Research and Resilience: Pursuing a PhD while living with a brain tumour

Amy Jones, 25, is a PhD researcher with the Environmental Research Institute (ERI) at the University of the Highlands and Islands based at UHI North, West and Hebrides in Thurso. Originally from Warwick, Amy began her academic journey studying Marine and Freshwater Conservation at the University of Cumbria.

After earning her degree, Amy became Project Manager for the Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project, conserving endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, dugongs and sea turtles in the Kep Archipelago, Cambodia. However, when the Covid pandemic struck, international staff were required to return to their home countries.

During the UK lockdowns, Amy took the opportunity to publish several research papers and began exploring research opportunities within academia.

“I first applied for a PhD with ERI back in March 2022, narrowly missing out, but in early 2023 was offered a full UHI-funded PhD Scholarship on my current project, focusing on the remote sensing of seabirds in the Pentland Firth. This moment marked a goal I had worked toward for a long time, but it came after a difficult and unexpected journey.

Initially, I was meant to start my studies in September 2023. Just two days before moving to Scotland my plans were upended when I suffered a stroke and was diagnosed with a large brain tumour, the size of a tennis ball. After several days in a coma, I underwent a 13-hour emergency brain surgery to reduce the size of the tumour. The surgery left me deaf and with a few other life-long complications including the remaining tumour. The months that followed were filled with physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and cognitive exercises, all of which were challenging but essential steps in regaining my strength and independence.

With support from my family, friends, and medical team, as well as the understanding and flexibility of Benjamin Williamson, my Director of Studies and UHI, I was finally able to move to Thurso in January 2024 and begin my studentship part-time.

From the moment I arrived at UHI, my supervisors, colleagues, and student support went out of their way to accommodate me and ensure I could manage the demands of a PhD alongside my recovery. My supervisors have been exceptional and the university’s resources and welcoming community have made a world of difference. Without their understanding, it would have been much harder to adapt to this new and now increasingly complex chapter of my life.

Settling in Thurso has been a significant part of my healing process. The sense of community here has been wonderful, and getting involved in local activities has been both rewarding and grounding.

Music has played a big role in this. I joined the Folk Band that performs at The Comm pub on Wednesday evenings, as well as the Sunday Night Band. These groups have been a source of joy and connection, helping me feel part of the community and come to terms with my recent deafness.

Living here has given me a new appreciation for the rich culture and wildlife of Caithness, and it has inspired my research and photography. The Pentland Firth is an incredible hotspot for biodiversity, and I feel privileged to focus my PhD on such a valuable ecosystem. I have been touched by how welcoming and supportive people have been—both at the university and in the wider community.

My life has changed beyond recognition since September 2023. It hasn’t been easy to balance my PhD, ongoing recovery, and living with a slow-growing brain tumour, but with the continued support of my family, friends, and the UHI community, I’ve found an ocean of life and opportunity before me.

In September 2024, on the anniversary of my diagnosis, I marked a personal milestone by purchasing my first home- a cosy cottage here in Thurso. It was a tangible affirmation that, at UHI and in this wonderful community, I have truly found my home. As I continue my research, I hope I can make a small contribution to the understanding of seabirds and the unique environment of the Pentland Firth, while giving back to the community that has given me so much.’’

Find out more about Amy's research at the Environmental Research Institute