Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Dimitar and I moved over to Scotland from Bulgaria when I was 19 to pursue a university degree in Psychology from the University of Glasgow. Glasgow has now been home for almost 10 years!
Why did you choose Strathclyde for your postgraduate research study?
Strathclyde is renowned for its research excellence in areas such as social work and social policy, and for being a socially conscious university with long-standing links with governmental and community organisations. This creates exciting opportunities to be part of research in the community that can have real-world impact.
Tell us about the nature of your research?
My research focuses on the experiences of mental well-being and recovery in adults who have had experiences of chronic homelessness. I am particularly interested in how those people’s life experiences and day-to-day social environment shape their journeys towards a dignified and satisfying life.
What do you like about your research area?
My area of research is very timely given the rising rates of homelessness here in Scotland and in other countries. I am pleased to be able to conduct and disseminate research with groups who have often been excluded from public discourses and policy decision-making around homelessness. My research has given me the humbling opportunity to hear the stories of people who have been through great hardship and have yet managed to persevere and show resilience.
What’s the Strathclyde research community like?
Strathclyde has a supportive research environment and offers plenty of opportunities to meet fellow student researchers-informally and in drop-in class settings.
What are the Strathclyde facilities like?
Strathclyde offers modern and accessible facilities-in terms of working spaces, research facilities and recreational spaces.
Tell us about the support from your supervisor and the wider Strathclyde team?
I feel lucky to be able to receive support from two co-supervisors, which has been an invaluable learning experience. I feel my supervisors are engaged in my research and really care about my development as an early-career researcher. I have found the Postgraduate School administration and academic teams also incredibly supportive.
What's the best thing about Strathclyde?
Its research capacity, passionate academic staff, modern infrastructure and excellent location.
What would you like to do after your PhD?
I plan to pursue an academic career in research and teaching.
