Current Scholars

Oxford Qatar-Thatcher Scholar
DPhil Condensed Matter Physics

Born to a Bangladeshi family and growing up in Saudi Arabia, the amalgamation of two cultures defined my identity and made clear the importance of education to me. I was fortunate enough to find myself in an environment where I was encouraged to actively cultivate my interests whatever it may be. It was not long before I found myself drawn to mathematics and questions about the physical world. This eventually led me to study Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge where I first realized that while physics often focuses on fundamental laws, it is equally important to explore the diversity of phenomena that arise from more complex correlated systems.

During the DPhil I hope to continue to explore novel electronic phases like superconductivity in strongly correlated materials. In the Quantum Matter group my research will focus on the experimental stability of such phases when external parameters such as temperature and pressure are changed, aiming to shed some light on the mechanisms that lead to superconductivity in these materials.

Outside the lab, I enjoy playing table tennis and am an avid runner, activities that help me maintain a balanced life. I am honoured to receive this scholarship and am excited to further my research into superconductivity, with the ultimate goal of contributing to advancements in quantum materials.

Oxford Qatar Thatcher Scholar
MSc Advanced Computer Science

I was born in Damascus, Syria, where I spent the first half of my life. When I was 10, I moved to Beirut, Lebanon, where I was fortunate to be awarded a scholarship to study Computer Science at the country’s most prestigious university. My academic interests revolve around complexity theory and the mathematical foundations of AI. My non-academic interests, however, are broader as I enjoy playing badminton, swimming, and reading about politics, philosophy, and economics. 

Having the chance to study Computer Science at one of the world’s leading universities will greatly serve my career as a researcher. Therefore, I am truly grateful to MTST for providing me with this opportunity.

Oxford Qatar Thatcher Scholar
MPhil Law

I was born in Karachi, Pakistan, and raised in the UAE, primarily between Dubai and Sharjah. Growing up across these two emirates sparked countless questions that neither a simple Google search nor those around me could fully answer. This curiosity guided my academic path, leading me to study history and legal studies at university, where I was drawn to the intersection of the two disciplines. 

My courses allowed me to explore persistent questions from my childhood, such as how the demographic—with a larger South Asian population outweighing the local one—came to be, why immigration statuses for non-nationals remained temporary, and why labor conditions were so precarious. These questions ultimately shaped my undergraduate thesis, where I delved into the legal history of the UAE’s immigration legislation.

This research is also what brought me to Oxford, where I intend to explore these questions more deeply. Beyond academics, I love playing football, going for a run, or taking on any opportunity to try a new sport.

Oxford Thatcher Scholar
DPhil Economics (2021)

I am a DPhil student in Economics at Somerville. I am interested in topics in environmental economics, public economics and political economy. I am especially interested in finding ways to bring science and our knowledge of climate change into economic models. I also explore how to economically incentivize firms and individuals to tackle climate change. For instance, I would like to work on carbon taxation, both in terms of its design and its political feasibility.

Prior to joining the University of Oxford, I studied mathematics, physics and engineering at the Ecole nationale des ponts et chaussées, an engineering school in France. I then moved to the UK to attend the London School of Economics, graduating with a Master of Public Administration. I also worked in the private sector (in green finance and securitisation at Crédit Agricole) and public sector (at the French Embassy in Germany and the European Central Bank), and in academic research (at the LSE).

I am really grateful to have been awarded the Thatcher Scholarship, without which coming to Oxford would have been impossible. Being at Somerville, where brilliant people with very different backgrounds and research interests meet and exchange ideas, is extremely inspiring and motivates me to bring together my scientific, economic and policymaking skills in the hope that my work will make a difference.

Aside from economics, I enjoy horse riding, playing the piano, baking and learning new languages. I speak French, German and am currently teaching myself Persian. I also enjoy cycling around Oxfordshire and admiring the beautiful countryside.

Michael Bishop Foundation Thatcher Scholar
BA Modern Languages, German and Russian

I am a second year student at Somerville studying German and Russian. I grew up in a rural area of Northern Ireland, where I attended my local grammar school. At school I discovered a passion for modern languages. I was particularly drawn to German, as I was fascinated by the logical nature of its grammar and the endless nuances of learning to speak another language fluently.

I was always intrigued by the Russian language and Cyrillic alphabet, so I decided to study Russian ab-initio at university. I am currently on my year abroad in Estonia, taking part in a Russian language course, where I am gaining a valuable insight into the impact of the war in Ukraine on relations between Europe and Russia. I am particularly interested in translation and the role of language in facilitating communication on both an individual and international level.

