Dexter’s story
My department has a real emphasis on community, which has made me want to stick around. There’s a very supportive culture.” dexter shepherd
Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence BSc graduate
PhD student, School of Engineering and Informatics
“I’ve wanted to pursue robotics ever since I was a teenager. As a huge fan of Star Wars, I’d often look at the droids and think: ‘I wish I could build my own!’
My friends and I began experimenting with circuit boards made from recycled electronics and started to learn computing. Sussex appeared on my radar when a team from the University offered us coding sessions through their Outreach programme. Funnily enough, now I go into schools to get students interested in what we’re doing, so it feels like I’m closing the loop.
My department has a real emphasis on community, which has made me want to stick around. There’s a very supportive culture. Everyone knows each other and we encourage people to connect through groups like our Data Science Society and Hack Sussex.
I’ve been involved with our Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) programme since my second year, which enables you to access academic support from your fellow students. Our trained mentors can be found in the labs most days, so you can just rock up to a drop-in session and ask for help. It’s a great way to build connections in a low-pressure environment while growing your skills in areas like maths or Java.
When I was an undergraduate, my lecturers suggested I check out the Junior Research Associate (JRA) scheme: an eight-week internship designed to introduce students to postgraduate research. I applied and received a bursary to spend a summer making a 3D-printed robot, which inspired me to pursue my PhD. I’m now researching tactile sensing to understand how robots can adapt their walk to different textures and terrains.
Ultimately, I’d like my research to help robots become more accessible and energy efficient. If my work can help more people to feel inspired by – and become involved in – my field, I’ll feel incredibly fulfilled.”