Diren

What's a brief synopsis of your research project?

My research explores the relationship between birdsong and music, focusing particularly on the structure, or ‘syntax’, of Bengalese finch songs. I am interested in understanding how these birds organise their singing, how certain patterns recur, and how predictable or flexible their vocal sequences are. An important part of my research is looking not only at the sounds themselves but also at the silences between them, exploring how both contribute to the overall organisation of their songs.

Why did you choose to study at Surrey for your PhD?

Having been at the University of Surrey since my undergraduate studies, it has gradually become a second home to me. By the time I was considering pursuing a PhD, I already knew that Surrey was where I wanted to continue my academic journey. Throughout my time here, everyone - from academic staff to administrative and support teams - has been incredibly understanding, supportive and encouraging. Even during the most stressful and overwhelming moments of my studies, I have always felt that there were people I could turn to for guidance and reassurance. This genuine sense of belonging and the positive experiences I have had over the years made my decision to stay at Surrey for my PhD feel like a very natural one.

Why are you passionate about your area of research?

I have always been fascinated by how different areas of study connect with one another, and how exploring something from a different perspective can open up entirely new ways of understanding it. In particular, I have always loved the idea of exploring the place of music in the natural world and, in turn, in our own lives. My research allows me to bring these interests together through the study of birdsong. Although birdsong is a relatively niche research area, a great deal of fascinating research has already been carried out across different disciplines. However, I have often found that music tends to play a secondary role in these investigations. 

As a music researcher, I wanted to place the question of musicality at the heart of the investigation, exploring what a musical perspective might contribute to our understanding of birdsong and, in turn, what birdsong might reveal about the nature of music itself. 

For me, the most exciting part is not simply identifying similarities and differences between birdsong and human music, but discovering what we might learn by bringing these two worlds together.

Have you had opportunities to collaborate with others during your PhD?

Although much of my PhD research so far has involved independent work, I have had some wonderful opportunities to engage with other researchers through workshops and academic discussions. These experiences have allowed me to share my own research, learn about the fascinating work being carried out by others, and exchange ideas with people from different academic backgrounds. I think one of the most valuable aspects of these opportunities is being able to step outside my own research and see how differently others approach their questions, which often gives me new perspectives on my own work. While I have not yet been involved in a formal research collaboration, I would certainly welcome the opportunity as my PhD progresses!

What support have you had?

Since starting my PhD, I have received consistent support from my supervisors and the Doctoral College. 

My supervisors have provided valuable guidance and constructive feedback while giving me the freedom and encouragement to explore my own ideas and develop as an independent researcher.

What do you plan to do once you've finished your PhD?

I would love to continue exploring my area of research beyond my PhD. Ideally, I hope to pursue a career in academia, where I can continue conducting research and developing new ideas. There are still many questions I would like to explore, and I hope to have the opportunity to pursue them through future research projects. I would also like to combine research with teaching, as I believe that growing fields such as zoomusicology and ecomusicology deserve greater attention and a stronger presence in academic teaching and discussion!