A PhD student has graduated from the University of Bristol after a traumatic brain injury forced her to pause her studies and rebuild her academic career.
EmmaLucy Cole, from Taunton, was in the second year of a PhD in English Literature when she sustained a brain injury during a motorbike accident on an organised tour in Iceland.
The injury led to post-concussion syndrome, a condition that can follow a brain injury and cause ongoing symptoms such as migraines, fatigue, dizziness, nausea and memory loss, forcing her to take a year out.
It also meant she was unable to continue working as a lecturer.
With support from her academic supervisors, the brain injury charity Headway Somerset and the university’s disability services, Cole completed her thesis with minor corrections and graduated at the Great Hall of the Wills Memorial Building.
Cole said: “Prior to the injury I was a lecturer at the University of Exeter and taught Liberal Arts at Bristol, was an adventurer, trail runner and spoke at adventure festivals and the Royal Geographical Society.
“All of that was lost after the accident.
“I was exhausted. But this was a different kind of exhaustion.
“My loss of memory meant that I had forgotten all my research and had to go back to my uncompleted thesis with fresh eyes as I couldn’t recall what I had done and how I had come to the conclusions I had.
“Financially it was also very challenging because I was unable to work. The University provided some financial support which really helped.”
The university’s disability services team created a study support plan, including reasonable adjustments, taxi support to help her attend campus, specialist mentoring and advice on assistive technology such as dictation software.
George St John, disability adviser at the University of Bristol, said: “We are so happy for EmmaLucy’s success.
“Graduating with a PhD is a huge achievement, and really reflects her hard work, determination and resilience. Congratulations EmmaLucy, and we wish you all the best for what’s next.”
Dr Tara Puri, one of Cole’s PhD supervisors in the department of English, said: “Emma was a joy to work with. She was a deeply thoughtful and meticulous student, and I was always impressed by her research, especially given the challenges she faced.
“This was a very rewarding supervisory relationship for me.”
Professor Madhu Krishnan, who also supervised Cole, said: “Emma was an exemplary student.
“Her heart, mind and intelligence are the best I’ve known. Mentoring her was a pleasure and privilege especially knowing the things she has gone though.”
Cole said: “I am extremely relieved to have managed to complete the PhD, with the support of my fantastic supervisors, the team at disability services, and vital support from Headway Somerset.
“They all kept me going when I was at my lowest.
“I am now beginning to rebuild my life with a head injury, although there is a long way to go yet.
“After graduation I am moving to Scotland with my amazing and supportive partner, Iain, so that I can rediscover my academic writing and teaching career, play music, and hopefully train to return to gentle outdoor adventures.”