Outside of my studies, I enjoy spending time outdoors, listening to music and playing the piano. I have been involved in several cross-community projects, which aimed to bridge the gap between young people in the Protestant and Catholic communities in Northern Ireland, in order to discuss solutions for a united future.

Being at Somerville has taught me that diversity should be celebrated. I am proud to be a Thatcher Scholar and I am extremely grateful to Lord Glendonbrook for providing the funding for me to explore the opportunities available to me, so that I can realise my full academic potential as well as further my commitment to engage myself both in my local community and in the wider world.

Oxford Qatar Thatcher Scholar
DPhil International Relations (2021)

Born and raised in Morocco, my interest in politics and international relations developed early, driven by a desire to gain a deeper understanding of the social issues underpinning uprisings and revolutions throughout the Arab world. Over time, my interests matured to focus on the interrelation between human development and security in complex humanitarian emergencies, focusing particularly on health insecurity in conflicts. Following an MPhil thesis dedicated to the right to health in Syria at the University of Cambridge as a Gates Scholar, I have continued to research topics related to health security and asymmetric warfare in Africa and the Middle East at the Policy Center for New South. 

My DPhil in International Relations at Oxford represents an opportunity to further explore the weaponisation of health in Syria post-2011 and its impact on regional human security. This project hopes to help inform the changing nature of warfare and violence in the country, as well as the morphing forms of multifaceted insecurity by highlighting the interlinkages between political, socio-economic, and health vulnerabilities. Outside of me studies, you can often find me enjoying Arab and French literature, immersing herself in various musical genres (including, but not limited to, rap), volunteering with local NGOs, and travelling to pursue her self-discovery path. 

Oxford Qatar Thatcher Scholar
DPhil Engineering

Mounir comes from a lovely small city on the east coast of the Mediterranean: Saida, Lebanon. At high school, Mounir has been interested in exploring and taking challenges. He received a full scholarship to study at the American University of Beirut (AUB) from the National Council for Scientific Research, after being ranked third across Lebanon in the official baccalaureate exams in 2019. Mounir received his Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering – Design, Materials, and Manufacturing track (with high distinction, ranked 1st) along with a minor degree in Arabic and Near Eastern Languages. His interest in language goes far to the study of classical texts in the early Arabic Grammar and Lexicography. He is also interested in reading folk literature.

During his education at AUB, Mounir participated in departmental research work as well as extracurricular activities. He has worked with the Insight Club AUB to construct a supportive community to university students by balancing between physical intellectual and spiritual needs. Mounir is interested in the field of solid mechanics and mechanics of composite materials. He has done research related to mechanics of round geometries and contact mechanics, failure of dendritic chains in rechargeable batteries, recycling and mechanical characterization of carbon fibre reinforced polymers, and has published in reputable journals. His final year project was to design and fabricate a microfluidic transistor, which was awarded the most innovative project in the faculty.

Mounir aims to apply his experience to Metal Organic Framework Materials (MOFs) in studying their mechanical properties and their composites in polymer matrices and different geometries. This includes exploring the time dependent properties of MOFs and composites at different length scales. In addition, the fracture of MOFs and their toughness is of interest for designing damage-tolerant structures for energy absorption applications.

Beyond engineering, Mounir is interested in walking and in reading classical literature.

Oxford Thatcher Scholar
DPhil Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics

With the support of the Margaret Thatcher Scholarship Trust at Somerville college, I am a first year DPhil student in Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics in the Wade-Martins research group, the Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration. I grew up in Hong Kong, where my mother and father had both immigrated from the Philippines and UK respectively. I have always been fascinated by science, and I was drawn into the exciting and rapidly developing field of neuroscience, which poses the complex combined issues of unmet clinical need, and unanswered physiological questions.

Having completed my Undergraduate degree in Neuroscience at the University of Leeds, and since worked as a research assistant in the Wade-Martins research group for two years, my enthusiasm for neuroscience has only grown in the past six years. I am tremendously excited to start my DPhil project, where thanks to the generous support of the Margaret Thatcher Scholarship Trust I now have the opportunity to further my career towards independent research in neurodegenerative disease. My research will revolve around understanding the genetic risk factors of Parkinson’s disease, combining the approaches of image-based cell profiling and proteomics in a CRISPR-based genetic screen using stem-cell derived neurons.

Outside of my research I enjoy baking and reading Modern Japanese literature, where working in a large research group falls in my favour, as there are plenty of hungry scientists happy to enjoy my leftover bakes! I am extremely grateful to be chosen as a Thatcher scholar, which allows me the opportunity to continue my research, where I hope will be able to contribute to the wider academic field and reveal therapeutic opportunities to benefit patients.

