LGBTQ+ Staff and Postgraduate Network

Originally from Cambridgeshire, England, I joined the University in 2019 as an undergraduate. After completing my MA (2023) and MRes (2024) degrees in Psychology, I started my PhD in psycholinguistics in 2024. In my research, I look at how we are able to comprehend language as rapidly as we do. I teach undergraduate and postgraduate workshops (specialising in research methods), and I provide drop-in support for L4 students for their honours projects through our popular Peer Assisted Learning scheme.

Within the School of Psychology, I serve as an ECR representative, and I help out with EDI events and initiatives within the School. I’m a part of our School’s Neurodiversity committee, helping to ensure that student voices are heard in relation to neurodiverse matters, and helping guide the teaching of neurodiversity within the Psychology curriculum.

In my free time, I’m an avid reader, and I often spend evenings with my headphones in walking all around Aberdeen. I’m very excited about working with the network, I think it’s amazing we have something like this for staff and postgraduate students, and am looking forward to working with everyone!

Originally from the United States, I joined the University of Aberdeen as a Lecturer in Psychology in 2022. My research explores how insights from psychology and neuroscience can enhance educational practices for diverse populations. I teach both graduate and undergraduate courses in statistics, educational psychology, research methods, and cognitive neuroscience.

I am deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of my work, and as co-chair of the LGBTQ+ Staff and PGT Network, I'm excited to support ongoing efforts to make the University an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone!

"I have been living in Aberdeen since I joined the University as a student in 2016. I now work in The Careers and Employability Service. Day-to-day I help create opportunities for students to develop their skills and gain experience.

I currently hold the role for Policy and Procedures Lead within the LGBTQ+ Staff and PGT Network. I am really passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion and champion the importance of representation. I am Bi/Queer myself, something it took me a while to realise. So far, the network has been a great place to connect with others, learn more about myself and hear other people's experiences. It is so important to me that the University is a place that values these kinds of connections and works to make meaningful change within and out with the organisation."

I first joined the University as a student and became a member of staff after graduating in 2018. I later left Aberdeen for sunnier climes but life brought me back here a couple of years ago and I returned to the university at the end of last year. I work in the International Team as the International Officer for Europe, UK International, and Central Asia so I usually get out and about quite a lot!

In keeping with my job theme, I've spent a lot of my life living in various countries so I tend to describe myself as Scottish by way of a lot of other places. Naturally I'm a bit of a wanderer so when I'm not travelling for work I like to spend time plotting my next adventure abroad or on more domestic adventures with my dog. I'm a big fan of good food so I'm always interested in trying out new places to eat or searching for recipe inspiration. I occasionally like a dip in the North Sea too, but will admit I haven't braved this in winter yet.

I'm brand new to the LGBTQ+ Network, I was lured to the AGM with the promise of free breakfast and before I knew it I'd joined the committee! I'm excited to join the network and get involved.

“Aberdonian born and bred, I have been working at The University of Aberdeen in the School of Education since 2008.

The Events Lead role and being involved with the LGTBQ+ Staff and Postgraduate Network is something new for me, so I not sure what to expect, if the impact is positive that can only be good.”

“Originally from Canada, I have lived and worked in the UK for 38 years. I was a professional Stage Manager in the West End (London) for 16 years, after completing my training at RADA.

I started working at the University in 2015 at the Taylor Library. I'm now based in the Sir Duncan Rice Library where my special areas of interest include Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Accessibility, Outreach and how we communicate with each other. I am an Elephant Rider, on a mission to change the workplace culture: re-humanise the people we are and the places we work.

I love meeting people and sharing different perspectives. Storytelling is such a powerful way to communicate. Working in an academic library is so rewarding because I get to meet people from all over the world. Different cultures, different views, different goals. This is my community.”

