How to Fight Isolation and Authentically Connect with People During Online Learning

How to Fight Isolation and Authentically Connect with People During Online Learning

In this episode of UOWD On-Air, Dr Diya Ganguly, a British Chartered Psychologist and UOWD’s Student Counsellor, joins Maha Shahzad Qayyum, a Year 2 Psychological Science student and Head Secretary of the Psychology Society at UOWD, to discuss how students can build meaningful relationships and stay emotionally connected during online learning. Why do students still feel disconnected despite constantly being online? How can students build authentic friendships in digital environments? And what small steps can help people feel more connected, supported, and understood during uncertain times? Drawing on psychological research and student experiences, the conversation explores why being connected online doesn’t always lead to real human connection, the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in friendships, and practical ways students can strengthen their emotional well-being and sense of belonging.

How Students Can Stop Procrastinating & Increase Motivation

In this episode of UOWD On-Air, Dr Diya Ganguly, a British Chartered Psychologist and UOWD’s Student Counsellor, joins Maha Shahzad Qayyum, a Year 2 Psychological Science student and Head Secretary of the Psychology Society at UOWD, to discuss the psychology behind procrastination, motivation, and academic pressure.

Empathy, AI & the Future of Marketing

In this episode of UOWD On-Air, Professor Payyazhi Jayashree, Dean of the School of Business, moderates an eye-opening conversation between Jemma Starzecki, SVP of Marketing at Al Ghurair Group, and Dr Rumaila Abbas, Discipline Leader (Marketing) at UOWD. Together, they unpack how leading brands blend empathy with automation and how universities can prepare graduates to do the same.

The Psychology of Job Search Anxiety

In this episode of UOWD On-Air, Prof Feras Hamza, Head of the School of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Health, sits down with Dr Hopolang Matte, Clinical Psychologist at Lighthouse Arabia, and Dr Oliver Bones, Associate Professor of Psychological Science at UOWD, to explore the emotional and psychological weight many students carry during their job hunt. Why does job searching feel so overwhelming for graduates today? Is it just fear of rejection—or something deeper? What makes some students freeze while others push through? And how much of our anxiety is useful? This conversation goes beyond surface-level advice to explore identity, perfectionism, societal pressure, and the emotional toll of transition from student to professional.

Youth, Media & Coexistence: Shaping a More Inclusive Future

In this episode of UOWD On-Air, Prof Feras Hamza, Head of the School of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Health, moderates an insightful discussion on tolerance, coexistence, and the role of youth in shaping a more inclusive world. Featuring insights from Dr. Michael Mallory, Program Director for Media at UOWD, Bakhita Alremeithi, Executive Director of the Manara Center for Tolerance and Coexistence, and Nauren Asif, a UOWD alumna and participant in the Manara Youth Coexistence Initiative, this conversation explores the power of education, media, and activism in fostering social change.