BU Research Blog

The Doctoral College works closely with Faculties to provide a thriving and active postgraduate research environment and community. The Doctoral College has three key areas of responsibility: improving the PGR student experience, growing PGR numbers and enhancing research degree quality assurance.

The two Heads of the Doctoral College manage the Doctoral College structure and staff, which includes four Doctoral Schools and a Doctoral Office. The Deputy Deans of Research and Professional Practice (DDRPPs) provide the academic lead for each Doctoral School. The structure ensures a common support framework is in place for all PGRs from enrolment to completion.

Dr Fiona Knight

Head of the Doctoral College
(Lead for FHSS and FST)

fknight@bournemouth.ac.uk

I am the Head of the Doctoral College, taking the lead for FHSS, and FST. Working with Julia, and in consultation with the Deputy Deans for Research and Professional Practice, we have responsibility for overseeing the development and enhancement of research degree Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures and for ensuring Faculties are provided with expert information and robust, quality based, protocols and processes. We also work closely with our Doctoral College team to implement various activities which contribute to an inclusive PGR community and a vibrant student experience.

I have a BSc in Geology (University of Gloucester), an MSc in Mining Geology (Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter), and a PhD from Cardiff University in Mineralogy & Geochemistry. I previously worked at Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and have also worked for various petroleum companies (including BP). I joined BU in 2003 to establish the Graduate School but have also spent time working in the Research & Knowledge Exchange Office.

Dr Julia Taylor

Head of the Doctoral College
(Lead for BUBS and FMC)

jetaylor@bournemouth.ac.uk

I am the Head of the Doctoral College, with lead for FMC and BUBS. Working with Fiona and in consultation with the Deputy Deans for Research and Professional Practice, we have responsibility for overseeing the development and enhancement of research degree Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures and for ensuring Faculties are provided with expert information and robust, quality based, protocols and processes. We also work closely with our Doctoral College team to implement various activities which contribute to an inclusive PGR community and a vibrant student experience.

I have a BA in English and Related Literature (University of York), an MA in Bibliography, Publishing and Textual Studies (University of Leeds), and a PhD from Bournemouth University in Media History. The fact that I was previously a PGR at BU’s Faculty of Media & Communication has given me a particularly useful insight into this role.

Louise Bryant

Doctoral College Administration Manager

lbryant@bournemouth.ac.uk

Previously I have been part of the Administration team in Organisational and Staff Development. I have worked at Bournemouth University for 7 years. Outside of work, I am a Mum to 2 children and 2 cats, and love binge watching Netflix box sets.

Enrica Conrotto

Doctoral College Programme Manager

econrotto@bournemouth.ac.uk

I’ve been working for few years in the Doctoral College of Bournemouth University, covering different roles. I’m now the Doctoral College Programme Manager and I am focused on the development and enhancement of policies and initiatives which underpin postgraduate researcher development, support and engagement.

Before joining the Doctoral College Team, I spent 15 years at the Research Department of Politecnico di Torino (Italy). I have a Master degree in Economics and several years of experience in EU project management.

Outside of work, I am a mum of two children and I love cooking and reading.

Arabella Moyse

Doctoral College Marketing and Events Coordinator

amoyse@bournemouth.ac.uk

As the Doctoral College Marketing & Events Coordinator, I provide administrative and operational support for the Doctoral College Programme Manager and undertake marketing and promotional activity to raise the profile of the Doctoral College and PGRs.

I have a BSc (Hons) in Psychology (University of Sussex) and, before joining the Doctoral College team, I worked in various roles with the NHS, before moving to BU to work as a member of SportBU.

Outside BU, I enjoy sports and activities including badminton, table tennis, dance classes, board games and live music.

Denise George

Admissions and Awards Team Leader

dgeorge@bournemouth.ac.uk

I am the Admissions and Awards Team Leader and have worked in the Doctoral College for many years. I am an experienced Postgraduate Research Administrator, having held this position in both the Faculty of Science and Technology and the Bournemouth University Business School. I have worked at BU since 2002, and prior to this worked in the Finance Industry for 20 years.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my recently retired husband, cooking, walking and gardening. I also enjoy travelling in the UK and visiting National Trust properties and Gardens.

Ozlem Shepard

Research Administrator in Doctoral College - Admissions and Awards (FMC & BUBS)

oshepard@bournemouth.ac.uk

I am a Postgraduate Research Administrator in Doctoral College – Admissions and Awards, assisting and providing admin support with application process for Faculty of Media and Communication and Bournemouth University Business School.

I have BSc (Hons) in Tourism and Hospitality Management (Eastern Mediterranean University Cyprus). I worked in the tourism industry for many years before I joined Bournemouth University over 7 years ago. I am passionate about travel and cultures. Outside of work, I love socialising and trying new restaurants and food. I love baking and reading. I try to use all my holidays to travel to new destinations.

Adriana Manova

Research Administrator in Doctoral College - Admissions and Awards (FST & FHSS)

Pronouns: she/her

amanova@bournemouth.ac.uk

My job role as a postgraduate research administrator requires providing support to postgraduate research students. I use my transferable skills from my previous roles as a research assistant, and the experiences I have had in the health care sector. They include dealing with situations in a professional but empathetic manner.

