Your PGR Reps | Postgraduate Research School

Your PGR Reps

School of Biological Sciences

Hello, my name is Victoria!

Originally from Essex, I've come to Aberdeen for my PhD to study eco-evolutionary genomics relating to the conservation of Scottish freshwater pearl mussels.

I have also studied in Southampton, Gothenburg, and Longyearbyen, Svalbard. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time walking my dog Ziggy in the fantastic landscapes Aberdeenshire has to offer.

I am neurodivergent and a first-gen researcher. As a result, I am passionate about creating an accessible and inclusive environment for every community here in Aberdeen!

If you have comments, need help or just want a chat feel free to contact me at v.gilllman.21@abdn.ac.uk or on Teams!

School of Business

My name is Amaka Akinteye, I am proudly Nigerian and a first year PhD student in Finance. My research is focused on FinTech development and the survival of retail banking. This means I spend most of my time learning how these two variables interact, and improving my personal, academic, and professional skills. For me, the journey so far has been incredible because I have ‘the best supervisory team’ and a whole lot of amazing staff at the Business School!

I have an MSc in finance and investment from Sheffield Hallam University UK, obtained a BSc in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University, UK. I am a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), UK. Prior to commencing my PhD, I have gained over fifteen years work experience in academia and corporate environment.

My picture shows 50% of my PhD life, while for the other half, I work part-time as a business school administrative assistant, spend time as an ambassador of Jesus Christ, write poems and manage my own blog www.amakakinteye.org. I enjoy gospel music, swimming, playing lawn tennis, cycling, and cooking.

I am happy to be contacted for any PGR enquiries, questions on how to make your PhD journey an exciting and rewarding one, my research or just want to chat, feel free to contact me via email- u.akinteye.22@abdn.ac.uk

School of Divinity, History, Philosophy & Art History

My name is Michael Ray Taylor and I am a PGR student in History studying liberal Jacobitism and its influence on the American colonies. I received a BA and MDiv from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I am a grateful recipient of the Beattie Scholarship and perform administrative work for AUP, RIISS, and several other departments of the University, alongside my studies. For more information, please see my University profile

I am a Texan with a beautiful and servant-hearted wife of eight years, and two gorgeous children. I love Jesus, Risk, Jesus, folk music, Jesus, and fishing.... oh, and Jesus. If there is any way I can serve you, as your representative, please do not hesitate to reach out at r01mt21@abdn.ac.uk.

School of Divinity, History, Philosophy & Art History (Distance)

My name is Matt Meyer and I am serving as the distance representative for DHPA. I have been a part-time and distance student at Aberdeen since 2020. I am a PhD student in Divinity studying emotion and power in Paul’s letter to the Philippians. I am originally from California but now live in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina with my family where we run a cross-cultural exchange program. I am honored to serve as a rep and you are welcome to contact me at m.meyer.20@abdn.ac.uk.

School of Education

My name is Tomisin Fadamoro, I am from Nigeria and a second year PhD student at the School of Education. I have a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and dual master’s degrees—one in Microbiology and the other in Educational Evaluation. My academic journey reflects my commitment to both the scientific exploration of Microbiology and the enhancement of educational methodologies.

Currently, my research focuses on the integration of blended learning into the STEM curriculum in Nigeria. I am deeply passionate about advancing STEM education in my home country, aiming to contribute to innovative and effective teaching methods that can empower the next generation of Nigerian scientists and thinkers.

When not immersed in research and educational endeavors, I enjoy listening to music, baking and hanging out with friends. Kindly contact me on t.fadamoro.22@abdn.ac.uk if you have any questions or want to raise an issue or just have a chat.

School of Engineering

Hi there. I am Mohsen Lalehparvar, the PGR rep for the School of Engineering.

As a BSc. in Naval Architecture and MSc. in Aerospace Engineering, I am now ready to change the world! Well, no, but to understand it more. Hence, I have decided to continue my studies in Nonlinear Dynamics. A vast ocean of concepts ranging from the initial laws dictating the scientific genesis from a singularity point in Big Bang to Lady fern formation, which seems to be chaotic in essence. Still, the outcome is nothing but beautiful harmonies.

