Nexus

The Impact of Opportunity: Reflections of a TASA 2024 Bursary Recipient by Hao Zheng

This year marked my first TASA conference since completing my PhD, and it was a truly enriching experience. It was wonderful to reconnect with people who played significant roles throughout my PhD journey, including mentors and peers.

One of the highlights for me was meeting my TASA mentor, Dr Anthony Smith, in person for the first time. Our conversations at the Welcome Reception and Queer Drinks were particularly meaningful. Anthony’s mentorship has been invaluable as I navigated the challenges of post-PhD life and the job market.

Another highlight was attending the MEM (Migration, Ethnicity, and Multiculturalism) dinner. The MEM group has been an incredibly supportive community, offering encouragement and guidance even before I began my PhD. Their continued support as I transition into my early career researcher (ECR) phase has been heartening.

I also found the presentations in the Genders & Sexualities stream both inspiring and empowering, sparking new ideas and perspectives for my future research.

A heartfelt thank you to TASA, especially Sally, Penny, and all the volunteers, for creating a space where we can connect, support one another, and grow as scholars. I look forward to many more opportunities to engage with this vibrant community.

From L to R: Hao Zheng, Lutfun Nahar Lata & Karen Farquharson

From L to R: TASA President, Kim Humphery, Hao Zheng, Lutfun Nahar Lata & Cat Stevens and Anthony K J Smith