Mohamed el Mohtadi (Mo)

PhD in host pathogen interactions (2016-19) (now working as a Research Associate in the Department of Biomedical Sciences)

Research centre: Centre for Bioscience

Faculty: Science and Engineering

I did my PhD at Manchester Met as an international student between 2016 and 2019. My PhD project was cross-disciplinary between microbiology and immunology, with a focus on host pathogen interactions, the interface between the human immune system and microbes. My journey at Manchester Met started when I joined the University as a self-funded Masters by research student. A few months after starting my Masters, I was able to get a two-year scholarship allowing me to transfer onto a PhD.

After completing my PhD, I had the opportunity to stay at the University and work as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in microbiology alongside my supervisor Professor Kath Whitehead.

What motivated you to do a PhD?

I am originally from Algeria. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from a reputable University in my home country. I have always had an interest to do more research but I couldn’t afford to study for a PhD degree, so I decided to do a Masters by research degree where I will have more time to do research compared to a taught Masters course.

Why did you choose Manchester Met?

I decided to come to Manchester because my sister was working in academia here and she offered to host me while I studied. I applied for a Master’s degree at several Universities, but Manchester Met processed my application quickly and communicated well with me at all times. The process overall was very smooth. After receiving the conditional offer, I had to fulfil the financial criteria and as an international student, pass an English language test before receiving the official offer.

What were your aspirations in doing a PhD?

It have always wanted to pursue an academic career and I had a passionate interest in science and research. In addition, my parents are both academics and they have always encouraged me to develop a career in academia.

What were the best things about doing your PhD at Manchester Met?

I enjoyed all of my PhD experience. The amount of knowledge and skills I gained in three years was unbelievable. This included me acquiring professional and self-development skills. During the PhD, I lived and experienced the transition between a learner to a teacher. The PhD course also allowed me to gain confidence and make many friends in and outside of the university. I wouldn’t have been the person I am today without those three years.

How would you describe the supervision and development you received?

Both of my supervisors were amazing. They were very different in their approach, but they both focussed on my development, my progress as a researcher and how I could fulfil my potential. As a PhD student, you are expected to conduct your research independently and you need to find your own way through difficulties that you face during experiments. I received support from my supervisors when and where I needed it. For instance, they both helped me with developing research methods and proofreading my reports.

I was also supported by members of the technical staff inside the labs. For example, I was well supported and trained to use complex machines and microscopes. Now that I am experienced in using these instruments, I am able to transmit this knowledge and experience to new students.

What was the research community like?

There is a good research community in the lab where my research is based. We have a good group of students and a few postdocs. In the labs, you can feel that everyone is working hard trying their best every day. There is also a sort of healthy competition that gives everyone motivation to achieve targets. I still work in the same lab where I did my PhD and we all get on well inside and outside the University.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of doing a PhD at Manchester Met?

Make sure you really want to do a PhD.  Choose the supervisor you want to work with. Choose or design the right research project for yourself and discuss it with your supervisor before you even start. You will have to learn to be more independent as this is a big difference between a PhD and Masters or undergraduate courses. Doing a PhD will represent at least three years of your life and you may face personal and professional issues over the years when you are studying. So, if you really want a PhD, you don’t want to give up when facing any of these obstacles.

Would you recommend Manchester Met as a place to do a PhD?

I cannot recommend Manchester Met highly enough. The University has great teaching and research facilities and you will be helped with everything you need. You will receive support from people dealing with visas, finances, accommodation and so on.

You also get support as an Early Career Researcher. For example, as a Postdoctoral Researcher now, the University is supporting me financially to do my teaching qualifications while I work, so that I can develop professionally. I have always had the feeling that Manchester Met invests in its research staff and wants them to develop.