Dr Richard Asaba

I arrived in Ireland in January 2010 to commence PhD studies in the Sociology Department at Maynooth University, having been awarded a scholarship by the ‘Water Is Life: Amazzi Bulamu Project. It was largely through my Supervisor, Professor G. Honor Fagan that I joined the Department as one of the students on the Project.  Having come from Uganda with an environmental policy and science background, I thought that undertaking a PhD in Sociology at Maynooth University was going to be a huge challenge. Fortunately, my Supervisor made me feel at home and through our frequent interactions exposed me more to Sociology, how best I could undertake my research and the requirements of a Sociological PhD. I was also warmly welcomed by the then Head of Department, the administrative staff  and all the academic staff, many of whom often explained to me aspects of Sociology and advanced research methods. I also learnt a lot from my third Supervisor, Dr. Pauline Cullen, who relentlessly guided me on sociological terms and prose during the writing of my thesis. The various modules and presentations in the Department were very useful in terms of improving my research and analytical skills, and the wonderful academic environment encouraged me to work hard.  It was because of this and the support from my Supervisors that I was able to submit my thesis in exactly three and half years. I have already completed my Viva Voce exam and look forward to graduating in 2014. The future looks bright for me as I eye an academic or consultancy career in Uganda. I am therefore proud of having undertaken my doctoral studies from the Sociology Department of Maynooth University.