BU Research Blog

Dr Julia Taylor

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

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.

Natalie Stewart

Doctoral College Programme Manager

As Doctoral College Programme Manager, I support the Heads of the Doctoral College with the management, development, implementation, and evaluation of the Doctoral College strategy across the key areas of PGR recruitment, development, experience and  administration. I am currently undertaking my own PhD exploring ways to encourage positive PGR research cultures and increasingly publish on the subject.

I have a BSc (Hons) in Exercise & Sport Sciences (University of Exeter), an MSc in Clinical Exercise Sciences (University of Portsmouth) and a PGCert in Education Practice (Bournemouth University). I am also a Fellow of The Higher Education Academy (AdvanceHE).

I have an indoor plant and propagation obsession, enjoy a good board game evening, and love ticking countries off my to visit list.

Deborah Smythe

Doctoral College Operations Coordinator

I am the Operations Coordinator in the Doctoral College, providing administration support to the team and acting as a first point of contact for PGR enquiries.

My background is in management, training, quality systems and business development working in Welsh government, and previously in London based healthcare, training, IT and public relations organisations. My highest qualification is Masters in Business.

My interests include open water swimming, kayaking, cycling and trekking, following the mantra “the closer you are to nature, the better your quality of life”. I love different cultures and overseas travel, so I have the perfect job working with a diverse international PGR community at BU.

Suzy Kempinski-Webber

PGR Administrator -
Admissions and Conferment
(FST)

I’m a Research Administrator dealing with Admissions and Conferment for the Faculty of Science and Technology. I administer applications and support students at the very beginning of their postgraduate research journey, and then again at the end of their journey. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Law with History and a Master’s degree in Death, Religion and Culture.

Tina Ikin

PGR Administrator
(FHSS)

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.

Enrica Conrotto

PGR Administrator
(FMC)

I am a Postgraduate Research Administrator and I have a double role within the Doctoral College: I am responsible for administering the Viva Voce examination process across BU and I assist the management of Postgraduate Researchers in the Centre for Digital Entertainment (CDE).

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.

Naomi Bailey

PGR Administrator
(FST)

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.