I am a PhD student who is major in Contemporary art China and Landscape architecture in the School of ADM. During the first year, I signed up as a mentee in the Birmingham City University through the PGR Studio. I had a wonderful encounter with my mentor in the Parkside building in January 2019. My mentor is Dr Anastasia Nikologianni who holds a Climate-KIC labelled PhD in Landscape Architecture from Birmingham City University, with regards to the role of low carbon and spatial quality and the contribution design can make to the development of regional landscape based spatial strategies.
This was my first time in the mentoring program, and I initially did not know what to expect. Overall, I had a wonderful time and here are some of my tips:
Once you are connected to an amazing mentor, you should identify some goals that you have, and your mentor can provide you with the resources and connections to achieve those goals. In my experience, I shared with my mentors the public spaces in Contemporary Urban that I am interested in, and she provided me with some book, websites and journal. From there, I have known more about the field and advises. What’s more, my mentor spoke to me of her experience with the first-year works they completed, which I found not only interesting but also directly applicable to me.She usually discusses with me by drawing a diagram, which I think is very interesting.
I think mentoring is extremely important in academia. For myself, in addition to my direct PhD supervisors, the guidance, perspective and knowledge shared with me by my mentor has been immeasurable for the progression of my study career.
Cherry Sun, School of Contemporary Art China and Landscape Architecture, ADM
Image credit: Terry Madeley