I have chosen UoA because of the supervisory team. After coming here, Aberdeen has become my favourite, and this city has even changed my passions. When not working, you may find me on the bike (or bike on me), cycling or hiking. Recently, you may also find me upside down in the sea trying to stand on my surfboard!

Trying to help others have peace of mind in their lives and a smile on their face is like a mission - as it was to whom helped me. While getting the chance to have closer interactions with people from different cultures and backgrounds, helping my peers provides me with different perspectives and the chance to get to know each other more.

Engineering PGRs are more than welcome to join our Team to share ideas and discuss problems.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any queries: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/engineering/people/profiles/m.lalehparvar.20

School of Geosciences

Hi! I’m Lucy, PGR rep for the School of Geosciences. I am also a PGR rep on the School’s EDI committee.

I’m a third year archaeology PhD student using biomolecular and geochemical analyses to reconstruct the lives of individuals from prehistoric Scotland. Outside of my research I am most often found sewing, playing D&D, or curled up on the sofa with my cat Smokey and a good book. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions/feedback, or if you just want a chat!

Email: l.koster.21@abdn.ac.uk

School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture

Hello! My name is Abigail Kovaleski, and I am from South Dakota, USA and I am currently a Doctoral student in the school of Literature at the University of Aberdeen. My studies center on three main topics: Literature, Divinity and Ecology and I am very excited to be pursuing my passion and love for American author Mary Oliver and the center at which all my interests intersect!

After completing my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of Sioux Falls in 2020 I moved to the lovely city of Aberdeen and completed my MLitt at the University of Aberdeen in 2021.

Outside of academia I love spending my time out in nature, with friends, learning about specialty coffee, and creative writing.

I am happy to be reached for any questions or concerns regarding your PGR experience at Aberdeen at a.kovaleski.23@abdn.ac.uk

School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition

Hello! My name is Lauren Charter – I’ve made my way to Aberdeen from California and am a first year PhD student in the School of Medicine. My research area is Medical Education, focusing on medical students’ experiences and teaching whilst on placement in rural, remote, and island communities. I have a special interest in the lived experience of doctors and medical students, improving medical curriculum, and increasing access to healthcare for rural and remote populations.

I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley in 2019 before heading over to Scotland. I then pursued a MSc in International Development and MLitt in Management, before working in London for a couple years.

I love nearly any activity that’s outside – running, walking, wild swimming, and spend my time cooking, listening to music, and with friends.

If you have any questions or concerns about your PGR experience or just want a chat, please don’t hesitate to send me a message at l.charter.23@abdn.ac.uk.

School of Natural and Computing Sciences

Hello to everyone in the School of Natural and Computing Sciences! My name is Baylee, and I am the new PGR student representative. Originally from Colorado, USA, I’ve come to Aberdeen to study algebraic/differential topology.

As a woman in maths and a first generation university graduate/researcher, I am passionate about creating an accessible and inclusive environment for everyone in the broader STEM community.

If you have any comments/concerns, need help, or just want to chat, feel free to contact me at b.schutte.21@abdn.ac.uk.

School of Psychology

Hi! I’m Sanni, the PGR rep for the School of Psychology. I completed my BSc in Psychology in Aberdeen in 2019 and am now studying for a PhD, investigating how multisensory stimulation interacts with visual awareness. In my free time I relax by knitting (a fitting hobby for someone as perpetually cold as I am!), and I enjoy hiking and spending time in the nature, particularly when the rain isn’t pouring down. If you’d like to chat about anything, please contact me at s.ahonen.21@abdn.ac.uk.

Race Equality Strategy Group Representative

My name is Karendeep and I am the PGR rep for the new Race Equalities Strategy Group (RESG). The main purpose of the group is to support the implementation of the Aberdeen 2040 Inclusive commitments and to act as the Self-Assessment Team for the Race Equality Charter. This has a range of roles, including creating a culture that is anti-racist, and supporting the university to tackle systemic inequalities.

This wouldn't be possible without student input; therefore I'd really like to hear any comments, concerns or just thoughts and ideas in general regarding racial equality at Aberdeen University. Contact me either through email or through chat via teams.

If you have any questions, please let me know otherwise I eagerly await your responses! r01ks20@abdn.ac.uk