Oxford Thatcher Scholar
DPhil MML

I’m a DPhil student working on eighteenth-century French theatre. I attended a state school in West Yorkshire, and first came to Oxford in 2019 for a BA in French and German at Lincoln College. My undergraduate dissertation on Voltaire’s theatrical paratexts won the Gerard Davis Prize in 2023.

After graduating, I stayed on for the Modern Languages MSt, my dissertation focusing on the role of Voltaire’s printed theatre in his écrasez l’infâme campaign.

My doctoral thesis will examine how the dramatic form was used in print to engage in religious controversy; I am very grateful to Oxford and the MTST for the opportunity to pursue this research. Outside of my academic work, I enjoy running, reading, playing piano, and spending time with friends. 

Lee Kuan Yew – Thatcher Scholar
MPhys Physics

Hello! I’m Milton from Singapore, studying Physics. I’ve been fascinated by it since I was young, being initially captivated by the marvels of astronomy, before gradually learning to love all facets of the subject. Physics’ explanatory and predictive powers have done so much for humanity, and continue to hold promise for addressing the problems we face today.

I hope to use the first few years of my degree to explore my interests in greater detail, with an eye towards potentially studying atmospheric and oceanic physics, so as to help in the fight against climate change. I’m so excited to begin my studies at Somerville College! My time here thus far has been wonderful, with the friendliness of my peers and the diversity of the student body putting me at ease almost from the moment I arrived. I look forward to continuing myinterests in photography and birdwatching here, as well as exploring the various clubs and societies in Oxford – I might pick up a sport or two!

I am so, so grateful for the opportunity afforded to me by the Lee Kuan Yew–Thatcher Scholarship. It’s a great honour, and I will make the most of my time here to grow and develop as a person and a physicist.

Lee Kuan Yew – Thatcher Scholar
MEng Engineering

I was born and raised in Singapore, a country where innovation is used as a means to overcome our inherent constraints. Growing up, I realised my interest in problem-solving, particularly in the fields of math and physics. Over time, the reason behind my interests became clear – I wanted to design solutions within a framework of constraints and challenges. This desire is what excites me as I begin my Engineering Science degree at Somerville.

Given the structure of my degree, I am looking forward to learning about the different pillars of engineering and how they complement each other. I am particularly excited to explore various fields within engineering, with a potential interest in specialising in information engineering, where technology and data converge to create innovative solutions.

As I begin my degree, I am eager to meet new people and get involved in the various clubs that Oxford has to offer. I am incredibly grateful for the Lee Kuan Yew – Thatcher Scholarship, which has given me this remarkable opportunity. I look forward to making the most of my time at Oxford and applying what I learn to contribute positively wherever I go.

Clarendon Oxford Thatcher Scholar
DPhil Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary (AOP) Physics (2022)

My research focuses on better understanding the chemistry and dynamics of atmospheres on planets outside the solar system. These are complex environments that we can only indirectly measure, so having a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved is important for accurate characterisations. More specifically, I have developed cutting edge computer models to account for some interactions between a star and its planets. This is particularly relevant following the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope and all of the exciting data it will bring us.

Working within the astrophysics department during my masters allowed me to be involved with the questions and people on the forefront of this field and make critical connections within the astrophysics community. My fortunate position within the Atmospheric Physics department here in Oxford provides me with the opportunity to learn more about this rapidly growing field, and make my own contributions while working alongside world leading experts. I have every intent of staying within this wonderful community in the future, and making the most of my time at Oxford.

I enjoy rock climbing in my free time. Approaching each climb is like solving a puzzle – not dissimilar to some problems in physics, with their own crux – which often requires significant thought to solve most optimally, and provides a unique sense of accomplishment once you reach the final hold. I am grateful for the opportunities made available to me thanks to the Margaret Thatcher Scholarship.

Margaret Thatcher Scholar
BA Medicine

My name is Sarafina and I am a current second-year medical student. After moving to the UK during secondary school, I attended a comprehensive state school but the lack of resources along with my family not having much knowledge of the higher education system meant that much of my support during the university application process came from access initiatives. I am now so glad to be studying Medicine at Oxford, where excellent teaching of the sciences underpinning Medicine will form the framework of my later clinical work.

As a medical student, one of my main ambitions is to directly contribute to the health management of the patients I will meet as a future clinician. With the support of the scholarship, I also hope to get involved in public health initiatives even prior to practising, as well as to explore my academic interests in global health and oncology through research projects and programmes.

