Jack Strong

I completed my integrated master’s in mathematics at Lancaster University in 2025. I was originally mainly interested in pure mathematics, but during my degree my love for statistics increased year after year. This culminated with me specialising in statistics in my final year. I applied to STOR-i, because I wanted to continue studying statistics to a higher level and was additionally interested in studying operational research for the first time.

I would describe myself as quite an active person and when I’m not studying you will often see me doing some type of activity. I quite enjoy running, trying to go a few times a week, and enjoy playing pretty much any sport, especially football and tennis. Furthermore, I am interested in other academic subjects, which I try to study in my spare time.

Joseph Guntrip

I graduated from Lancaster University with a BSc in Mathematics in 2025, and joined the STOR-i programme in September 2025. My third year modules focused heavily on pure mathematics, and I enjoyed learning the fundamentals of probability theory and analysis. Upon completion of my degree, I was resolved to enter into research studying problems lying on the interface of mathematics and its applications, where I could put into practice the skills I had developed.

I was especially attracted to the STOR-i programme because of the emphasis on collaboration, and also the opportunity to work with industry partners on real-world problems. Offering scope for improvement of soft skills as well as mathematical ability, this course gives me the opportunity for me to progress my career into the world of statistical and mathematical modelling.

Charlotte Rigby

In 2023, I graduated from Lancaster University with an MSci in Mathematics during which I covered primarily pure maths. In the years following, I worked as an administrator at Lancaster University on the Detecting Anomalous Structures in Stream Settings (DASS) grant, where I became more interested in the real world applications of statistics. Therefore, joining STOR-i offered an exciting chance to continue my education, explore topics I haven’t come across previously and hopefully partake in some research which will have a real impact on the world working alongside industry partners.

Since I covered mainly pure mathematics in my undergraduate, the first year of STOR-I being an integrated MRes was a real draw for me, alongside the emphasis on collaboration; the focus of industry partnerships; the variety of research topics; and all of the opportunities to train and develop my skills before progressing onto the PhD aspect of the degree.

In my spare time, I have recently joined the Lancaster cheerleading team, the LU Roses, and I enjoy reading, travelling and cooking.

James Marriner

After graduating from the University of Glasgow with an MSci in Mathematics and Statistics, I decided to return here to STOR-i where I completed the Summer Research Programme in 2024. Having been interested in further research but unsure whether a PhD was for me, the summer programme convinced me a doctorate was both accessible and achievable. Furthermore, I found that STOR-i, with its focus on creating a community of researchers and solving problems for industry was a great place to pursue my postgraduate studies.

In my free time I enjoy going to the cinema and watching films generally. I’m currently learning to play Squash at the university and otherwise trying to stay fit by playing in the STOR-i football team, though my progress may be stunted by the weekly pub quiz.

Riya Raheem

I hold an undergraduate degree with Mathematics as my core subject, and Statistics and Physics as complementary disciplines. During this time, I discovered a stronger interest in Statistics over pure Mathematics, particularly in its ability to derive meaningful insights from data and address complex real-world problems. This led me to explore the field further, eventually introducing me to Data Science. I pursued several introductory courses in the area and thoroughly enjoyed them, which inspired me to undertake a master’s degree in data science at the University of Bath, supported by the British Council Women in STEM Scholarship.

I joined the STOR-i programme to contribute to interdisciplinary research that combines Statistics and Operational Research to tackle complex, data-intensive problems. I was particularly drawn to the programme’s collaborative environment and its strong connections with industry, which provide opportunities to apply quantitative methods to real-world, operationally significant challenges.

Beyond academics, I enjoy exploring new places, listening to music, and watching movies and series, which help me maintain balance in my life.

Sylwia Bathe-Taylor

In 2025, I graduated from an Integrated Master's in MORSE at Warwick University, completing my master's dissertation on the applications of Topological Data Analysis to High-dimensional Bridge Monitoring Data. During my undergraduate, I discovered my passion for statistics and applying fascinating methods to solve real-world complex problems.

Joining STOR-i felt like a natural progression step for me, allowing me to pursue what I love in a supportive and collaborative environment. The MRes programme offers many opportunities for both professional and personal development, giving me a strong foundation in the formal research skills needed to pursue a PhD.

Other than Stats and OR, I love hiking, skiing, and beautiful scenery.

