Our Minds Scholarship 2025: Meet the Cohort

How does the mind work? Why do we think the way we do? What do we think about? And what outcomes does this thinking lead to? In summer 2025, each of the Our Minds scholars will carry out imaginative, cross-disciplinary research projects that explore how we think - past, present, and future – while also developing creative public engagement activities to share their findings.

Our Minds Scholarships 2025: Meet the cohort

Water Conwell is studying MSc Narrative Futures: Art, Data, Society at the Edinburgh Futures Institute. Water Conwell's proposed documentary film blends personal narrative, observational filmmaking, and biomedical research, including epigenetics and neuroscience, to explore how historical trauma is passed down through generations in Black American families.

Ellie Horne is a 4th-year Anatomy and Development Student at Edinburgh Medical School. Ellie Horne’s project aims to build on the existing “Art of the Brain” workshop run by the ATLAS Facility, which allows members of the public to engage in anatomy education in a relaxed and creative environment.

Arman Prangere is a 3rd Year Exchange student at College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Arman Prangere's project explores the question: Is childhood harshness associated with political opinion about immigration?

Ruth Gailey is a 3rd year PhD Candidate: School of Health in Social Science. Ruth Gailey's project explores profound connections between carers and non-speaking autistic people.

Dora Zoi is a 3rd Year BA (Hons) Sculpture at Edinburgh College of Art. Dora's project explores MRI brain scans as shifting, time-based portraits of the mind.

Lex Shackley is 4th Year student studying MA Philosophy and Psychology at School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences. Lex Shackley's project explores the importance of feeling understood, cared for, and validated by our close others.

Jess Mitchell is a 2nd Year Biomedical Sciences student at Edinburgh Medical School. Jess Mitchell's project is a creative project in Minecraft called the "Prison of Mind" - a symbolic build designed to explore and represent mental health issues in a relatable, comforting way.

Dominika Švecová is a 1st Year PhD in Practice Design student at Edinburgh College of Art. Dominika Švecová's project explores stage fright through immersive virtual reality..

Chuyi Wang is studying MSc Psychology of Language at School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences. What happens when you think in two (or more) languages and experience the world a little differently? Chuyi Wang's project brings these invisible inner worlds to life using eye-tracking, storytelling, and interactive art.