Current Scholarship Holders
Mark Lindquist
Harry Worthington Scholarship 2010-11
The University awards two Harry Worthington scholarships each year - these scholarships were founded under the will of Miss Doreen Worthington in memory of her father Harry, a local steel manufacturer.
My background and chosen research project
I am a Canadian who has practiced landscape architecture and urban design in Canada and the US, and I have taught architecture, landscape architecture and urban design in Canada, the US, UK, and New Zealand. My research investigates the impact of digital media and digital visualization on the design and perception of urban environments. My PhD research involves investigating the psychophysiological responses to and incremental benefits of the audio augmentation of virtual space.
Why I chose to come to Sheffield
There were many factors that contributed to my decision to come to Sheffield, including the quality of life and quality of the city. One significant factor was the level of excellence available for PhD supervision at the University of Sheffield; Professors Eckart Lange and Jian Kang, my PhD supervisors, are world leaders in their research areas of visualization and acoustics, respectively. The other significant factor was winning the Harry Worthington Scholarship.
What winning the scholarship means to me
Winning the scholarship was extremely important. I would not have been able to undertake PhD research without this funding. I am very grateful to the scholarship sponsor and the University for this support.
My experience here so far
My experience has been very positive thus far. The coursework has provided a rigorous foundation to build upon while allowing time for thought and reflection, which is vital to complete a high-quality research project. Meetings with my advisors have been a great experience providing valuable feedback and insight into the direction of my research.
My plans for the future
Focus on my PhD and see what direction that leads me. The exciting thing about the whole experience is not knowing what exactly the future holds.
Advice for prospective students
If you are on the fence about moving internationally or undertaking PhD research, I strongly encourage anyone to take the plunge. While there are definitely challenges, the immediate and long-term rewards are immeasurable.