Student testimonials

MRes testimonials

  • Niharika Reddy Peddinenikalva

    “The MRes programme is one of the many reasons why STOR-i is an excellent fit for me. Its structure has allowed me to explore a broad range of topics in Statistics and Operational Research while also developing essential research skills for a PhD. Through group projects, taught modules, programming assignments, problem solving days, and research training, I have gained exposure to various real-world applications of research areas in industry. The collaborative nature of the MRes programme has been invaluable to me. In general, the community (staff and students) at STOR-i is incredibly supportive and fun! All in all, this experience has been delightful and insightful!”

  • Jimmy Lin

    "The STOR-i MRes programme covers many important aspects related to research. The depth in which we have studied elements of Statistics and Operational Research has not only made me feel confident in conducting research in these fields but have also helped me develop important professional skills such as presentation, writing and structured programming. Additionally, the STOR-i community is very welcoming and supportive. There are frequent organised events, including forums where we can hear others present their research, as well as non-academic activities like STOR-i football and many more."

  • Cassandra Durr

    "The STOR-i MRes year has been an incredibly enriching experience for me. The structure of the course has been set up well to guide us in the process of selecting a focus for the PhD phase of the programme. Additionally, I have felt that the course prepares students well for the PhD by refining our research and programming skills, and exposing us to a large array of exciting research areas. I have been grateful for the opportunity to engage with, and learn from, leading professors. Beyond academic development, the STOR-i community has been so welcoming and there is a true spirit of camaraderie. STOR-i has a number of interest groups and events to take part in - from STOR-i football to a book club to an annual bake-off. There is something for everyone."

PhD testimonials

  • Graham Burgess

    "Doing a PhD is a unique opportunity to develop as an independent researcher and to contribute to novel scientific developments in your field. STOR-i offers a great environment in which to do this in the area of statistics and operational research. Having a cohort of enthusiastic students around you and excellent support from the academic staff are invaluable to the aspiring STOR researcher. I work in the field of simulation optimisation where I have the opportunity to develop new methods which can be applied to support public-sector decision making. I've also had the opportunity to attend relevant conferences, workshops and training courses and interact with some of the leading researchers in my field. Contrary to popular belief, a PhD researcher can also maintain a healthy work-life balance - the STOR-i community have supported me pursuing my research while being a dad!"

  • Kristina Grolmusova

    "My journey at STOR-i started with the summer research internship. I really enjoyed the work I was doing and more importantly I liked the community and the people I was surrounded by. I felt supported and valued as an individual. For these reasons, I have decided to come back and join the programme. I have not regretted that choice since. Despite the MRes and the PhD being challenging at times, I have learned a lot and grown so much not just academically, but also as a person. What I like about STOR-i above all is the support and opportunities that are available to me. The people within STOR-i go above and beyond to make sure I have the best possible experience. Working with other people and learning from them, continuously expanding my knowledge through masterclasses, workshops, and seminars, working on real-life problems with companies through problem-solving days and data dives are experiences that are invaluable to me.

  • Matthew Davidson

    "I’m in the final year of my PhD at STOR-i, and my journey has been far more dynamic than expected. While I anticipated researching a topic I’m passionate about, I’ve also gained incredible real-world experience. After a STOR-i problem-solving day, I followed up with the industry contact about their problem, which led to a four-month internship. Soon after, I secured an eight-month internship at a company that specifically contacted STOR-i to advertise the role to PhD students. STOR-i’s strong industry ties and extensive network created these amazing opportunities, and its workshops and seminars have shaped me into a strong candidate for these roles."

Alumni testimonials

  • Emma Ross

    "My time at STOR-i gave me great exposure to the wide variety of real-world problems which can be tackled using Statistics, OR and related mathematical disciplines. As well as building up my practical experience in breaking down and solving business problems on 'problem solving days' and working on my own projects; I was also able to learn a lot from the rich community of fellow STOR-i students - seeing Stats and OR in action on their own projects and understanding the types of problems (and solutions) faced by STOR-i industrial partners. This hands-on industrial experience (despite being in an academic setting) was extremely helpful in securing my first role as a Statistical Consultant in industry; and in giving me the soft and technical skills to perform well in that first role. I also really valued the opportunity to frequently present my work to my peers and to my industrial supervisors at BT. At the time it was something I found nerve-racking, but it gave me a safe space to try out different ways of communicating the essence of my research and it left me feeling quite experienced in designing and delivering effective presentations. The formal, interactive training I received on communication whilst on the program (delivered by an external company, with facilitators from an acting/performance background) was also extremely insightful. This experience came in very handy in the interview process for roles after my PhD but also helped me quickly build up credibility once in the role - being well-practiced in boiling complex ideas down into a compelling story."

  • Jake Clarkson

    "I joined STOR-i as I wanted to do a PhD, but I wasn’t sure what in. Not only did the wide range of research areas covered in the MRes help with my choice, but they also introduced me to many stats/OR topics. Such exposure continued during the PhD through engagement with other students’ projects, alongside the PhD-level courses and industry problem solving days that STOR-i encourages. I therefore left STOR-i with a broad knowledge of many techniques, which has been useful when tackling problems in my current job as a statistician at National Highways. My PhD project was with an academic partner: the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California (to which I took three all-expenses-paid trips!) However, there were still plenty of opportunities for me to network with industry. The most valuable was being set up with a 4-month industrial internship at the Smith Institute, experience which was invaluable to later industry job applications. The STOR-i team were also very supportive with post-doc applications I did before moving to industry. Before doing a PhD, I was concerned I would feel isolated, but my STOR-i experience was quite the opposite. The inclusive student-staff community offered support not just academically, but also through the various challenges that being a researcher throws up. It was a very enjoyable 4 years, during which I made many long-lasting friendships."

  • Eleanor D'arcy

    "After completing my PhD at STOR-i in 2024, I joined the Environment Agency as a Senior Statistical Advisor working on the Defra-funded Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment programme. Having collaborated with industry, academics and the government sector during my PhD, I felt confident in my decision to pursue a career in the public sector. The supervision I received throughout my PhD was exceptional and the training provided at STOR-i continues to influence my day-to-day work. Problem solving days and data challenges taught me how to collaborate effectively, even when under pressure. Through the STOR-i schools programme and presenting at international conferences, I developed my communication skills, learning how to adapt my delivery for a range of audiences. Weekly forums, masterclasses, and reading groups broadened my understanding of statistics beyond my own research, deepening my technical knowledge and curiosity. I was first introduced to STOR-i during my internship in 2018, and I was immediately drawn to its vibrant and supportive community of academics, staff and students. That sense of encouragement and inspiration stayed with me throughout my time there. STOR-i provided me with an environment where I always felt encouraged to grow, both personally and professionally, and to realise my full potential."

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