Vicente Antonio Miron Mérida

Inspired to become a postgraduate researcher Leeds

Vicente started carrying out his research, given the current need for the development of novel, quick, simple and cheaper analytical techniques for the quantification of several targets. Also, Professor Yun Yung Gong’s expertise in the field of mycotoxins and the motivation, initiative and flexibility of his main supervisor Professor Francisco Goycoolea and the other co-supervisor Dr Yuan Go, inspired Vicente to pursue his research at the University of Leeds.

Another consideration to choose Leeds was the reputation of the University.

I decided to apply for a PhD at Leeds because it earns the 1st place in the whole UK for my research area. Additionally, the University of Leeds as part of the Russell Group uplifts the quality of its research and allows a collaborative work.

To fund his PhD, Vicente received a scholarship from CONACyT Mexico, the entity promoting the scientific and technological activities and granting scholarships to Mexican students wishing to study in foreign countries.

Being part of communities as a postgraduate researcher

Vicente is part of the Functional biopolymers for food and health where he and his colleagues along with academics are offered a platform to exchange their ideas and issues and receive feedback on their research. Vicente added:

“My research, as research in general, involves a lot of collaboration, resilience, teamwork, planning, time management, achievement of goals, plenty of discussion, several meetings and presentations, financial management, networking, critical thinking, communication skills, among many other skills that we develop as PhD students from the University of Leeds.”

Vicente mentioned he likes working with his supervisors as they are supportive and enthusiastic. He emphasised that by suggesting alternatives and options, they are very helpful in enriching his work.

Their curiosity about science and the quality of it enhance the final outcome of my work, as they monitor every step and encourage me to showcase my findings at seminars and international conferences.

He also pointed out that during supervision meetings, it is very common to go deep into the complexity of their work. However, according to Vicente, the most valuable experience by working with his supervisors is that he learnt lots of things from them in various areas.

I have learned a lot of knowledge, values and skills from them, not only on an academic level, but from a human perspective as well.

Not least, at the University of Leeds, we place great value on our academic community, actively involving all staff and students in working together to provide an exceptional learning experience. One way to that is through our exceptional student representatives and Vicente is one of them.

Vicente also likes attending various events organised in the school, ranging from coffee mornings to internal seminars and conferences that encourage networking but also give a sense of community. He also mentioned:

“Our school administrative staff and laboratory staff are quite helpful and always engaged with our progress. Leeds Doctoral College organises events, fairs, update meetings, and training that are relevant for our improvement and career development.”

What comes next?

Vicente ultimately expects to provide new ideas, alternatives and knowledge in the biosensing field, and to expand the scope of the work within this research area. He would like to go back to his home country and work in academia. He added:

“I will definitely apply everything that I’ve learnt and I will share the work style and the collaborative research taking place in Leeds.”

Vicente is also a Link to Leeds ambassador. If you would like to get in touch with Vicente to find more about being a postgraduate researcher at the University of Leeds, please find his contact details here.