Workshop
This workshop provides a space for candid discussion on the realities of being a Black PhD student in UK academia. Led by Dr Wayne Mitchell and Dr William Ackah, the session will explore the personal and collective experiences of Black doctoral researchers, shedding light on the resilience, challenges, and victories they encounter throughout their academic journeys. Through open dialogue, storytelling, and shared strategies for success, this workshop will examine issues such as navigating institutional barriers, imposter syndrome, representation, and the importance of community and mentorship. It will be a space to reflect, connect, and empower those currently undertaking or considering a PhD, as well as allies looking to better understand how to support Black scholars in higher education.
Dr Wayne A. Mitchell is the Associate Provost for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and a Principal Teaching Fellow at Imperial College London. He holds a PhD in Molecular Genetics from University College London and has conducted postdoctoral research in Cancer Biology and Immunology. Dr Mitchell completed a Master's in Education at Imperial College, focusing on the experiences of Black British students at elite universities and how their minority status impacts their sense of belonging and identity. He co-chairs Imperial College's Race Equity Staff Network, "Imperial As One," promoting inclusivity within the college community. His dedication to enhancing the student experience was recognized with the President's Medal for Excellence in Supporting the Student Experience in 2018.
Dr William Ackah is a Reader in Social Sciences and African Diaspora Studies at Birkbeck, University of London. He earned his PhD in Government from the University of Manchester and is a Fulbright Research award recipient. Dr Ackah chairs the Transatlantic Roundtable on Religion and Race, an international organization that brings together academics, community activists, and church leaders to address injustices faced by people of African descent globally. He co-convenes the African Diaspora Postgraduate Network, supporting Black PhD students across the UK. His research interests include religion and politics in Africa and the African diaspora, Pan-Africanism, and Black experiences in higher education.
Donald has a BSc in Medical Sciences from Bradford University, MSc in Immunology at King's College London (KCL) and a PhD from MRC, Clinical Sciences Centre. As a post-doc, Donald worked in laboratories at Cancer Research UK and Imperial College London; in the latter he successfully obtained an MRC Career Development Award. He joined the Royal veterinary College (RVC), University of London in 2002 and is currently an Associate Professor in Immunology. Donald is also an Honorary Senior Lecturer in Immunology at Imperial College London, Visiting Lecturer at Cambridge University and University of East London and a Visiting Fellow for Reuben College, University of Oxford (one of the College’s inaugural Visiting Fellows).
His main research interest is focused on understanding the effect of age on the immune system and he teaches on several undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and also supervises undergraduate and postgraduate research projects. He is on the Editorial Board of various scientific journals and is currently a member of the British Society for Immunology (BSI) and the British Society for Research on Ageing. Donald was previously the Education and Careers Secretary for the BSI, a post he held for four years until June 2024.
Donald is deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within academia and beyond, being actively involved in initiatives at his university along with being a member of both the MRC Black in Biomedical Research Advisory Group which among its aim is to advise MRC on equality and diversity-related, and Health Data Research UK Black Intern Programme Advisory Group, which aims to provide employment opportunity for Black people within the health data science sector.
Donald is passionate about increasing scientific awareness amongst the general public and fellow scientist, and also to encourage young people to consider a career in science by regularly contributing to public engagement activities, speaking at schools, colleges, community events and scientific festivals. He also actively participates in the university’s widening participation events. Donald is also Co-Founder/Co-Director of Reach Society, an award-winning social enterprise which aims to inspire young people to fulfil their potential. Donald is a Professional Mentor for Amos Bursary and the Chair of Governors at a school in North-West London.
