Snowdon Master's Scholars 2026

Archie's research sits in evolutionary psychiatry, a field that treats pathologised trait clusters, like ADHD, as evolved trade-offs rather than fixed deficits. His MPhil project tests whether explaining ADHD to teachers in these terms improves their attitudes and expectations of pupils with the condition.

The subject is personal: Archie has ADHD and dyslexia, both diagnosed late - dyslexia during his undergraduate degree and ADHD at 22. Understanding these evolutionary trade-off models allowed Archie to go from failing his first two years as an undergrad to graduating 4th in a cohort of 161, scoring 94% on his dissertation.

After graduating, Archie founded Neural Levers, a cognitive performance practice through which he coaches founders and executives, many of them neurodivergent.

Beyond the MPhil, Archie intends to pursue a PhD developing a broader evolutionary model explaining neurodiversity as a whole, and to bring that evidence into the rooms where educational and diagnostic frameworks are written.

Archie is a DFN Snowdon Master's Scholar.

During her undergraduate studies in Art and Philosophy, Carrie worked alongside Dr. Dominic Smith and Dr. Anna Robb in their programme, Localising Philosophy, Democratising Technology, which runs between the Scottish Centre for Continental Philosophy and the School of Education and Social Work at University of Dundee. This project uses on-site workshops to demystify ‘big philosophical questions’ for young people, a pursuit which Carrie plans to continue beyond her studies.

Carrie’s experiences in the humanities and relevant employment have served as a backdrop to her long-term passion and goal of driving systemic change in disability and education policy to improve inclusion and employment outcomes for autistic individuals. She plans to work in policy upon completion of her studies to materialise these goals and believes that philosophy underpins the frameworks necessary to facilitate this systemic change.

Carrie is also a published author in philosophy, musician, and accomplished artist, with work exhibited internationally.

Carrie is a Snowdon Master's Scholar.

Efia is a recent Global Health and Social Medicine graduate who is interested in developing integrated approaches to improve the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). She is specifically passionate about the use of creative research methods and co-production, as a political stance, to ensure that health service improvement is informed by the experiences of patients and communities.

She is a member of Disability Rights UK’s co-production group, and their ‘Get Yourself Active’ Sounding Board to address barriers disabled people experience in accessing physical activity. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she was also a campaign lead for Adjust KCL, King’s College London’s disability justice campaign.

As an undergraduate research fellow, she has presented research internationally: at the International Child & Families Conference, Visual Embodied Methodologies Symposiums, an International Undergraduate Health Research Conference, and in parliament, for all party parliamentary groups. She has also been awarded a Jelf Medal by King’s College London for her contribution to women’s health and disability justice.

At Oxford, Efia hopes to build the skills needed to lead health service improvement projects that strengthen PMDD care pathways and deliver more equitable care across the NHS.

Efia is a Snowdon Master's Scholar.

Julia is a recent Business Management with HRM graduate who is passionate about improving disability inclusion within employment and creating more accessible opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Her interest in this area has developed through a combination of academic study, professional experiences and volunteering with charities supporting disabled young people.

Throughout her journey, Julia has gained insight into challenges disabled individuals can encounter when entering the workforce and progressing within their careers. This has strengthened her commitment to advocating for fairer recruitment practices, effective workplace support and improved career pathways. She is particularly interested in the role HR can play in creating organisational cultures where employees feel valued and supported.

Alongside her studies, Julia has explored innovative approaches to addressing employment inequalities and developing the concept of 'Capable Connections', an employment platform aimed at connecting disabled jobseekers with inclusive employers. Through this initiative, she hopes to encourage accessible recruitment practices and create stronger links between talented individuals and organisations committed to EDI.

Julia's long-term ambition is to become a HR Generalist or Disability Consultant, using her knowledge and experiences to support organisations in developing more inclusive employment strategies. She hopes to continue building her expertise and contribute to a future where disability inclusion is recognised as an essential part of successful workplaces and communities.

Julia is a DFN Snowdon Master's Scholar.

Steph is working within the NHS as a disabled leader and inclusion advocate, with goals to transform how disabilities and neurodivergence are supported and embedded within the NHS workforce. Her long-term ambitions are to drive cultural change, increase disabled representation in leadership, and support organisations to create environments where disabled people can thrive, contribute and belong.

Steph believes strongly in the power of community support for disabled people, and learning from peers with lived experiences. They run a very engaged and passionate network for disabled staff, with a focus on pastoral support and skills development for self-advocacy and empowerment.

She aims to improve inclusive, accessible employment opportunities by developing a framework for implementing reasonable adjustments for healthcare staff that can be replicated in any NHS trust. By creating this foundation for supportive employment, they hope to improve the disability employment gap, and have future goals to engage with NHS transformation work through policy development and political advocacy on a national level.

Steph strongly believes in recognising the value of a diverse, intersectional workforce within the NHS, and that disabled healthcare workers have a vital role to play in shaping a more equitable healthcare system for all.

Steph is a DFN Snowdon Master's Scholar.