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DiveIn Students
DiveIn will welcome five cohorts of PhD students between 2025 and 2029, training 50 exceptional researchers to lead the way in impactful, interdisciplinary research.
Meet our students and discover their diverse backgrounds, passions, and research aspirations.
Cohort 1 (2025-2029)
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Awwab Abdalsaed
he/himBEng Civil EngineeringUniversity of GlasgowMy research interest lies in net – positive building systems, architectural and engineering solutions that don’t just minimise harm but actively give back to the environment by integrating renewable energy, carbon capture, and smart optimisation technologies. I’m particularly focused on how we can retrofit existing buildings to go beyond sustainability and contribute to climate-positive urban ecosystems.
I was inspired to apply to DiveIn because of its mission-driven, interdisciplinary approach, which aligns with my passion for net-positive building systems. Having overcome personal challenges while pursuing my degree, I was drawn to DiveIn collaborative environment, where I could grow as a researcher committed to real-world impact.
I’m most excited about DiveIn’s cohort-based approach and the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from different disciplines to tackle real-world challenges. The programme’s strong industry links and structured training will allow me to grow both technically and creatively while contributing to mission-led research with societal impact.
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Abdulrahman Cherif
he/himMSc in Digital Health SystemsUniveristy of StrathclydeI’m interested in using AI and digital tools for prevention, early disease diagnosis, and personalised health and care interventions, particularly in the area of gut health and chronic conditions. I’m also passionate about promoting health equity through culturally sensitive digital health solutions.
I come from IT and digital health background, with experience as a Project Manager across NHS Scotland, including roles at National Services Scotland (now part of NHS Delivery following its merger with NHS Education for Scotland), the Scottish Ambulance Service, and Public Health Scotland. I’m a qualified Project and Programme Manager (PRINCE2 and MSP), with a track record of delivering digital and service transformation projects across public, private, and third-sector settings.
I graduated as the best-performing student from the MSc in Digital Health Systems at the University of Strathclyde. My dissertation, which focused on a culturally tailored digital intervention for people with IBS, won the Best Research Poster Abstract Prize at DigiFest, Scotland’s national Digital Health and Care knowledge exchange event. The prize is sponsored by BCS Health & Care Scotland.
Beyond project delivery, I bring creative skills in graphic design, UX design, photography, and videography, which I use to enhance communication, user engagement, and accessibility in digital health projects.
I was drawn to DiveIn’s interdisciplinary and inclusive approach. I’m especially excited about the cohort model, the opportunity to collaborate in a diverse research community, and the strong industry connections that will help ensure my work has real-world impact.
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Amy Eden
they/themMSc Quantum TechnologyUniversity of GlasgowMy main research interests are within quantum technologies. Currently, I am working on my master’s dissertation, which involves modelling and fabricating split-ring resonators to act as a classical analogue to a qubit system.
I’ve spent my undergrad and postgrad years at Glasgow and I love this city! The ARC is a wonderful place to research in and I am looking forward to continuing to research here through this CDT.
After our first meeting, I can already tell that this cohort is full of amazing and interesting people. I can’t wait to get to know everyone better and to work alongside them!
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Tobias Froehlich
he/himComputingEdinburgh Napier UniversityI am interested in sustainable and low-carbon computing, especially from a software perspective.
I wanted to join DiveIn for the opportunity to pursue mission-driven, interdisciplinary research in a diverse environment, as I believe this will lead to innovative and impactful findings in my field.
I am most excited about closing my skill gaps by learning from my cohort peers, industry partners, and through training opportunities, which will benefit my research and personal development.
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Amparo Gimenez Rios
she/heMSc BioinformaticsUniversity of GlasgowI am interested in AI-driven bioinformatics tools for biological research, particularly in classifying gene functions and biological processes.
I was inspired to apply to DiveIn because I am deeply passionate about research and really wanted to be in a place where I could gain the skills to build useful AI tools for biology in an inclusive and friendly environment.
I am most excited about the training environment! I think AI is a very social science when you are learning it. Sharing ideas, asking questions, and learning from others makes a huge difference, and I am really looking forward to being part of a community that values that.
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Antonella Marsella
she/herMSc Clinical and Health PsychologyUniversity of StrathclydeI am interested in the intersection of virtual reality (VR) technology and Psychology.
I have been considering pursuing a PhD for several years, and the DiveIn CDT stood out as the ideal opportunity to combine my interests and develop new skills. The programme’s strong emphasis on diversity in academia particularly resonated with me, and I’m excited to be part of a cohort that values inclusion and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a background in psychology—especially clinical and neuropsychology—I look forward to integrating psychological science with emerging technologies.
There are several aspects of the programme that excite me. I am particularly eager to explore learning opportunities in areas like artificial intelligence and virtual reality, as I aim to build and strengthen my technical skills. I also look forward to engaging in internships, forming meaningful connections with external partners, and sharing this journey with a diverse cohort. Most of all, I value the chance to learn from both peers and mentors in academia and industry.
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Stacey McLellan
she/herBSc ChemistryUniversity of GlasgowOne of my favourite scientific topics is the role of transition metals in renewable energy storage, where I got to explore this with the exploration of zirconium-based batteries as an alternative to lithium-ion technology in my summer research project.
I was inspired to apply to DiveIn CDT by my strong background in chemistry and my interest in using data-driven approaches to tackle complex chemical and environmental challenges through interdisciplinary research.
I’m most excited about the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse cohort and engage with industry partners, gaining both technical training and practical experience while exploring the deeper depths of chemistry through research
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Lukas Moers
he/himMSc Computing ScienceUniversity of GlasgowMy research interests lies in the intersection between healthcare and technology, more precisely, how we can design new interaction techniques and make use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and sensing technologies to support individuals in managing their own health.
The DiveIn CDT programme, with its focus on mission-driven and interdisciplinary research, appeared as an excellent opportunity where I could apply both my work experience in healthcare and my educational background in computer science, aligning with my research interest in the development of self-management health technologies.
The part of the DiveIn programme that I am most excited about is the opportunity to network, collaborate, and especially learn not only from my peers from the cohort but also with the industry partners and researchers at the University of Glasgow.
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Sílvia Mourão
she/herMSc Geospatial EngineeringLisbon UniversityMy research focuses on using geospatial tools to monitor and address climate change-related issues, with particular emphasis on sea level rise, flooding, coastal erosion, and coastal protection.
I was drawn to DiveIn CDT because of its interdisciplinary approach, which closely aligns with the kind of research I’ve pursued throughout my academic career. I also value its strong academic and industry partnerships, commitment to integrating emerging technologies, and the programme’s emphasis on diversity and collaboration in addressing global challenges.
I’m especially excited about joining such a historic institution as the University of Glasgow and becoming part of a diverse cohort working on interdisciplinary projects. I’m also looking forward to engaging with the programme’s wide network of academic and industry partners, as I believe strong industry links are essential for turning research into real-world impact.
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Andrew Reid
he/himBSc Medicinal ChemistryUniversity of GlasgowI am interested in peptide chemistry, particularly in the design and application of bifunctional peptidomimetics.
I was inspired to apply for dive-in to be a part of a larger community of multi-disciplinary researchers who would be able to apply their expertise towards a common goal. The ability to overcome common barriers often faced by multidisciplinary research is crucial to the advancement of science in general.
I am excited about meeting everyone involved in the programme and developing both personal and professional relationships over the coming years. I also look forward to creating industry ties with professionals in my chosen area.