Vaideha Sathe

St Cross Graduate Scholarship in Environmental Research 

Joining us from: Singapore

Interdisciplinary Life and Environmental Science Landscape Award (ILESLA) Doctoral Training Programme (2025)

I am very grateful for the support of this scholarship, which has given me the opportunity and security to begin my studies at Oxford. As a bioengineer by training, I am passionate about translating fundamental research into real-world impact. My previous work has focused on developing tools to facilitate research in the soil microbiome and ocular pathophysiology, and I am increasingly excited by the crossover between biological and environmental research. In particular, I am fascinated by the development of biosensor technologies, including how they can be used to track air and water-borne pollutants. 

Although I have only just started the ILESLA programme, I have already found its interdisciplinary nature incredibly rewarding. The programme has provided me with the opportunity to interact with researchers in both biological and environmental sciences, while also allowing me to develop both my theoretical knowledge and computational skills through its structured training course. I am especially looking forward to the short-term research rotations, which will help me explore different research directions and make an informed decision about my three-year DPhil project. 

This scholarship allows me to fully devote myself to my work, while also investing time in my social, and personal development. Being part of St Cross College has been a particularly positive experience. The college community has introduced me to people from all around the world, and as an international student, meeting friends from diverse backgrounds (often with unexpectedly shared experiences) has truly made Oxford feel like home. The in-college catering has also been a highlight, with lunches and dinners being a genuine joy and an important part of my life at college.

Outside my studies, I enjoy cycling, playing table tennis or badminton with friends, and brewing wonderful cups of coffee.