Meet the team

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Sarah Watts, PG Researcher Development Adviser (currently on secondment)
  I provide administrative and logistical support for the Personal and Professional Development (PPD) programme for PGRs. I can also be contacted regarding activities relating to doctoral teachers. I have worked at the University of Bristol since 2014, teaching in the Film and Television Department and acting as a Quality Support Officer in Education Services. I hold a research degree in the area of film studies.
• 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• Ania Fomicz, PhD Scholarship Coordinator
  I provide professional project coordination and administrative support for The Bristol Doctoral College (BDC), with a focus on partnerships and Postgraduate Research scholarship management. I have been working at the University of Bristol since 2017, mainly supporting Undergraduate Student Administration Offices. I have a solid career background in large local government organisations, where I contributed to the implementation of strategic and operational objectives of Social Strategy of Warsaw and co-created Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Council's Division. I hold degrees in Social Work and Rehabilitation and have a postgraduate diploma in Management in Public Administration.
• Ellie Best, Events Coordinator
  My role is to support the PGR team. I provide administrative and logistical support for the Personal and Professional Development (PPD) programme and the wider environment team. Before joining BCD, I spent 11 years working in both primary and secondary education as a teacher and Head of English for KS1&2. I hold BA (Hons) in European Literature and a Post Graduate Certificate of Education in English.
• 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.
• Maxine Sims, PGR Development Officer
  I am leading on the Personal and Professional Development programme for PGRs. I am passionate about helping research students maximise their time at Bristol and prepare for their next steps. I have joined the BDC from the Careers Service. For the past 6 years I have led the University’s employability Award, Bristol PLUS which helps students get to where they want to be when they graduate through developmental activities and personal reflection.
• 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.
• Gözde Burger, PGR Hub Assistant
  My role is to provide administrative and performance monitoring support for the operation of the PGR Hub. I contribute to the operation of the PGR Hub, managing the calendar of events, dealing with booking requests, liaising with the other student services in Senate House and assisting with the preparations for the delivery of personal and professional development. I have a degree in Social Work and am currently finalising my PhD in the School for Policy Studies.