.Her research also takes a practice-based approach, involving reenactments of Nita’s roles and recreations of fashion from the period. Ellen reflects on how this work opens up conversations about both historical and contemporary representations of women in film, and the lasting impact of Hollywood’s gendered power structures.