Last week, on International Volunteer Day, three PESS PhD students were awarded for their outstanding commitment to the UL PhD community. PhD students Claire Walsh, Caera Grady and Aidan Buffey (missing from picture) were presented with Bronze (Claire Walsh) and Gold (Caera Grady and Aidan Buffey) Presidents Volunteer Awards (PVA) by President Kerstin May. All three were awarded for their voluntary contributions, one of which was to the EMerge PhD peer support network, specifically designed to develop, aid and support fellow PhD students.
Established in March 2020, Emerge PhD was initiated after a need was identified by its founding members, one of whom is a PESS alumnus, Dylan Scanlon. PhD students did not have a support network and were not appropriately represented or engaged with at the early career level. This was supported by the newly established EMerge Early Career Support Network, which guided the formation of the EMerge PhD. Since its development, EMerge PhD has been a pillar within UL’s PhD and Postgraduate community, evidenced by its involvement in the Education and Health Sciences Faculty PhD induction days and collaboration with the Postgraduate Students Union and Doctoral College.
But what is the EMerge PhD Network?
EMerge PhD is a peer-to-peer support network run by PhD students for PhD students across UL. It has several goals, including:
- Establish a peer support network for PhD students from all faculties at UL
- Provide opportunities for personal and academic development.
- Provide a safe space for PhD students.
- Foster networking and collaboration.
- Peer discussion, tips and advice.
The EMerge PhD committee supports its growth and day-to-day operations to achieve the above goals through a blend of online and in-person activities and events and active engagement on Microsoft Teams. As of December 2023, the EMerge PhD Network has 177 members on Microsoft Teams, demonstrating its growing impact on UL’s PhD community. The network recognition at the PVA Awards plays an important role in its members’ academic, personal, and professional development, fostering a sense of community and collaboration, both key elements in the PhD experience.
What Our Involvement Entailed:
The three PESS recipients of the PVA, Caera Grady, Claire Walsh, and Aidan Buffey, have been integral members of the EMerge PhD committee for over one and two academic years, respectively. Their roles include active participation in bi-weekly meetings to plan, organise, and promote various events and activities. Additionally, they play a key role in facilitating these events, seminars, and webinars, both in the preparatory stages and during the actual events. The committee conducts regular surveys among its members to ensure that EMerge PhD remains relevant and effective for the UL PhD community. These surveys help identify the evolving needs and interests within the PhD community, enabling the EMerge PhD network to continue its growth and provide meaningful support to its members.
Interested in Joining EMerge PhD?
If you are interested in joining EMerge PhD as a member and potentially a future committee member, please contact EMerge PhD at EMerge.PhD@ul.ie or request to join the UL EMerge PhD network on Microsoft Teams.
All are PhD students in the Physical Education and Sport Sciences Department, UL. Claire and Aidan are in their final stages and Caera is in her 3rd year. Claire’s research aligns with sport pedagogy and Aidan and Caera are part of the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre. Aidan joined the Emerge PhD committee in May 2021 and Caera in May 2022. Authors contact details are outlined below.
Claire Walsh; Claire.Walsh@ul.ie @WellbeingWalsh
Caera Grady; Caera.Grady@ul.ie @Caeragrady2011
Aidan Buffey; Aidan.Buffey@ul.ie @AidanBuffey
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