FAIRER
Meet the students
FAIRER
Meet the students
Thanks to your generous support, we are able to offer scholarships, student aid, and awards that help us attract and nurture the brightest students, regardless of financial challenges.
Read on to meet three talented students who, thanks to your generosity, are pursuing their dreams of an Exeter education.
In conversation with...
Matt Smith
PhD Scholarship recipient Matt Smith used cutting-edge technology at the University of Exeter to advance his research into a medical condition that heightens sensitivity to motion and impairs balance.
What impact did receiving the Graham Cole Studentship have on your academic and personal journey?
Without Graham’s generous support, I couldn’t have pursued my PhD, which has helped me grow as an independent researcher and become part of a leading research team at Exeter. My research on motion sensitivity aims to improve understanding of how individuals with Meniere’s Disease – a rare inner ear condition affecting balance – respond to different types of motion.
During your research, did this support enable any significant breakthroughs or discoveries?
Thanks to the support, we studied how people with Meniere’s disease respond to vibration compared to healthy individuals. Our findings show they use a more rigid balance strategy, making them more prone to falls and less adaptable to changes. We hope this research will improve understanding and lead to new diagnostic and rehabilitation methods.
What unique opportunities have you experienced because of your time at Exeter?
I worked with the unique VSimulators facility at Exeter Science Park, a cutting-edge biomechanics lab. Using a six-dimensional motion platform and virtual reality, we immersed individuals with and without inner ear issues in everyday environments. This allowed us to measure their balance and gait as they responded to different floor movements.
The funding for Matt’s research was provided by Honorary Graduate and former member of University of Exeter Council, Graham Cole.
“This research has the potential to impact many lives. We are grateful to Graham for making this important work possible.”
The funding for Matt’s research was provided by Honorary Graduate and former member of University of Exeter Council, Graham Cole.
“This research has the potential to impact many lives. We are grateful to Graham for making this important work possible.”
In conversation with...
Sergio Gonzalez
Sergio Gonzalez, recipient of the competitive, philanthropically funded Ayudar Scholarship, undertook an MA in Archaeology at Exeter, focusing on the origins and characteristics of rock art at Cerro Montoya and Serranía de La Lindosa in Colombia.
What did receiving the Ayudar scholarship mean to you, and how did it affect your experience at Exeter?
Receiving the Ayudar scholarship has been life-changing, providing me with the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree at a prestigious institution. It has deepened my knowledge in a field I love and brought me closer to my career goals. I am truly grateful for this support.
What unique opportunities have you had as a result of your time at Exeter?
I completed an internship at the Instituto Terra e Memoria in Portugal, where I gained hands-on experience with infrared analysis techniques, to identify mineralogy and organic matter related to the rock art of Serrania La Lindosa. I also took part in excavating a Roman site in Mação. This internship greatly enriched my experience.
What are your future goals, and how will this funding help you achieve them?
After completing my MA, I aim to gain hands-on experience in my home country before pursuing research and possibly a PhD. This funding will support my goals and strengthen the foundation for my future career and research opportunities.
Since 2011, the Ayudar Scholarship programme has been funded by Exeter alumnus Gerry Brown (Economics & Economic History, 1966) and his wife Clemencia Posada-Brown. The programme is designed to support the development of Colombian students, enabling them to leverage the expertise gained from a University of Exeter Master’s degree to make a positive impact in Colombia – socially, culturally, economically, and environmentally.
“It is a great honour to receive the Ayudar Scholarship. As an international student, adjusting to a new country can be difficult, but this scholarship enabled me to concentrate on my studies and have experiences that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.”
Sergio Gonzalez.
Since 2011, the Ayudar Scholarship programme has been funded by Exeter alumnus Gerry Brown (Economics & Economic History, 1966) and his wife Clemencia Posada-Brown. The programme is designed to support the development of Colombian students, enabling them to leverage the expertise gained from a University of Exeter Master’s degree to make a positive impact in Colombia – socially, culturally, economically, and environmentally.
“It is a great honour to receive the Ayudar Scholarship. As an international student, adjusting to a new country can be difficult, but this scholarship enabled me to concentrate on my studies and have experiences that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.”
Sergio Gonzalez.
In conversation with...
Bethan Rees
Widening Participation scholarship recipient, Bethan Rees, undertook an undergraduate degree in Economics and Politics which included a year abroad.
How has receiving the Simon Dunkley Scholarship shaped your academic and personal journey?
My four years at Exeter have been incredible and exceeded my expectations. I will always cherish my time here, especially thanks to Simon’s generosity, which made my year abroad possible. Studying at Exeter helped me gain skills for my first graduate job, form lifelong friendships, and deepen my understanding of the global economy and politics.
How has this support enabled you to collaborate with others, both at the University and beyond?
Thanks to the scholarship, I could fully enjoy university life without financial stress and participate in activities I otherwise couldn’t. A highlight was joining the Exeter University Canoe Club and Swimming Club. Kayaking and swimming provided a welcome break from hours spent at my laptop. I’ll miss swimming in the Cornwall House outdoor pool and cycling to the quay with the kayak club.
What significant achievements or milestones have you reached as a result of this funding?
The scholarship allowed me to study at L’Université Grenoble Alpes in France for a period of time. I presented and led debates in French and participated in a tutoring program, forming lifelong friendships with people from around the world. Living abroad has greatly improved my confidence, independence, and resilience, and I feel privileged to have had these experiences. I recently graduated with a First-Class degree and received the Dean’s Commendation of Excellence, which I’m very proud of.
How has this support shaped your future career aspirations?
I completed my third-year summer placement with Deloitte, and I’m proud to have succeeded in a challenging application process. Now that I’ve graduated, I’m excited to have secured an analyst position at Deloitte with the scholarship’s support. I plan to enhance my French skills and have used part of my funding for a French language course, believing that a formal qualification will open opportunities in French-speaking regions. I expect to spend a few years in London for industry experience, but I hope to work abroad again in a multinational company or NGO later in my career.
The funding for Bethan’s undergraduate degree was provided by alumnus Simon Dunkley (Education Primary & Maths, 1992).
“ ‘Thank you’ seems an insufficient phrase for not only your financial support, which has allowed me to make the most of all the opportunities Exeter has provided, but also for your continued belief in me and all your words of encouragement and advice.”
Bethan Rees.
The funding for Bethan’s undergraduate degree was provided by alumnus Simon Dunkley (Education Primary & Maths, 1992).
“ ‘Thank you’ seems an insufficient phrase for not only your financial support, which has allowed me to make the most of all the opportunities Exeter has provided, but also for your continued belief in me and all your words of encouragement and advice.”
Bethan Rees.