PhD Student: Shihan Liu

Shihan Liu

MASc Data Visualisation, 2025

Based in:

London

Formerly from:

China

PhD Student at King’s College London.

Describe your current role and what attracted you to it.

I am pursuing a PhD in Digital Humanities, where I use computational methods to analyse a large archive of advertising videos. What attracted me most to this role is the opportunity to combine technology and cultural research, to understand how media and data shape the way we see and represent the world.

What are the key skills you learnt at Warwick that have helped you with your career to date?

Studying at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies (CIM) was transformative. It taught me how to connect technical skills with cultural theory, and how computation can be used not just as a tool, but as a way of thinking about society and meaning. My experience there didn’t turn me into a purely theoretical scholar or a technical specialist, but into someone who can move confidently between both worlds. I’m deeply grateful to CIM for shaping me into an interdisciplinary researcher who can combine critical thinking with practical, computational methods.

What was your first job?

My first job was as a data analyst in a consulting firm in China, where I learned how data could both clarify and distort social realities. That experience inspired me to re-enter academia, seeking ways to connect data-driven practice with critical reflection.

Did you have a specific career path in mind when you chose to study at Warwick?

When I joined Warwick, I aimed to explore how data could be used to understand complex social phenomena. I didn’t have a fixed career path, but I was certain that I wanted to pursue academic research that integrates technology and social understanding. The interdisciplinary environment at CIM gave me the intellectual freedom and methodological tools to shape that vision.

What top tips do you have for Warwick graduates who would like to work in your sector?

The academic path can be challenging, and I’ve experienced my share of rejections and uncertainty while applying for PhD positions and scholarships. During that time, my Warwick supervisor encouraged me to stay positive and keep working towards my goals, reminding me that it often takes several attempts to find the right opportunity. That encouragement stayed with me. So, my advice is to be patient, persistent, and kind to yourself. Every setback can also be a step forward, helping you refine your ideas and understand where you truly belong. Progress in academia often comes gradually, through resilience and genuine curiosity.