Ana's story
“Without the Sir Robert (Bob) Edwards Studentship, I would not have been able to pursue a PhD degree in Cambridge. High student fees and the cost of living in the UK are challenging for most postgraduate students. However, weaker currencies make the situation especially prohibitive for those of us from low- and middle-income countries. Without financial support, pursuing a PhD outside of Brazil would have been impossible for me, forcing me to leave academia altogether.”

Ana Elisa Ribeiro Orsi (G23)
“I was surprised to find that, just a few months after moving from another continent, Churchill already felt like home. The strong sense of community is probably what led me to feel this way. From formal dinners to the communal kitchens, the College offers a large array of opportunities to connect with others. The MCR-organised events, such as the Conference of Everything and ‘Pints of Churchill’ have been fantastic opportunities to get to know the postgraduate community and broaden my horizons.”


“It’s hard to put into words how thankful I am. I feel extremely fortunate to be a recipient of the Studentship, it has been a life changing experience."

Mineli's story

Mineli Cooray (G24)
“Support for Studentships enables talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to access advanced education and research opportunities, regardless of their financial circumstances. Postgraduate studies often come with significant costs, and without such support, many students would be unable to pursue their academic and professional goals. These Studentships foster innovation, promote equity in education, and ensure that financial barriers do not hinder the development of future leaders and experts in their fields.”
Mineli is an MPhil Population Health Sciences student specialising in the Health Data Science stream. “I chose to pursue this MPhil to develop my understanding of the healthcare disparities that impact marginalised communities. Through the program, I have gained foundational knowledge in public health and epidemiology, which provide insights into these disparities. Building on this, I am keen to explore these issues quantitatively by developing the skills required to model specific diseases within the context of diverse demographics."
Before coming to Churchill, Mineli studied for an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Warwick and completed a placement year in industry at Pfizer focusing on antimicrobial resistance and how antimicrobial stewardship strategies can be implemented in different clinical environments. In her final year, she was one of two students selected by the University of Warwick to present and discuss her work with key policymakers, civil servants and MPs at Posters in Parliament. This is the annual sister event of the British Conference of Undergraduate Research (BCUR) and brings together the best undergraduate research from across the country. Mineli presented "The Evolution of a Beta-Lactam Resistance: A Holistic Narrative". Also in 2024, the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy published her paper “The role of policy and key stakeholder decision-making in the propagation, and deceleration, of resistance evolution” in the journal JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance, the second journal article featuring her work. An accomplished student with a passion for research; very much the kind of graduate the College is keen to attract to its postgraduate community.
“Churchill awarded me a Studentship that [with matching from Cambridge Trusts] covers 90% of my MPhil tuition fees. The Studentship has been very valuable, as I would not have been able to complete this MPhil without it. It has allowed me to defer my place at medical school to pursue a deeper academic journey, focusing on public health modelling and its potential within addressing healthcare disparities. Additionally, the Studentship has given me the opportunity to experience the unique academic environment at Cambridge, as well as immerse myself in competitive sports - I am on the Blues tennis team and have had a great experience representing Cambridge so far.”
She has found Churchill to be “incredibly welcoming and inclusive, fostering a diverse community with a strong emphasis on excellence, particularly in STEM and on the sports field”. As well as rowing in CCBC, Mineli is on the committee for the MCR. “It has been a privilege to be part of such a vibrant and supportive community.”
“I would like to extend my gratitude to the alumni who have generously contributed to the Graduate Studentship Endowment. Your support has made it possible for students such as myself to pursue opportunities that would otherwise be difficult to attain. This funding has not only allowed me to develop my understanding of public health but also to be part of the unique Churchill community. I hope to one day also help others achieve their academic goals, just as I have been supported.”
Mineli has a place at medical school waiting for her after Churchill but is also considering a PhD in Health Data Science and Biostatistics at Cambridge and beyond.
Luca's story

Luca Schwarz (U&G18)

“This experience has been fantastic for my development as a scientist, made possible by the amazing support of the Churchill community.”
Lily's story
“Thank you so much for supporting my travel costs - I could not have presented at the conference without it.”