What does your research focus on?
My master’s dissertation focused on the social challenges that stem from river pollution, with a focus on two rivers in Bangladesh. For this social qualitative research, I went back to Bangladesh for one month and interviewed local people who were residing around the chosen rivers. Our economy is very agriculture and natural resources based, so I wanted to know how these people were being affected by river pollution and if they were supported enough by the government.
I was supposed to only focus on the local people, but I also noticed other dynamics coming together. From government authorities, to water utility providers, and locals, I covered a broad range of people. It was interesting to look at how everyone was trying to do their best. For example, the government took initiatives they thought would be best for the people, but there is a big communication gap from both the top down and the bottom up.
What is your favourite part of studying at Oxford? And what is your favourite thing about Linacre?
What really stood out was the College. With so many bops and formals, we don’t have to worry about making connections! We get to broaden our networks not just vertically, but also horizontally. I’m interacting with people, not only my field, but also those who are doing very different things that I maybe would have never known about. Maybe, if I want to go and visit a new place, I will already know someone who lives there.
My favourite part about Linacre is that when I come here at the end of the day it feels like home. I can just walk around in my pyjamas and no one is judging me for it! Also, the mental health support I got from the College helped me realise that even if you can’t figure everything out on your own its okay, and you have people who can support you.
How has your scholarship made a difference to you, your studies, or your career?
I had been admitted into the same programme in 2020 as well but, at that time, I did not receive any scholarships, either from College or externally. I had to decline my offer because I couldn’t self-fund. The next year I reapplied for the same programme because I was so determined to come to Oxford. I wouldn’t have been able to come without my scholarship.
Along with paying my tuition fees and giving me a living stipend, my scholarship has opened up so many opportunities, including funding my oversees travel for fieldwork, and even a warm-clothing allowance. With this funding I never had to struggle and worry about how I was going to fund myself, so I was able to completely focus on my studies and my social life.
