Willemijn Doedens

While working as a speech and language therapist, Willemijn had many questions about the underlying impairments she was treating on a day-to-day basis.

To investigate her questions in greater depth, she decided to embark on a PhD in the area, and was able to secure a studentship at the University of Reading.

“My research focuses on language processing and communication after acquired brain injury, such as a stroke. I'm investigating how a language impairment, called aphasia, affects someone’s ability to communicate, and what factors other than language influence this.

"A greater understanding of how communication is affected in people with aphasia can inform the treatments speech and language therapists design for them. This helps improve their ability to communicate and indirectly, maybe even improve their quality of life.”

Willemijn identified supervisors at the University of Reading who had similar research interests to her, which made her confident it was the right place to carry out her research.

Both her supervisors, Dr Lotte Meteyard and Dr Arpita Bose, are also speech and language therapists. Therefore, it has been easy for Willemijn to discuss both the academic and clinical relevance of her research with them.

“I specifically chose Reading because of the research interests and background of my supervisors. Both of their research interests matched with the questions I was hoping to investigate.

"I discussed my ideas for a project before applying and their enthusiasm is what encouraged me to accept the position I was offered.”

Willemijn says the research environment in her department is enabling her to undertake the research that she’s passionate about. It is also helping her discover the academic world as an early career researcher, which she is thoroughly enjoying.

Meeting other PhD students has enriched Willemijn’s experience at Reading. Her peers have provided her with a supportive academic community, while becoming good friends.

Willemijn has also found the Doctoral and Researcher College to be supportive of her development as an early career researcher. She appreciates the many opportunities it provides for her to acquire new skills and to meet other PhD students from a wide variety of academic areas.

“Make sure you get to know other PhD students. If not in your office, then go out and find them elsewhere on campus. You’ll discover everyone is going through the same process.

"Doing a PhD can be lonely. Having people around you to share the experience with can make it a much more enjoyable experience.

After completing her PhD, Willemijn wants to continue doing applied research on aphasia while working as a speech and language therapist.