During my time at Oxford, I have loved volunteering as a Somerville ambassador at outreach events; it feels great to help demystify higher education for other students and to support them in their application journey. I also volunteer with the social enterprise Generation Medics, which helps to widen access into healthcare for people from underrepresented backgrounds with the aim of diversifying future healthcare staff.

Outside of my academic and outreach interests, I also enjoy playing Netball to relax and remain active. Alternatively, you can also find me in the kitchen attempting to bake! I am thankful to have been chosen as a Thatcher Scholar, as it will allow me to explore my academic interests and make an impact through my work as a future clinician. I hope to make the most of this amazing opportunity! 

Clarendon Oxford Thatcher Scholar
DPhil Atomic and Laser Physics (2022)

I was born and raised in Italy, in a small town among the hills of central Sicily. My passion for physics started during high school, when I was fascinated by the elegance and precision with which it allows us to understand a world that is always more complex and unpredictable. It was precisely the desire to tackle this complexity that led me, after obtaining my Bachelor’s degree in Physics at the University of Catania, to undertake an International Master’s degree in Physics of Complex Systems, a two year-long double degree programme based one year in Italy and one year in France, that earned me the Italian Master’s degree at Politecnico di Torino, and the French M2 degree at Université de Paris.

One of the most important things I’ve learned from Complex Systems is that information processing is one of the best ways to face highly correlated physical systems and that’s why I’m mostly interested in Quantum Information Theory, which will be the main subject of my DPhil. I will be studying the information-theoretic foundations of systems made of a subsystem that fully obeys quantum theory interacting with a macroscopic component with lots of degrees of freedom (a complex system, in fact), focusing on biological entities.

In my spare time, I enjoy playing tennis and table tennis, watching motorsport, especially Formula 1 (avid Ferrari fan!), movies and TV shows, and reading books and manga. I am also interested in history, particularly the history and traditions of European and United Kingdom monarchies.

I’m extremely honoured to have been awarded this prestigious scholarship, from which I hope to make the most of my studies and career thanks to the community of brilliant fellow Thatcher scholars and Somervillians!

Oxford Thatcher Scholar
DPhil Engineering

I am originally from Sheffield, where I attended my local state school. From there, I moved to Bristol and pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering, ultimately graduating in 2023 with a Master’s in Engineering with honours. Additionally, I received the Bechtel Industrial Individual Prize in recognition of my exceptional performance during the degree program. 

During my time at Bristol, I had the opportunity to engage in various cross-disciplinary research projects. These projects encompassed tasks such as designing cooling pipes for nuclear fusion reactors using computational fluid dynamic modelling, conducting experiments with 3D printers to develop cost-effective methodologies for microfluidic devices, and creating analogue models to measure ground deformation in volcanic regions. 

These projects all allowed me to specialize in fluid dynamic modelling, which serves as the primary focus of my research at Oxford. Specifically, my research involves modelling the fluid dynamic interaction within offshore wind and tidal turbine clusters. The goal is to enhance the realism of computational models and gain insights into the optimal cluster arrangements that maximize energy production efficiency. 

Outside of my academic pursuits, I am an avid runner and climber, particularly in the Peak District, where I am from. Additionally, I find enjoyment in playing the French Horn and have the privilege of participating in multiple orchestras.

Oxford Qatar Thatcher Scholar
DPhil in English (2021)

I am a first-year DPhil candidate studying English and an alumna of the Fulbright Foreign Student Program from Baghdad, Iraq. I am the first in my family to study at the graduate level and the first woman in my family to study abroad. I graduated from San Diego State University with an MA in English and Comparative Literature in 2020. For my scholarly work on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, I won the College of Arts Dean’s Award for Research and Scholarship. Prior to my MA, I studied English Language and Literature at the University of Baghdad, graduating in the top 10 in my class. It was there that I developed my passion for British Romanticism.

Knowing that Oxford is the best place to study this major, I applied. I was overjoyed not only to get a place, but also to receive the Thatcher Scholarship offer letter. My DPhil dissertation will be an exploration and analysis of the presence of the Oriental and Muslim women in nineteenth-century British literature.

Besides working on my DPhil, I am writing my first novel in English. I am also co-writer of two screenplays about the Middle East, and I will serve as Presiding Officer of a number of academic conferences in the USA. I am also passionate about teaching British Romanticism and plan to teach as part of my long-term academic career, and I will soon be giving virtual lectures on the Romantic gothic.