Originally from Yorkshire, Ian is an alumnus of the University's School of Natural & Computing Sciences. He re-joined as a member of staff in 2008 working as a Software Developer building Virtual Learning Environments for the healthcare programmes. He is currently Assistant Director (Applications Management) within the Directorate of Digital & Information Services where he leads a busy section of the directorate, with a portfolio of over 150 applications of varying vintages, balancing the needs to keep business operations going, modernise technology platforms, deliver rapid solutions to meet urgent customer needs and balance the budgets!

Ian has a strong interest in Wellbeing and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and leveraging technology and management techniques to make the workplace a better environment for all. In 2019-2020, he was co-convenor for the Inclusive strand of the Aberdeen 2040 Strategy, helping to ensuring the long-term institutional strategy considered how to continue and advance equality, diversity and inclusion themes in the coming years. He also holds the roles of Mental Health Champion (for Digital & Information Services), Mental Health First Aider and is the lead/data contact for the Directorate of Digital & Information Services submission to the Tech Talent Charter.

Ian has been involved in the network since it first formed, holding the post of Co-chair until 2023 where he made the decision to step down due to work commitments. With all his expertise Ian continues to support the Network as a Special Advisor.

“For me being part of the network helps me to be a visible role model, something which I wish I had seen more of growing up. Throughout my life I have seen significant advancement of LGBT+ rights, however sadly there is still quite a lot of prejudice faced by many in the community and through my role with the network I hope to make the University an inclusive and welcoming space for the diverse range of people within the whole community.”

Originally from the Highlands, I've been at the University for about 10 years. My day job is running the University's Toolkit, and currently I hold the role of Non-Binary Representative for the Network.

I identify as non-binary, or 'enby'. Non-binary is an umbrella term to describe someone who doesn't exclusively identify as male or female, and may identify as separate third gender, identify with more than one gender, no gender, or have a fluctuating gender identity.

I've found being part of the Network really rewarding; from helping to implement and design the University's rainbow lanyards, to affecting real change in University policies and representing the community at Aberdeen Pride, the last few years have been interesting and challenging… here's to many more!

I'm originally from Aberdeen, but moved away for uni only to return 15 years later. I studied Modern Languages and International Business at the University of Strathclyde, and spent time in France and Germany as part of my degree - and relive those exchange student days vicariously in my current role.

As a bi/queer woman (and mother) in a relationship with a man, it is easy for people to jump to the conclusion that I'm straight (and married) - when I'm neither of those things. Being part of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network has helped me to be more open with colleagues about who I am. Having visible role models who were openly bi would have meant the world to me growing up (bi invisibility/erasure is real!), so I hope that I can provide that visibility to help others know that they're not alone.

Nick is an alumnus of the University's School of Law and qualified as a Solicitor in 2011, working in corporate Pensions and Employment. He re-joined the University as a staff member in 2013, leading on the development of the institution's immigration compliance processes across the student population. Since 2018, Nick has headed our Student Support Services and, in Autumn 2019, was appointed as acting Deputy Director of People. Nick co-chairs the Universities Gender Based Violence Working Group. Externally, Nick is a member of the Law Society of Scotland and is the institutional lead member of AMOSSHE Scotland.

"As Head of Student Support, I get to help our students through the entirety of the University career, from registering to Graduating, which is really rewarding - if not sometimes challenging along the way! Ultimately I am passionate about improving things for our students and the staff that support them - be that making processes easier and more clear; communications easier to read; or policy more accessible."

“Although never studying at the University of Aberdeen, I have been a member of Staff for just over two years, originating in the Enquiry Team. I have recently moved to Registry as a Curriculum Administrator. Since joining the University, I also joined the LGBT+ staff network for the social and support aspect.

I am originally from Fife but have lived all over from England to Shetland and even Wales! Aberdeen has been home for many years now and I met my wife here too. I am an avid gamer and stream from time to time but also love travelling when I can. I have previous experience with working in the LGBT+ community; I was the LGBT rep for Aberdeen City Council. I was also part of the National Youth Council and for a brief time, on the Grampian Pride committee.”