Michelle Newman, Design and Ergonomics Applied Research Group

My research is concerned with the design and refurbishment of primary schools, with the aim of producing guidelines to ensure the needs of all user groups are met throughout the design process.

My supervisory team consists of an ergonomist and a geographer. The expertise of this cross-disciplinary team has been helpful in forming new approaches when examining the issues raised by my research. Both members of the team have been extremely supportive, offering advice on written work, career development and general issues as they have arisen.

Studying for my PhD at Coventry has given me life-changing opportunities. I have taken up a new career in research and have been given the confidence and skills necessary to present my work at international academic conferences and to write for publication.

As well as developing my research career I have been given the opportunity to teach at the university. This has been extremely enjoyable, intellectually stimulating and has given me with the experience necessary to pursue an academic career.

Working and studying at the University means I’ve also been able to meet a range of people from many backgrounds and cultures, and to gain an insight into the diversity of research interests catered for within the University.