Reclaiming the Student Role: Mature Learners’ Perspectives
A Free Webinar for Mature & Non-Traditional PhD Students
Date: Thursday, 25th September 2025
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM WAT / BST
Location: Ms Teams (link shared upon registration)
REGISTER HERE.
Doing a PhD Later in Life? You’re Not Alone
Returning to student life after years in leadership, raising a family, or occupying professional roles is a full identity shift.
Regardless of whether you are just beginning or still finding your footing, this webinar offers support, clarity, and a reminder that you belong here.
Join Adeola Eze, founder of PhD Beyond 50, alongside a panel of experienced PhD graduates and students, as they share stories, strategies, and encouragement from the inside.
What You’ll Learn
- How to balance PhD demands with work, family, or life transitions
- Ways to reframe your identity from expert to learner, without losing yourself
- Practical tips for structuring your time and energy
- Strategies for staying visible in academia without burnout
- How to build support systems that actually work
Meet the Speakers
Real people. Real talk. Real strategies.
Dr Basirat Razaq-Shuaib, PhD, Cambridge University
‘Shifting Roles: From Expert to Student’
Dr Basirat Razaq-Shuaib is a strategic leader, board advisor, chartered accountant and an expert in disability-inclusive education and gender equity. She is the founder of The Winford Centre for Children and Women and The Blooming Mum and the Chairperson of the Association for Children’s Authors and Illustrators of Nigeria.
Dr Razaq-Shuaib has over 20 years of experience driving transformative change across financial services and non-profit sectors in UK and Africa. She currently works with organisations and governments to design and implement programmes that enhance the education of children with disabilities and promote women’s well-being and leadership. She also serves as a confidante to women executives and leaders.
Read more
Dr Ifeoma Dan-Ogosi, PhD, University of the West of England
‘Building Support Systems That Work’
Dr Ifeoma Dan-Ogosi is a senior lecturer in public health at the University of the West of England and a dedicated mentor, researcher, and advocate for inclusive education. She earned her MSc and PhD as a mature student while raising four children and working full-time. With a background in the corporate and public sectors, she understands the unique challenges mature learners face. She co-chairs the 100 Black Women Professors Now programme steering board and co-founded the Safe Space for Black female academics at UWE. Known for her candid, compassionate approach, she champions equity and belonging in higher education.
Read more.
Dr Maxine Beuret, PhD, ECR, Leicester University
‘Staying Connected to Purpose’
Dr Maxine Beuret is a creative cultural historian of the commonplace. She is drawn to unchanged places and objects that act as portals into the history and cultural heritage of overlooked parts of our world, which may be at risk of disappearing.
By combining photography with oral history interviews and environmental sound, she creates short digital storytelling films that animate history and cultural heritage. During her recent fellowship at the Institute of Historical Research (IHR) she was commissioned to undertake a photography and video piece entitled ‘People of the IHR’ which will be launched in autumn 2025 at Senate House.
Read more.
Linda Marchant, PGR, Coventry University
‘Managing Energy, Not Just Time’
Linda Marchant’s PhD project looks at the motivations, experiences and professional networks of mid- or late-career professionals who undertake arts PhDs, echoing her own experience.
Her study journey has progressed from being first in her family to enter Higher Education, through Masters level study part-time whilst working full time, to an initial uncompleted PhD journey.
Her working life included 28 years as a Lecturer / Principal Lecturer in Photography, supporting wonderful undergraduate and postgraduate students. Part of this time was also spent as an Employability Manager across a large School of Art and Design, enabling and encouraging students to find their career catalysts and to drive the School’s Creative Industries agenda and strategy.
Read more.
Friend Olamuyiwa, PGR, Anglia Ruskin University
‘Academic Visibility Without Overwhelm’
Friend Olamuyiwa is currently a full-time PhD student working part-time as an associate lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University. She is passionate about personal, professional, and youth development.
Inspired by her own experience returning to school in midlife, Friend supports and encourages others on their educational journeys. Her work focuses on improving student support systems and helping students develop real-world skills for academic success and career readiness.
Read more.
Adejoke Ejiofor, PGR, Columbia Southern University
‘Structure, Space & Staying Grounded in Academia & Other Responsibilities’
Adejoke Ejiofor is an accomplished author and inspirational writer, as well as the founder of My African American World, a nonprofit organisation based in Minnesota dedicated to raising awareness about sickle cell disease.
Her debut memoir, Travel bravely, which chronicles the inspiring journey of a sickle cell warrior, was released in the second quarter of 2021 and went on to win the prestigious Nautilus Book Award. Her second book, Don’t Call Me Slowpoke, is set for release in the fall of 2025.
Ade holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Columbia Southern University in Alabama, where she is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Organisational Leadership.
Read more.
Is This for You?
This webinar is perfect for you if you are:
- Starting or considering a PhD after 35
- Balancing study with work, parenting, or caregiving
- Feeling like an outsider in academic spaces
- Looking for guidance, encouragement, and community
How to Join
Register now to reserve your spot and receive the meeting link:
Register now to reserve your spot.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with others who understand the unique challenges and strengths of doing a PhD later in life.
Come as you are, bring your questions, and leave with strategies, encouragement, and community.
Reserve your place today and take your next step with confidence.
