From Internship to PhD: How the Excel in Science Programme Shaped My Future
Alexia Jeayes, shares how joining the Excel in Science* internship programme transformed an exciting research opportunity into the foundation of her PhD journey.
If you had told me a few years ago that an internship would play a pivotal role in shaping my career path, I might not have believed you. Yet, that’s exactly what happened when I joined the Excel in Science internship programme at the Institute of Mental Health, based at the University of Nottingham. What started as an exciting research opportunity turned into a transformative experience that ultimately led me to a PhD.
(Excel in Science is now the Research Discovery Internship Programme),
Diving into research: my internship experience
During my internship, I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside leading researchers, including Maddie Groom, Charlotte Hall, and Sophie Hall. Our focus? Investigating the availability of services for Tourette’s Syndrome and tic disorders in children and young people. This was no small task, but it was an incredibly rewarding one.
One of my key responsibilities was piloting Freedom of Information (FOI) requests. If you’re not familiar, FOI requests are a powerful tool that allows individuals to request access to data held by public institutions, like the NHS. For us, this meant gathering crucial information on how healthcare services support young people with tic disorders. In addition to this, I helped design pilot surveys for clinicians and healthcare professionals, aiming to understand their experiences in supporting these young people. I even contributed to writing funding proposals to ensure the project’s continuation beyond our initial work.
What made this experience so special was the balance of guidance and independence. While I was mentored by some of the best researchers in the field, I was also given the freedom to explore my own research interests and contribute meaningfully to the project. This ignited my curiosity and made me realise just how much I enjoyed research!
Taking research to the global stage
One of the most exciting moments of my internship came when I was invited to present our pilot findings at the ESSTS Conference (European Society for the Study of Tourette Syndrome) - an internationally renowned event dedicated to advancing research on Tourette’s Syndrome and tic disorders.
At the conference, I met a diverse mix of early career researchers and established professionals, many of whom were incredibly generous with their time and advice. They shared insights on their own research journeys, and several encouraged me to consider pursuing a PhD. It was inspiring to see so many passionate individuals working to improve the lives of young people with tic disorders, and their encouragement stuck with me long after the conference ended.
Looking back, the Excel in Science internship wasn’t just a stepping stone - it was a launchpad. It gave me hands-on experience, connected me with incredible mentors, and ultimately shaped the trajectory of my career.
From inspiration to a PhD
With my newfound inspiration and the support of my mentors, I decided to apply for a PhD at the University of Nottingham. The project was a perfect fit for my interests, focusing on trial capabilities of digital mental health interventions for children and young people. More importantly, I already knew I thrived working with this team, which made the decision even easier.
In October 2024, I was thrilled to officially begin my PhD journey! And as if that weren’t exciting enough, in January 2025, I was invited to co-author the completed FOI research that had built upon our pilot work. It was a full-circle moment - seeing the project grow beyond what we started and getting to contribute to its impact in a meaningful way.
The power of female role models in academia
Throughout this journey, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have been surrounded by inspiring female researchers. At the Institute of Mental Health, I witnessed first-hand the impact of strong female leadership in academia. Seeing these brilliant women excel in their fields and conduct important research solidified my confidence in pursuing this path. Their mentorship and encouragement have been invaluable, and I hope to pay it forward by inspiring the next generation of researchers.
Final thoughts: why internships matter
For anyone considering a research internship, my advice is simple: go for it. Be curious, be open to new experiences, and take every opportunity to learn from those around you. You never know where it might lead!
As I continue my PhD, I carry the lessons and experiences from my internship with me. And who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll be the one mentoring an intern, helping them take their first steps into the world of research.