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Freya Proudman is currently studying for a PhD at SSEES. Having obtained both her undergraduate and master's degrees at SSEES, Freya tells us about her SSEES highlights and who inspires her the most.
How did you come to realise you wanted to study for a PhD?
I always loved school and like to think of myself as a lifelong learner. My passion for research, particularly human rights scholarship, is due to its focus on everyday people and their lived experiences. I was driven to PhD study because I see how research not only impacts academia but also promotes meaningful change for many communities, including marginalised groups that I’m part of.
Why did you choose to undertake a PhD at UCL SSEES?
Having completed my undergraduate and master's degrees at UCL SSEES, I knew there was nowhere else I’d rather be. SSEES is one of the largest centres for the study of Central, Eastern, and South-Eastern Europe and Russia. It's a hub of diverse resources and perspectives, connecting students and staff from all over the world. What I love most is SSEES’ appreciation for interdisciplinarity which strengthens our understanding and analysis.
What is the focus of your PhD?
I research the nuanced relationship between litigation at the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), social change, and perceptions of justice. I focus on cases involving Queer Russian and Polish applicants who have experienced state violations related to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity (SOGI) including discrimination, freedom of assembly, and other protections guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
How is your PhD going? What have been the highlights so far?
I only formally started the PhD programme recently, but it’s been almost a year since I began formulating my research and drafting the proposal, so I’m just very excited to be here! My favourite part so far is that as a PhD student, I’ve had the chance to be a postgraduate teaching assistant. I help teach tutorials for first year undergraduates, and I am absolutely loving it! I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to my community and it’s wonderful to support other students growth and learning.
How would you describe the community at SSEES?
SSEES’ collaborative and supportive community is exactly why I chose to stay. I feel an immense sense of belonging at SSEES and over the last 6 years it’s practically become my second home. We study a very dynamic region of the world, and I’ve seen how during turbulent times, the whole department and student body have come together to support each other and the wider community.
What are the facilities like at SSEES and the UCL campus generally?
We have 17 libraries at UCL, including our very own SSEES Library which houses over 357,000 resources! One of my favourites to study in is the UCL Student Centre which opened in 2019. It offers over 1000 bookable study spaces including individual pods, computer spaces, and group study rooms. Many UCL buildings are located inside the Main Gates which makes it feel like a campus while still having the benefits of being in central London.
What about the social life and support?
The UCL Student Union provides over 350 societies for students, including our own SSEES departmental society which organises a variety of extracurricular activities for students including film screenings, cultural nights, guest speaker lectures and more! SSEES also has an Education and Student Support Office, a Departmental Tutor, and a Student Advisor. In 2022 they won a UCL Provost Education Award for outstanding student support!
What are your future plans/aspirations?
I understand that my research does not exist in a vacuum, and I’m driven to use my knowledge to contribute to social change. I enjoy collaborating with civil society organisations and human rights institutions. During my time as the UK Youth Delegate to the Council of Europe, I was able to use my platform to communicate on issues I learned about in my research such as problems with legal implementation of the Court’s judgements. After my PhD, this is the type of work that I’d like to pursue further.
Do you have a mentor/role model who has inspired you?
Many! Personally, my parents inspire me to work towards my dreams. Professionally, I’m very grateful to my supportive supervisors, Dr Agnieszka Kubal and Professor Richard Mole, who have always encouraged me to pursue the research I’m truly passionate about and have been wonderful mentors. I’ve also been inspired by the incredible people I’ve had the privilege of interviewing as part of my previous research projects. Their stories and experiences have hugely impacted me and continue to motivate my research.
What advice would you give to future PhD students?
Enjoy the journey! The PhD feels very much like a wild ride and it’s easy to feel bogged down by literature review and deadlines, but I’m so grateful to be on this journey. It’s important to remind ourselves of how far we’ve come and stay excited by how much space we have to grow.