Ahead of her final Development Studies Association Council meeting, we spoke to Sheila Ronoh about her three years as a Student Representative. From helping to grow the DSA student community to championing opportunities for postgraduate researchers, Sheila has seen significant changes during her time on Council. Looking back, she is struck by how much has been achieved. “I think much more has happened than I actually envisioned when I started,” she reflected. When Sheila first joined Council alongside Zechariah Owutuamor, there were relatively few student representatives involved. Together, they worked to define and strengthen the DSA’s student offer. “Making the DSA known within the universities has really improved our engagement,” she said. “When we started off, there were not a lot of student reps, but over the years, this number has grown significantly.”

Sheila has also seen the opportunities available to postgraduate researchers expand. What began with the Masterclass and dissertation prizes has grown to include webinars, writing groups, grants, networking opportunities and student-led activities. One of the most rewarding developments, she says, has been seeing researchers connect from across countries. “What I noticed during such sessions is all the PhDs who are attending are not just from the UK. We have people from around the world… and it’s really a nice networking space.”

Reflecting on the role of student representatives, Sheila emphasises the importance of listening to fellow postgraduate researchers and understanding what matters to them. “Most of the questions would come around, ‘Why should I engage? What’s interesting for me?'” For Sheila, successful engagement comes from acting as a bridge between students and the Association. “When we speak to their needs, when we listen and hear what they want, and the DSA seems to be responding to that, then we get that engagement.”

Asked what makes the DSA stand out among the many academic networks available to researchers, Sheila points to both its interdisciplinary community and its supportive culture. “I found it like a nice warm environment that allowed me the space to just grow.”

She also credits the DSA Masterclass with giving her confidence early in her PhD. “It was the first time I heard of these sessions where you actually get feedback on your work. And it doesn’t have to be perfect. You can bring all of these ideas you have, and someone will help you think through them.” Looking ahead, Sheila hopes the DSA will continue expanding opportunities for postgraduate researchers to receive informal feedback and professional development throughout the year, not just at the conference. “People can share even just short abstracts, and you don’t need to read through so much, but just having this support for students or PhDs who might be struggling.”

Beyond Council, Sheila has embraced opportunities to build her professional network throughout her PhD, something she encourages other early career researchers to do. “A lot of what I have gotten now and I have been able to do has been because of trying to put myself out there.” She says those connections have led to collaborations, workshops and an international fellowship that may never have happened had she focused solely on her research. One lesson that has stayed with her is the value of collaboration. “It’s okay to collaborate with established academics as you learn the ropes,” she said speaking of her own example of collaborating on a publication. “There’s more power when we collaborate.”

For new student representatives, Sheila’s advice is simple: make opportunities visible. Whether through existing student forums, WhatsApp groups or sharing information about upcoming events, she believes regular communication is key.

As she prepares to leave Council, Sheila is proud of what the student community has built together and optimistic about its future. “Looking back, what I envisioned has really grown,” she said. “It surprised me… learning on the way, being willing to adapt, being willing to listen, get feedback. I’m impressed at what the journey has been. And of course, there’s much more lying ahead.”