Peer Mentors

I am Shihnaz, a PhD student here at Exeter Uni from Saudi Arabia.

My PhD is on exploring the effect of an optimal learning condition to second language vocabulary learning. I am examining the role of learner attention on long-term word retention, where I will be using cognitive psychology and neuroscience theories and models in my study design.

Currently, I am in year 4, supervised by Prof. Philip Durrant (Primary) and Tamsin Kilner (secondary).

What people do not know about me is, I am half Arab half British! That is why the UK has always been my second home 🙂

I very much enjoy walking around this lovely, cosy city! Of course, Exeter Quayside is my favourite place, especially on nice days, where I could enjoy cycling there.

Looking forward to meeting you all! 🙂

I’m Xiaona, and you can call me Aurora. I’m from the northwestern part of China, and it’s my 7th year in the UK. I am currently a PhD student, and I had two master’s degrees: one in linguistics and the other in TESOL.

My research focuses on Second Language Acquisition (SLA), critical thinking, academic writing, and English as a Foreign/Second Language (EFL/ESL). I am currently in the third year of my PhD studies.

I have a passion for traveling and have already explored much of the UK — I would be more than happy to share my travel experiences and recommendations with you.

Fun fact: I enjoy cooking and playing the guitar. In my free time, I especially love experimenting with new recipes and cooking for myself.

I’m looking forward to meeting you all!

Hello! My name is Davron, and I am from Uzbekistan.

I am currently in the third year of my PhD programme, working with Phil Durrant and Simon Hayhoe. My research focuses on core academic words and their meanings across disciplines. I love Exeter for its hills for they give the city amazing views.

Hi, I’m Ilaha.

As a second-year PhD student in Education, I research how adolescent students, especially Muslim students, form their identities and how the school curriculum influences this process. My supervisors are Professor Rob Freathy and Dr. Karen Walshe.

Originally from Azerbaijan, I have lived in Devon for six years and enjoy exploring its landscapes while being part of the university community.

I look forward to meeting you all.

Hi everyone!

My name is Sabaa and I am a MPhil/PhD student from London. I’m also a distance learner.

As a distance learner, I often find it hard to interact and communicate with other students. So, my aim is to bring light to the distance learners and those who just prefer to meet online. Ever since COVID, online learning has become the norm and I hope to bring this to peer-mentoring too because some situations don’t allow in-person meetings.

My topic focuses on exploring tutoring using Vygotsky’s theory and it is influenced by the numerous conversations I had with my grandad about being a tutor in 2017. I once heard another PhD student from Exeter say “to me, my PhD is healing” and I truly relate to this becaus of those conversations with my grandad. It reminded me that sometimes, we just need someone to believe in our ideas and reflections to make it an answer to the prayers. To this day, that quote sits with me and a constant reminder of my “why”.

Fun fact: if I could hold another degree, it would be in teaching the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). I remember and notice the small details and con actions and can possible talk your ear off about it.

Oh, and I have a twin who is also doing a PhD at York University and it’s the first time we are separated in our educational journey!

As a distance learner, I know it can be difficult to make bonds and interact, but I hope, in any capacity, we can change this together!

Hi everyone, I’m Yuxing. I come from China, and I’m a PhD student in Education. My research sits at the intersection of feminist theory and university research evaluation systems, looking at how those systems shape the working lives of young women academics. Before starting the PhD, I spent three years working in adult and continuing education administration in China, and my very first cohort of students still keeps in touch with me. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me at the gym.

Looking forward to meeting you all.