Emma Beecroft
Postgraduate Research Student
What are you studying?
I am an academic oral surgery trainee, which means I am training to be an oral surgeon in addition to completing a PhD in orofacial pain as a staff member at Newcastle University. My clinical practice revolves around pharmacological and surgical management for acute and persistent pain conditions affecting the head, face and oral cavity. Being supported to complete my PhD as a staff member provides me with an opportunity to develop a laboratory-based pain model which we can use to work out what causes persistent orofacial pain and, in the future, develop better medications to manage the pain, which could directly benefit patients under my care.
Why did you choose Newcastle?
The opportunity to learn from internationally renowned pain academics, using world leading research facilities in a beautiful city are just a few of the many reasons why Newcastle was the right place for me. Additionally, Newcastle University’s success in supporting early career researchers to meet their career aspirations, demonstrated it was an institution which would care about my future.
What is it like studying at Newcastle?
The culture of cross faculty networking at Newcastle University means I have been able to access advice and training across many fields, strengthening my project. The open, collaborative academic environment has ensured breadth to my research training, provided collaborative opportunities and nurtured new friendships.
What do you hope to do after your PhD?
After my PhD I will firstly complete my surgical training, with a long term aim of working as a clinical academic. I hope that my current and future work means that more effective orofacial pain management options become available for those who need them in the future.