Inspired by father’s recovery after devastating crash, mum put dreams on hold & graduates with doctorate at 39

Dr Rachel Louise Milliken

A mother who put higher education on hold to raise her son has graduated with a doctorate from Queen’s University Belfast after being inspired by her father’s remarkable return to education following a life-changing motorbike accident.

At 39 years old, Dr Rachel Louise Milliken will graduate with a Doctor of Philosophy from the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s University Belfast, bringing to completion a ten-year educational journey that began with an Access course and culminated in one of academia’s highest achievements.

For Rachel, however, the story behind her graduation is about much more than qualifications and academic success. It is a story of family, resilience, second chances and proving that it is never too late to change the direction of your life.

A father’s determination changed everything

Rachel had placed her own ambitions on hold after becoming a mother at a young age and dedicating herself to raising her son, Jake.

“Becoming a mum at a young age wasn’t easy; it meant putting my dreams on hold,” she said.

“But Jake became my whole world and my best friend. We went through some very tough times together, and he was always there for me.”

Years later, the family’s lives were turned upside down when Rachel’s father, Jim, was seriously injured in a motorbike crash.

Pictured graduating today from Queen's with a PhD in Pharmacy is Dr Rachel Miliken from the North coast. Rachel is pictured with her dad (centre) and Professor Dimitrios Lamprou (right)

The accident left him with a broken back and uncertainty over whether he would ever walk again.

“At surgery they had to insert titanium rods into his spine,” Rachel recalled.

“He eventually recovered, but life as he knew it was gone. He could no longer work, and the depression hit hard.”

Rather than allowing the accident to define the rest of his life, Jim decided to embark on an entirely new chapter.

The graduation day that changed Rachel’s future

Following his recovery, Rachel’s father enrolled on an Access to Higher Education course at Northern Regional College in Coleraine before progressing to university.

He would later graduate from Ulster University with a First-Class Honours degree.

Throughout his studies, he repeatedly encouraged his daughter to follow a similar path.

“He kept telling me to go and do it, that it would be the best thing I ever did, and not to wait any longer,” Rachel said.

At the time, she admits she was content in her job and earning a good income and did not seriously consider returning to education.

Everything changed on the day she watched her father collect his degree.

“Then came his graduation day. I stood there watching him - this man - my daddy, who was 54 surrounded by 21-year-olds, laughing and smiling as he collected his degree and I was overwhelmed with emotion and pride.”

In that moment, Rachel realised she wanted to experience that same sense of achievement herself and wanted her father to feel equally proud of her.

From Access course to doctorate

Determined to pursue the opportunity she had once believed had passed her by, Rachel enrolled on a part-time Access to Higher Education course at South Eastern Regional College in Bangor.

What followed was a decade-long academic journey.

Over ten years she completed an Access course, a BSc in Biomedical Science, an MSc in Industrial Pharmaceutics and, ultimately, a Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy at Queen’s University Belfast.

“In that moment, I knew two things: I wanted that feeling for myself, and I wanted him to feel that same pride for me,” she said.

“So, I applied to SERC Bangor, signed up for a part-time course, and over the next ten years I completed an Access to Higher Education course, a BSc in Biomedical Science, an MSc in Industrial Pharmaceutics, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy at Queen’s.”

Rachel credits the support of university staff and fellow students with helping her navigate the challenges of returning to education as a mature student.

She paid particular tribute to Professor Dimitrios Lamprou, who first taught her during her master’s studies before later becoming her doctoral supervisor.

“He saw something in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself,” she said.

“He pushed me when I felt like I wasn’t good enough, and he gave me opportunities that have shaped who I am in academia today.”

Bridging academia and industry

Rachel is now working as a KTP Associate through the Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme, which supports collaboration between universities and businesses.

Her role sees her working as a formulation scientist with animal healthcare company Provita while continuing to receive academic support through Queen’s University Belfast.

She describes the position as offering “the best of both worlds”, allowing her to combine scientific research with practical industry experience while helping bridge the gap between academia and business innovation.

Rachel said the partnership opportunities created through collaborations involving universities, businesses and Innovate UK are helping create career pathways that would otherwise not exist.

Three generations connected by education

Perhaps fittingly for a family story built around education and opportunity, Rachel’s son Jake is now forging his own path through higher education.

The 20-year-old is currently in his second year at the University of Portsmouth.

“We truly did life together,” Rachel said.

“Now, at 39, being the mum of a 20-year-old feels incredible. We have the most amazing relationship, and he has been my biggest supporter throughout my entire university journey.”

As Jake begins his own future, Rachel believes her own is only beginning.

“Now he is off on his own life adventure at university in Portsmouth, and I feel like my life is only just beginning and so is his.”

A message for anyone who thinks it is too late

Ahead of graduating, Rachel said she hopes her experience encourages others who may believe university is beyond their reach because of age, confidence or circumstance.

She admitted she had once worried she would not fit in as an older student, but found the opposite to be true.

“For the first time in my life, I truly felt like I belonged,” she said.

“I found my people, made incredible friends from all around the world, and created memories I will carry with me forever.”

Looking back on the past decade, Rachel said she could never have imagined where her decision to enrol on an Access course would eventually lead.

Her message to others considering a similar leap is simple.

“I hope that this story reaches even one person who thinks they are too old, not intelligent enough, or too afraid to take a chance on something new,” she said.

“Just go for it — if I can do this, anyone can.”

Rachel’s journey from young mother putting her ambitions on hold to doctoral graduate serves as a powerful reminder that education does not come with an expiry date and that sometimes the most unexpected chapters become the most rewarding.