My background studies include BSc (Hons) in Nutrition and MSc in Nutrition and Behaviour from BU. I am also a Registered Associate Nutritionist (ANutr) with the Association for Nutrition and have strong interests within the field. I keep up my registration with continuing professional development.

Outside work, I enjoy walks by the beach (we are very lucky), meeting friends, dancing and listening to house and chilled music. I have a small family and cooking for them is another hobby of mine. And like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, I like washing the dishes in the evening at home.

Naomi Bailey

PGR Administrator
(FST)

nbailey@bournemouth.ac.uk
(01202) 961691

I am a Postgraduate Research Administrator within the Doctoral School for the Faculty of Science & Technology. My role is to assist the management of Postgraduate Researchers in the Department of Computing & Informatics and the Department Design & Engineering. I have worked in the same role since I joined Bournemouth University in 2008. Before BU I worked at the Bournemouth and Poole College in the Admissions Team and then Advice and Guidance Team.

I have a BSc in Environmental Science and a PGDip in Applied Marine Science (both from the University of Plymouth). Outside of the office I am a member of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the British Butterfly Conservation Society. I enjoy bird and butterfly watching, wildflowers, walking, crafting. I also enjoy overseas travel, recent visits include Amsterdam, Paris, Salzburg, Istanbul, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Delhi and Agra.

Tina Ikin

PGR Administrator
(FHSS)

tkerseyikin@bournemouth.ac.uk
(01202) 962771

I am a Postgraduate Research Administrator in the Faculty of Health & Social Sciences. Initially I joined the BU International Admissions Team in January 2018, and then FHSS in August 2019 supporting postgraduate researchers during their doctoral journey.

On leaving school, I attended Westminster College in London and qualified as a chef, specialising in pastry. I worked as chef/manager at various restaurants within the Whitehall British government buildings. The highlight of this was being presented to the Queen. My passion was always to work within the travel industry, and I spent the next 14 years managing UK and European airport operations for an airline. I then swapped my wings for sea legs, where I worked for the cruise industry, based in Palma Mallorca for 9 years. Prior to joining BU, I spent 3 years living in the Middle East, in Muscat Oman. I really enjoy living in other countries and absorbing the rich cultures and ways of life.

Outside of work my biggest passions are travel, motor boating, sailing, music and more recently travelling with my husband Steve in our new motorhome, ‘Eva’. I also have 10 wonderful grandchildren who I love to spend time with.

Cansu Kurt Green

PGR Administrator
(FMC)

ckurtgreen@bournemouth.ac.uk
(01202) 962469

I am a Postgraduate Research Administrator for the Faculty of Media & Communication, my role is to assist the management of the postgraduate researchers throughout their studies.

I have a BA in Anthropology and have completed a MSc in Forensic Osteology here in BU.

Outside of the office, I am probably either reading with two cats cuddled up on my lap or travelling if I am not binge watching Judge Judy. I am a big fan of boxing and crime TV series.

Zoe Leonard

PGR Administrator (FMC)

zleonard@bournemouth.ac.uk

I am a Postgraduate Research Administrator for the Business School (BUBS), my role is to assist in the management and support of the postgraduate researchers throughout their studies. Prior to joining the Doctoral College I spent 9 years in the Faulty of Media and Communication (FMC) within the Centre for Digital Entertainment (CDE), an EPSRC funded Doctoral Training Centre, as the events and training co-ordinator. Before joining BU, I spent 5 years within the travel and tourism industry, working in Spain, Dominican Republic, Mexico, USA and Greece as a resort representative, I spent 2 years working on cruise ships around the Mediterranean and, following this, I worked as the events executive for Saga Holidays and the Acromas Group for 11 years (based in the UK).

I have a BA Hons in Business Studies and Institutional Management from Anglia Ruskin University, and an MSc in Events Marketing (Distinction) from Bournemouth University. As a result of my MSc dissertation, I have had a paper published in the Event Management Journal, “Presenting an Authentic Reflection of the Past Through Storytelling and Living History in 1940s Events” 2023 and a chapter published in ‘Festivals and Edutainment’ 2024 titled “Edutainment Storytelling, Nostalgia and Living History in 1940s Festivals and Events”, both publications were achieved working together with BU’s Dr Julie Whitfield. My research has enabled me to combine my event management skills with my interest in the 1940s era.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, I have 2 children who keep me quite busy. I love reading, music of all kinds, and I always look forward to a bit of Strictly Come Dancing at the end of the year!

Laila Saeed

PGR Administrator (FMC)

lsaeed@bournemouth.ac.uk

I am a Postgraduate Research Administrator for the Faculty of Media & Communication.

My role is to assist the management of the Postgraduate researchers through out their studies.

I have a BA (hons) in Psychology and MA in Industrial Psychology.

I love reading, long nature walks and baking brownies with my kids.

Clarissa Maria de Andrade Vergueiro

PGR Administrator
(FST)

cdeandradevergueiro@bournemouth.ac.uk

I am a Postgraduate Research Administrator in the Faculty of Science and Technology, my role is to assist the management of the postgraduate researchers throughout their studies. I recently joined BU this year.

Before joining BU I was a teacher and worked over 5 years in the customer service area providing service to Google as a Quality Advisor.

I have a BA in Social Sciences, with focus in Anthropology and Sociology (Universidade Estadual Paulista, Brazil).

Outside of work I enjoy reading, cycling, playing handball, spending time with my daughter and husband and paper crafting.