Meet the Student Advice and Support team
Introduction
We're here to advise you on a wide variety of matters throughout your studies.
Content
If you are encountering challenging circumstances which are having an impact on your studies, your Student Adviser can help.
Kirsty Buckley
(Kirsty is on maternity leave in 2025-26)
"If you are starting to struggle come see us as soon as you can, we can support you before it gets overwhelming."
- More about me
What attracted you to work at the School/in your role?
I struggled at University and after graduating learned about student support, I don’t want students to struggle the way I did so wanted to be part of the solution. And I enjoy helping people.
What’s your favourite thing about your role?It’s cheesy but I like helping people, so to walk with folk for part of their journey through university is rewarding no matter their destination.
What kinds of things can students come to you about?Students can come and chat about anything really, we support students with a variety of different things, both academic and wellbeing.
If you are starting to struggle come see us as soon as you can, we can support you before it gets overwhelming. If we don’t have the answer or there is someone better suited to help we will share their information with you.
Is there an achievement or project you are most proud of?
I set up a skills coaching programme in the School in 2018 focusing on employability and academic skills with the Student Development Office – check them out! The thing I'm most proud of isn’t my achievement setting it up but those of the students I supported as they reached their goals.
Do you have any top tips for new students?
Build in time to explore the city and the country there are so many different places to see and so many different subcultures. You may find a hobby or a sport outside of university that you didn’t know existed!
Give us a fun fact about yourself!
I have a cat and two guinea pigs. If you me ask about them you should probably clear your diary as I can chat about them all day.
Sahara Choudhury
Sustainable Development; Social Anthropology
"If there are any issues impacting your studies or ability to learn - my door is always open for a wee chat."
- More about me
What kinds of things can students come to you about?
I can listen and advise on university processes, and if you have a problem that requires a specialised approach I can signpost you to a specialised service to support you.
What attracted you to work at the School/in your role?
I was active as an undergraduate in student societies, clubs and events. Being involved in my university helped with professional skills and gaining confidence for the workplace. It is very fulfilling to empower and support students through their studies and watch their growth.
What’s your favourite thing about your role?Meeting students from all around the world and hearing different stories.
Do you have any top tips for new students?Quite a few tips! But to narrow it down:
1. Register with an Edinburgh GP
2. Talk with your academics - this is a professional relationship in which you are here to learn and they are here to teach! Gain independence too.
3. Explore Edinburgh - this willll be your home for at least 4 years, and there is so much to experience here.Give us a fun fact about yourself!
My cat Rocky is 6 years old and an absolute diva:
Alex Dysart
Politics; PPE
"Plan activities with other new students. For example, you can hire golf clubs from the Golf Tavern and play in the Bruntsfield Links."
- More about me
What attracted you to work at the School/in your role?
The idea of supporting students.
What’s your favourite thing about your role?Getting to have great chats.
What kinds of things can students come to you about?Anything and everything!
Is there an achievement or project you are most proud of?
I made an entire suit of armour from cardboard.
Do you have any top tips for new students?Plan activities with other new students. For example, you can hire golf clubs from the Golf Tavern and play in the Bruntsfield Links.
Give us a fun fact about yourself!I’ve had frost bite.
Fiona Davis
Social Policy; Sociology
"I really enjoy being a part of this support team to help students navigate the University a little easier."
- More about me
What attracted you to work in your role?
I think it’s great that we have a team that students can come to with any issues or questions they have. I really enjoy being a part of this support team to help students navigate the University a little more easily.
What kinds of things can students come to you about?
If you’re having a difficult time and aren’t sure who to speak to, our team is usually a good start. We can signpost to other teams or resources that may be helpful, as well as guide you through academic processes to help things go a bit more smoothly.
What’s your favourite thing about your role?
I enjoy that it varies a lot day to day, and I really enjoy working with people. I also feel that our work is helpful for others, which motivates me to come in - even on the rainy mornings!
Do you have any top tips for new students?
