Meet the team

• Patrick Ashby, Doctoral Research Partnerships Officer
  I work with external partners to support strategic collaborations for doctoral research and facilitate the development of new funding opportunities for Bristol PGRs. My work brings me into contact with government bodies and overseas institutions, global corporations, and local SMEs. I have close connections with Bristol’s PGR community. My connection with the University of Bristol goes back to 2007, when I enrolled for MA study in the Department of English. My doctoral research (also at Bristol) was on Shakespeare’s history plays.
• Emily Bartlett, Postgraduate Research Development Officer
  I lead on the Personal and Professional Development programme for Postgraduate Researchers. I am passionate about creating accessible, equitable opportunities for PGRs to thrive and work towards their ambitions - whatever form these may take! Before joining the University of Bristol I worked as a Postdoctoral researcher at the University of Kent. I also have experience as Lecturer at Queen Mary, University of London, and Knowledge Exchange Officer at CHASE Doctoral Training Partnership. I completed a PhD in history in 2019, focusing on disability, charity and material culture in 20th century Britain.
• Laura Etheridge, Communications and Engagement Officer
  I lead on the communications and engagement activities for the Bristol Doctoral College by delivering an effective communications and engagement strategy. working to grow, develop and support our thriving community of postgraduate research students across all research degree programmes at the University of Bristol. I've worked at the University for the last 10 years in various marketing, comms and events-based roles, subsequent to studying for my Masters here in Film and Television.
• Alice Ferns, Postgraduate Research Strategy Manager
  I work with the Head of the Bristol Doctoral College (BDC) to develop, oversee and implement the Postgraduate Research Strategy for the University. This includes a focus on improving equality, diversity, inclusion, data and research environment for our PGR community. Prior to this is, I worked as the Communications and Engagement Officer within the BDC. I have a background in communications and marketing within higher education as well as freelance copywriting and editing.
• Ashleigh Guest, PGR Hub Assistant
  I'm the PGR hub assistant, helping to keep things running in the PGR Hub. I'm a third year PhD student in the law school, and my research focuses on transnational child sexual exploitation and criminal law. When I'm not working or researching, I'm usually training Muay Thai or playing football.
• Kevin Higgins, Global Bristol PhD Programme Manager
  I lead the Doctoral College’s work on enhancing the experiences of postgraduate research students through PhD partnerships with overseas universities and public & private sector organisations. Before joining the team, I worked on industrial development projects with ICI, on client-funded projects and research partnerships with the British Council in Asia & Africa, and with University of Wales Trinity Saint David on international student recruitment and study visa initiatives.
• Lumina Kemp, PG Researcher Development Adviser
  I provide administrative and logistical support for the Personal and Professional Development (PPD) Programme for PGRs. Before joining the BDC team, I worked in the Research Culture Team in UoB's Division of Research, Enterprise and Innovation (DREI). I studied Anthropology at Ohio State University and completed an MA in History at the University of Bristol in 2023.
• Laura Maclean, Project Coordinator
  I provide administrative and operational support for various projects across the BDC, working on some PGR student-facing projects, and other areas including committee support, data management admin and supporting the team more generally. Before joining the BDC I worked for seven years in the School of Humanities, working with academic colleagues and the School management. I studied French and Spanish and have a Masters in translation.
• Lucy Parnall, Head of the Bristol Doctoral College
  I am Head of the Bristol Doctoral College, as well as being responsible for the development of a University Postgraduate Research Strategy and delivering key strategic projects in close collaboration with others across the University. Prior to this I worked in Research Development at the University of Bristol and spent 12 years working at the UK Research Councils (AHRC and NERC) on PGR policy, Strategic Programmes and European Partnership projects.
• Mar Ruiz Molina, Doctoral Opportunities Officer
  I mostly focus on Student Experience and Data but will also work on specific projects outside these areas when needed. My aim is to maximise opportunities for current and prospective PGRs in order to enhance and retain cohorts within the PGR community in Bristol. I bring extensive experience to the team in the field of HE Administration, having spent two decades working for the University. I hold a BA (Hons) in Modern Languages and European studies.
• Anna Sfakianakis, Project Coordinator
  I am working on a project which supports the enhancement of the University’s training offer under the theme of research professionalism. Prior to joining the BDC, I worked in the private sector aligning undergraduates and graduates to career pathways, coordinating training and business needs. I have worked in a variety of roles in the education sector and taught English abroad. I have an MA in Theatre Management and have also enjoyed working in the creative industries.
• Pippa Sloan, BDC Communications and Engagement Coordinator
  I help to support the communications and engagement activities for the Bristol Doctoral College, helping to organize engagement events and ensure effective communication with the PGR community. I graduated from the University of Bristol with a BA in Classical Studies and have worked within the CAME School of Engineering since 2021, providing administrative support to academic colleagues and students.
• Paul Spencer, PGR Environment Development Manager
  My role is to oversee the continued improvement and evolution of the Bristol Doctoral College support for all postgraduate researchers in enhancing the quality of their experience. I am excited about the opportunity to build PGR communities both physical and virtual. Before joining Bristol, I spent 13 years leading researcher development at UWE. My doctoral research was oral microbiology, particularly tongue biofilms and oral malodour.
• Emily Wride, PhD Scholarship Coordinator, Bristol Doctoral College
  My role is to co-ordinate the administration for PhD partnerships, Postgraduate Research scholarships, and associated projects in the Bristol Doctoral College. Before joining the BDC, I worked both as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Music, and as an Administrator in the School of Arts. In 2023, I completed my own PhD in Medieval Music at the University of Bristol, specialising in chant, manuscript studies, and notation.