Psychosocial studies announces new research scholar

This year, the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies (PPS) offered one student the chance to receive a fully funded three-year PhD scholarship.

Open to students from all academic backgrounds with an interest in psychosocial studies, the award was set up to mark the Department’s 30th anniversary, and the scholarship starts this spring. 

The Department’s first research scholar has just been announced and it is Reshma Vinayan Subha, who is delighted with her new role.

“I feel very fortunate about the studentship, and it is very satisfying to know that I am working towards my dream,” she said. “Doing a PhD has been my dream since I was 14 years old.”

Reshma, from Kerala in Southern India, studied literature in her home country to both Bachelors and Masters level and then came to the University of Essex to study an MA Psychoanalytic Studies.

“While literature is my niche, you need to have a theoretical perspective to look at it, and for me, that is psychoanalysis. My topic is an intersection of these two disciplines. I plan to explore postcolonial literature through a psychoanalytic lens.”

Already familiar with the University and the Department, Reshma is happy to call Essex home for at least another three years.

“Doing full-time research is new to me and it can feel a bit intimidating, but the familiar faces in the Department ease a lot of my worries,” she said. “At the end of the day, I am absolutely thrilled about pursuing my research.”

Dr Jessica Battersby, acting head of PPS, said: “We are thrilled that are our 30th anniversary celebrations also include support for the next generation of psychoanalytically and psychosocially framed research.

“Reshma’s project draws together the fields of psychoanalysis and literature in exciting new and global ways, and we are privileged to have Reshma in the Department.”