Inspiring Postgraduate Research Supervisors
Training our PhD students to become successful researchers and mentoring their growth is a fundamental part of our research culture. The outstanding work in the academic and pastoral supervision of postgraduate research is recognised every year in the Queen Mary Research and Innovation Awards. Here are some recent examples of supervisors nominated by their students.
Prof Karin Hing
Karin is a professor in the Centre for Bioengineeing in the School of Engineering and Material Science. Her research is focused around the development of pioneering biomaterials and healthcare therapies through development of novel materials and processing technologies. She has supervised over 20 PhD candidates, many with industry sponsors.
'Karin’s passion for research and supervision is contagious, she not only excels in her field but also instils a genuine love of learning in her students. Her support goes far beyond helping us meet our project objectives, she encourages us to enjoy the process, think creatively, and find personal meaning in our work. Under her guidance, research becomes something we love and something we think about outside the usual academic framework.' (Alia Rehman, current PhD student)
Dr Margherita Malanchini
Margherita is a Senior Lecturer in the Centre for Brain and Behaviour. Her research investigates differences between children in learning, socio-emotional, and cognitive development applying an interdisciplinary approach that bridges knowledge across developmental psychology, genetics, education, and the social sciences.
'One of the most distinctive features of Margherita' supervisory practice is its adaptability. She fosters a flexible working relationship with each student, adjusting meeting patterns and communication styles based on what works best for us. This student-led, needs-based approach makes a huge difference to productivity and wellbeing. As one of Margherita’s current PhD students, I feel incredibly lucky to be supervised by someone who combines academic excellence with such warmth, energy, and care. Even though she is a young PI, her supervision style is already outstanding — structured, empowering, and genuinely student-centered.'(Jingyi Liao and Quan Zhou, current PhD students)
Dr Katy Clough
Katy is a Senior Lecturer Centre for Geometry, Analysis and Gravitation. Her research focuses on testing the limits of general relativity, in particular using numerical simulations of the early Universe and the interaction of fundamental fields and particles with black holes. Her work is a fundamental part of the Gravitational Waves Initiative, that aims to develop a deep understanding of gravity by combining the latest advances in theoretical physics, mathematics and observations.
' Katy always tries new ways to support learning. She started the GR-QC journal club, where we read and talk about new research articles each week from the arXiv preprint server. She added a fun “GR-QC Bingo” game to make it more engaging, and now it’s something many people look forward to. This journal club keeps us updated on the research field and also allows us to discuss and exchange research ideas. She also believes in open science. She encourages students to make their research code public and well-documented, which helps others in the community.' (Areef Waeming, current PhD student)
Prof Marina Resmini
Marina is a Professor in the Centre for Chemical Research in the School for Physical and Chemical Sciences. Her research interests are centered around materials chemistry, in particular functional nanomaterials for drug delivery and sensors, structure and interfacial behaviour of nanoparticles, plastic as environmental pollution, chemistry and sensing in the coffee industry. She has overseen the supervision of 36 postgraduate research students with a 100% successful completion within the required time.
Professor Resmini has developed an individualised approach to Supervision, where character and skills are combined with career aspirations and personal circumstances, to drive success and achievement of goals set by the students.
‘I like our current communication style and appreciate your supportive and clear approach. Thank you so much for this!’ (PhD student, email 12/3/2025).
Prof Pat Healey
Pat is the Head of the Centre for Human-Centred Computing Digital technologies provide uniquely flexible media with the potential to transform human communication. They offer new ways to capture, modify and project communicative actions (e.g., words, gestures and expressions). This creates the potential for new forms of mutual-engagement and new forms of language. Pat's research applies models of human communication - drawn mainly from Psychology and Sociology - to understanding these processes.
' Pat consistently shows genuine care for our well-being, encouraging us to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. His collaborative and non-hierarchical approach creates an inviting atmosphere where team members feel respected and heard. We feel as part of a team within the human interaction lab!' (Pat's current PhD students)