Doctoral Diaries: Reflections on My PhD Journey -

“This blog will chart my journey over the next five years, sharing insights, achievements, and challenges from both academic and personal perspectives. I hope that these reflections resonate with others, whether you are just considering a PhD or already on the path and offer a real and relatable glimpse into what it means to balance research, teaching, and motherhood.”

My First Steps into Doctoral Research

May 7, 2025

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by

Roseminu Varghese

in Doctoral Diaries

A Foundation Built on Passion and Purpose
Pursuing a PhD has been a long-cherished goal, one I have carefully nurtured since graduating in 2012, shaped by years of clinical experience, educational milestones, and personal growth. In March 2025, that dream officially began when I embarked on my journey as a part-time PhD student while working as a full-time lecturer in adult nursing and raising my 10-month-old daughter….

Meet the Author: Roseminu Varghese

I am an Adult Nursing Lecturer in the School of Health and Social Care at Edinburgh Napier University (ENU).

I have clinical expertise in caring for critically ill patients in neuro-intensive care units, cardiothoracic critical care units, and complex care medicine wards, with experience in both India and the UK. In my previous role as a Clinical Educator with the International Recruitment Team at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, I developed proficiency in planning, coordinating, and managing the delivery of the nursing Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) training programme and clinical skills, aligned with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) OSCE standards. I have also gained experience in delivering lectures and demonstrating procedures to both undergraduate and postgraduate nursing students at Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), India.

I hold a Master’s degree in Neuroscience Nursing from MCON, MAHE, India, and have completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher and Professional Education from the University of Bolton, UK. Additionally, I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

My First Steps into Doctoral Research