The HASS PGR blog is currently on hiatus between editors but we are popping back to share another little slice of PGR life thanks to Isahbella Rai from Exeter’s Law School.
Isahbella, what’s the ‘elevator pitch’ for your PhD project as it currently stands?
If I had to distil my PhD into an elevator pitch, I’d say this: I’m exploring the boundaries of freedom of artistic expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. More specifically, I’m researching what falls within the scope of artistic expression, whose expression is protected (or not), and how this plays out in different spaces – from the streets to online platforms. Although my project is rooted in law, I take an interdisciplinary approach that brings in art, cultural studies, and decolonial theory.
Which elements of your PhD project do you enjoy the most, and which do you find hardest to prioritise?
One of the parts I enjoy most about my PhD is the freedom it gives me – not just in what I study, but in how I structure my days. Some days I feel like a lawyer, other days like an artist, and often somewhere in between. That’s what I value most – being able to explore ideas that matter in ways that feel true to me. But this freedom is also what makes it hard to prioritise. There’s always another article to read, another idea to chase. Learning when to pause and step away is still a work in progress.
How does a typical day unfold for you as a research student?
Most mornings, I like to start slowly with meditation and stretches to ease into the day. The rest of my schedule depends on what I’m working on. Some days I’ll spend hours reading literature with jazz playing in the background; other days I’m in a writing sprint, focused on drafting a chapter. Either way, my day usually involves multiple tea breaks, performing mini concerts for the birds outside my window, and convincing myself that googling “do ducks have regional accents” qualifies as valuable knowledge. Some days I work from home; other days I’m on campus, especially if I have teaching or meetings. If I’m not going to campus, I like breaking up the day with walks outside, browsing bookshops, or searching for the best iced latte in Exeter. Waterstones café is a strong contender. These small things keep me grounded and help me return to my work with a fresh perspective. They also give me a much-needed break from staring at screens all day.
You work with HASS as a research culture assistant alongside your PhD. You teach too! Working and research can be a delicate balancing act. How do you make it work?
Yes, balancing research, teaching, and my role as a research culture assistant can be challenging, but I enjoy the variety that it brings. Planning around my commitments helps keep things manageable. I usually focus on teaching prep and meetings on certain days, and keep other days dedicated to research where I can. My RCA work is more creative – planning poetry workshops, conferences, and interdisciplinary events – and I have flexibility with when to schedule them. So, I often plan these for after thesis deadlines or marking periods to not overload myself. It also gives me something fun and social to look forward to after a busy stretch.
How would you describe the PGR community in the Law School?
I’d say it’s like a quiet but thriving greenhouse where ideas grow side by side. Everyone is working on such different projects, and it’s inspiring to hear about topics so distinct from my own. We have a shared PhD office space and a group chat, so we check in on each other, meet for coffee, and share resources and small wins – like making it through marking season. Even though we’re all focused on our own research, it creates a real sense of connection.
If you were starting your PhD again now, would you make any changes?
If I could start my PhD again, I think I’d remind myself that it isn’t just about the thesis; it’s also about everything else you learn and experience along the way. I’d say yes to more opportunities earlier on, whether that’s attending events, collaborating on projects, or simply having coffee chats with other researchers. Those moments have shaped my thinking just as much as my reading and writing have. And on a practical note, I’d have set up my referencing system properly from day one. I’m very grateful my supervisor introduced me to Zotero – it has transformed the chaotic mess of my references into a manageable archive.
Isahbella is a PhD researcher in Law at the University of Exeter, with an interest in the intersections between art, law, and society. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Exeter and her Master’s degree in Creative Enterprise (Art, Business, and Law) from the University of Reading. Isahbella’s research specialises in human rights law, freedom of artistic expression, and cultural policy. Isahbella is an active member of various research groups at the University of Exeter, and has initiated various academic activities aimed at boosting interdisciplinary research culture and encouraging creative practices within the HASS faculty.