Uche Ejorh | Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand

What did you do for your PDP?

Between October 2023 and December 2023, I completed my PDP at Auckland University of Technology, in New Zealand. Under the supervision of Professor Nazimah Hamid, and Dr. Rothman Kam, I furthered research into the valorisation of avocado seeds (a highly wasted item despite proven bioactivities) into functional food products. The two functional products created were a friction cooked Ready-To-Eat (RTE) snack, as well as a fermented natural meat preservative that aimed to delay lipid oxidation. This project was highly experimental,  though I also had the opportunity to conduct sensory analysis studies on the RTE snack and analyse the results obtained from this study using a statistical software package called XLSTAT. 

Why did you decide to take the PDP opportunity?

I was most excited for the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge that I had amassed over my time at university, to research within an area of my interest. Over the course of my degree, I developed great interest in the areas of food engineering, and sustainable bioprocessing. Hence, I wished for my PDP to have a bioengineering focus, with applications to the food industry. Moreover, the PDP presented the opportunity to gain experience working within an academic environment, allowing me to discern whether an academic career was well suited to me.

What support did you receive from the Department in securing the PDP overseas?

I received numerous support from the department, which I am grateful for. Please find the main examples listed below:

• Prior to reaching out to academics abroad, a member of the department happily provided feedback on my CV to make it better suited to the academic style required.
• The department provide contacts to Universities that they are affiliated with abroad, should a PDP in that country interest you.
• The department were extremely helpful with getting my flights booked and financed. As well as with getting my visa application fee financed.
• The department also support with the acquiring Turing scheme funding. 

What have you learnt from this experience?

First and foremost, through my research, I developed great interest in the study of waste valorisation, and a confirmed passion for bioprocessing.  I now have experience in writing academic project plans, critical literature reviews, technical research papers, and scientific posters. Besides acquiring skills in laboratory research, experimental design, organoleptic studies, statistical data analysis, and independent problem solving, I had the experience of encountering challenges routinely associated with conducting novel research. Finally, some of my contributions to the research project is going to be submitted for publication; one of the greatest achievements of my PDP.

What benefits has the PDP brought to you?

Arguably, the greatest benefit that the PDP has brought me is increased confidence. Confidence in my ability to conduct novel research to a standard that sees some of my research being submitted for publication, as well as confidence in my ability to move independently across the globe, assimilate within a new environment, and develop meaningful connections with new people. This experience has also confirmed a passion within me for the area of sustainable bioprocessing, which benefited me upon my return to the UK to embark on the graduate job search. 

What has been the best experience outside of your research during your PDP?

I was welcomed into a really supportive, friendly, and warm community at AUT. During my time there, I developed close relationships with my supervisors, my colleagues, and in particular my lab partner, which has made reflecting on the PDP experience extremely fond. I particularly enjoyed exploring Auckland’s attractions, museums, restaurants, beaches, and natural scenery with these people. Embarking on road trips to other beautiful parts of New Zealand, such as Devenport, Coromandel, Queenstown, and Wanaka, with such a diverse group of international students was really interesting. It felt like a great privilege to have been able to share such a unique experience with them all. Lastly, the opportunity to learn more about, and immerse myself within Māori culture, through an event, was extremely fascinating and eye-opening. It is something I would highly recommend to anyone considering doing a PDP in New Zealand. 

What advice would you give someone considering doing a PDP?

I would highly encourage any student to undertake the PDP. I believe that the PDP is a unique opportunity for students to apply their skills and knowledge to research in a subject area that truly interests them. Hence, I would advise students to be intentional when selecting their PDP topics; choosing something aligned with a personal interest (be it developed through modules, prior research work, or industrial experience).  I found that this helped me to remain motivated and left me with a large sense of accomplishment; seeing the value in the research I conducted.

Unquestionably, students will develop new skills and/or strengthen existing skills through the PDP; and this is one of the main benefits of undertaking this project. I would recommend students to be forthright with their supervisors about what skills they would like to develop. I found many to be accommodating of this request and encouraging.

If the chance to complete the PDP abroad presents, I would highly recommend it to any student. It is an experience that will undoubtably challenge you, both professionally and personally; however, the broadened perspective on research (within your selected field) occurring both in and outside of the UK, widened worldview, increased confidence, travel opportunities, and strengthened resilience, that all comes as a result, is truly rewarding. It is an experience that you’ll never forget.