Lee Kuan Yew – Thatcher Scholar
BA Law

Growing up in Singapore, only a handful of my family members ever pursued higher education, let alone Law. Consequently, I did not have someone I could readily approach to learn more about what studying Law entailed. I eventually chose to read Law as I find it fascinating – Law sits at the intersection between multiple disciplines, such as philosophy, history, economics and many more. I enjoy seeing how different theories intertwine with one another to give rise to the laws that govern every aspect of our lives today. Prior to coming to Somerville, I spent a year reading Law at the National University of Singapore where my interest in Law was further cultivated. It was interesting to see how laws gradually evolved over time, and how Singaporean courts have modified the legal rules proposed by the courts in the United Kingdom to better suit the local context.

I was also motivated to study Law as I want to help the underprivileged. Pro-bono work, something unique to the legal industry, is definitely something I aim to pursue. Serving the community and helping others has always been something I have held close to my heart from young. In secondary school, I was part of the Red Cross Youth where I organised and participated in many flag days, charity events, and volunteering work. In junior college, I helmed a service project which provided free academic aid to students from under-privileged backgrounds across Singapore. Most recently, I was the Project Director of the NUS Law Golden Years Project 2022, where I led a team of 25 students to educate the elderly on wills, lasting power of attorneys, and the CPF nomination scheme. I hope to use my legal knowledge to help those who cannot afford to get legal aid and ensure that justice is accessible to all, regardless of their background.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing Badminton, Chess, and going on food hunts. I also look forward to trying out the different sports and clubs that both Somerville, and the university, have to offer. I am immensely grateful for this precious opportunity to pursue a subject I am deeply interested in, in such a prestigious institution. As the second Lee Kuan Yew-Thatcher scholar, I will do my best to protect the rights of the marginalised and promote access to justice.

Ng Teng Fong – Thatcher Scholar
BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics (2022)

My name is Xiya Yu, a first year PPE student in Somerville College. Social sciences have always been my passion, and I am truly grateful for being able to study my favourite subjects here with the support from MTST. I grew up in Hunan, a province in South Central China.

Since I was a kid, I have always been interested in reading and thinking. My enthusiasm for social sciences continued to grow in high school as I joined the school debate team and Model United Nations. Therefore, studying the three different yet internally related subjects is definitely the most exciting thing for me entering university, since I can listen to past thinkers in depth through reading, communicate ideas with extraordinary teachers and like-minded fellows, and explore the problems that have long been haunting my mind. Throughout my three-year study here, I hope to improve academic and critical thinking skills, which I believe would be invaluable for my future career and lifelong development.

Oxford Qatar Thatcher Scholar
DPhil Engineering (2022)

My name is Sawsan and I’m a first year DPhil student at Somerville. I grew up in

Tripoli, a beautiful city in north Lebanon. Since I was a child, I always aimed to be the first in my class and I was eager to learn. With hard work and my parents’ encouragement, I succeeded to be one of the top five students in Lebanon with the highest scores in the official Lebanese baccalaureate and received the CNRS scholarship to study Electrical Engineering at the Lebanese American University (LAU).

During my years at LAU, I explored many fields and I was particularly interested in communications systems. My passion to research started when I worked as a Research Assistant with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at LAU and my love to research allowed me to pursue a Masters’ degree in Communications Engineering. I finished my Masters’ degree in June 2022 and now I’m ready to further expand my knowledge through a DPhil degree.

In my spare time, I enjoy walking and playing volley ball with my siblings and cousins. In addition, extra-curricular activities include the memberships to the IEEE club and the Artificial intelligence club. I was involved in different collaborative activities organized by these two clubs including tutoring sessions, introductory sessions to programming and artificial intelligence and research directing sessions to present research work to younger university students. Moreover, I volunteered to assist faculty members at LAU in proctoring students during exams and teaching the Control Systems laboratory course during the Fall 2021 semester. I am honoured to be in receipt of this scholarship and I am looking forward to the great opportunities that it offers me in the next years.

Oxford Thatcher Scholar
DPhil Law

I am a first year DPhil student in the Faculty of Law. My thesis will explore how intellectual property laws influence biases in medical AI. Before joining Somerville College, I studied an MPhil in the Ethics of AI, Data and Algorithms at the University of Cambridge (2023-24) and an undergraduate law degree at LSE (2020-23). My other research interests include: NDAs, AI literacy, the opioid epidemic, digital health, and medical ethics. 

Alongside my studies, I am a Lead at Better Images of AI – a non-profit organisation working to improve the representation and diversity of images of AI. I am also on the committee for multiple student societies, including Ethics in Mathematics, AI in Medicine, and AI Ethics. In my spare time, I enjoy playing tennis, puzzling, pickleball, and brush lettering. 

I am grateful to be awarded this scholarship from MTST. I hope to use this privilege to contribute research that promotes the equitable and inclusive development of AI in healthcare.