Kyle Russell

I completed my undergraduate degree in Physics at the University of Southampton, where I specialised in Nuclear Physics and physics-based simulations to solve real-world problems. During my degree, I developed am interest in learning and utilising statistical and analytical methods to tackle challenges and develop solutions. I came to statistics later in my studies, being introduced more and more throughout my undergraduate degree, as time went on, my interest grew significantly throughout my dissertation, which introduced me to the world of Operational Research. This interest was further reinforced during an internship in the nuclear industry and led me to think about getting back into research.

I joined STOR-i to build upon the foundations developed through my industrial experience and undergraduate studies all while having the opportunity to work within diverse teams. STOR-i also gives me a platform to be impacted by leading researchers while contributing to projects that have tangible real-world outcomes.

Outside of STOR-i, I enjoy playing and watching football, as well as a variety of other sports, going to the gym, and producing music..

Rick Cheng

I completed a Master's degree in Statistics (Data Science) at Imperial College London in 2025. During my studies, I developed a keen interest in the role of statistics and broader mathematics in addressing real-world problems, prompting my decision to pursue doctoral research.

Since its inception, STOR-i has consistently focused on real-world problems, encouraging the translation of academic outcomes into productive applications, and maintaining robust industry connections. Furthermore, the MRes programme affords sufficient flexibility to explore future research directions, aligning perfectly with my objectives. I look forward to spending an exciting four years here.

Edward Richardson

I graduated from Lancaster University in 2025 with an undergraduate degree in MORSE (Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics). I had originally started on Pure Mathematics, selecting ‘Tools and Techniques for Business Analytics’ as my minor subject, and over the course of the first year I began to realise that my true passion was in applied mathematics and operational research. I was then able to transfer degree schemes and continue to study what interested me most.

During my final I found out about STOR-I and the amazing opportunity to further my learning and conduct research in an incredible environment. It felt like the natural next step. Outside of my work I enjoy watching & playing (not very well) football and learning about history.

Jay Styles

Before starting at STOR-i, I completed my undergraduate degree in Mathematics and a Master’s in Operational Research at the University of Southampton. I first considered continuing into research during my Master’s when as I realised there was still so much more I wanted to learn and explore.

Although my Master’s was in OR it still allowed me to pursue other areas of statistics as well, and I found Bayesian statistics and machine learning to be some of my favourite modules. These interests led me to the STOR-i programme where I can apply my background across mathematics, statistics, and operational research to a real-world industry project. What also drew me to STOR-i was its strong sense of community and emphasis on teamwork- an environment I believe will help me thrive.

Outside of doing maths I enjoy reading, crochet and live music. I’m also excited to explore Lancaster and the surrounding area more!

Maria-Louiza Van den Bergh

In 2025, I gradua­­ted with an integrated master’s in mathematics and statistics at the University of Warwick. I got the chance to explore research through the STOR-I summer internship program in 2023. I had a great time exploring reinforcement learning in such a lovely, welcoming community. It was also good fun to venture into the Lake District and do an intern come dine with me 😊.

Since then, I have continued to pursue research, working on comparative judgement in summer 2024, and then completing a dissertation on applying bias reduction techniques to confidence intervals. When choosing a PhD program, it was important to me that I get a chance to apply my research to real world problems. I was also really excited to explore operational research. Naturally, STOR-I was the best fit for me.

Outside of statistics, I can be found cooking, baking, and crocheting blankets/flowers.

Tina Sardashti

I am from Iran, where I completed my bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering at Azad University, South Tehran Branch, and my master’s degree in Industrial Engineering with a focus on logistics and supply chain management at Tarbiat Modares University. During my studies, I became increasingly interested in courses on operational research, statistics and probability. Working with models of real operational systems made me realise how much I enjoyed mathematical modelling and data analytics. I also had the opportunity to be involved in research that applied these ideas to real supply chain problems, which strengthened my interest in statistics and operational research as practical tools for understanding and improving complex systems.

This growing interest in quantitative problem solving is what led me to STOR-i. The programme offers the environment I was looking for, giving me the chance to develop my skills in statistics and optimisation models, explore different research areas before choosing a PhD topic, and learn alongside people who share a similar enthusiasm for these subjects. I was especially drawn to the collaborative culture at STOR-i and its strong links with industry, which help keep the research grounded in real challenges. I am excited to be part of a community where I can build on my background and contribute to work that has meaningful impact.