Go to the activities fair in the first couple of weeks of term; there are lots of societies and clubs and it’s worth trying some of them out. It’s a really good place to meet people and maybe try something new too. I personally didn’t make many friends on my course at university, but I met some of my closest friends through societies.
Give us a fun fact about yourself!
In my spare time I play in a touch rugby team and often go salsa dancing. I also love to cook and try to find good films or TV shows in Czech or French- suggestions are always welcome!
Kenny Maclean
Social Policy; Sociology
"Whether it’s a problem with wellbeing, accommodation or academic performance, I will always aim to offer advice or put the student in touch with the relevant University services."
- More about me
What attracted you to work in your role?
I have a background in education and have always enjoyed working in a university environment. Edinburgh is also a great city to live and work in.
What’s your favourite thing about your role?
Seeing students’ progress on their academic journey, and getting to meet people from different regions and countries who have chosen to study at Edinburgh.
What kinds of things can students come to you about?
Anything related to their day-to-day experience at University that they can’t find answers to independently. Whether it’s a problem with wellbeing, accommodation or academic performance, I will always aim to offer advice or put the student in touch with the relevant University services.
Do you have any top tips for new students?
Don’t be afraid to follow your interests and you’ll find likeminded people. Be open to new ideas that may challenge your own. It will probably take you twice as long as you think to write an essay, so organise your time effectively.
Give us a fun fact about yourself!
I was a professional musician in a previous life, so I can talk for hours about bands, gigs and guitars.
Will Rennie
Social Anthropology; Social Work
"Being in the room (virtual or otherwise) with students and in a position to help is a fulfilling job to have."
- More about me
What attracted you to work at the School/in your role?
The opportunity to help students directly.
What’s your favourite thing about your role?The same as the above question, actually. Being in the room (virtual or otherwise) with students and in a position to help is a fulfilling job to have.
What kinds of things can students come to you about?Anything they have doubts or questions about. I may not be able to answer every question myself, but can always direct students to the person or team that can.
Do you have any top tips for new students?
Something we hear on occasion from students is along the lines of “I didn’t mention this because there are other students who have real problems.” This is very considerate, but not necessary. Whatever your circumstances, if something is affecting your studies then it is a real problem - please make your Student Adviser aware.
Give us a fun fact about yourself!1. I was the captain of my university’s ultimate frisbee team (though not at Edinburgh).
2. I’ve won national competitions for playing chess.
3. My first job after I graduated from my undergrad was in Madrid, where I stayed for 2 years.
Only two of those are true …
Cristina Roman
Politics; International Relations
"I can answer questions relation to your programme and can advise on how to access further support when required."
- More about me
What attracted you to work at the School/in your role?
I have a dual role and my remit entails looking after daily operational and data-led support tasks in our office, as well as being a Student Adviser.
What’s your favourite thing about your role?I really enjoy the variety that my role has to offer, from working with wonderful colleagues within our School and beyond to supporting students from various backgrounds and cultures.
What kinds of things can students come to you about?Any programme-related queries and I can advise on how to access further support when required.
Give us a fun fact about yourself!I initially trained as an interpreter before moving to Scotland and speak Romanian, German, Spanish and Italian alongside English.
Natalie Stroud
International Relations
(Natalie will be on maternity leave in 2025-26)
"We’re always happy to have a supportive chat!"
- More about me
What kinds of things can students come to you about?
Student Advisers are often the first point of contact for students; if we don't have the answer to your query, we can help you find it. We can guide you through special circumstances applications, interruptions of study, degree transfers, and more. We’re always happy to have a supportive chat!
What attracted you to work at the School/in your role?
The concept of student support didn’t feel like a big thing during my own time at university - which wasn’t at UoE, I’ll add! - and I would’ve appreciated knowing where I could go for help as navigating university can be very overwhelming at times. So now it’s nice to be part of a great team who all want to make sure students know how to find the most appropriate support when they need it.
What’s your favourite thing about your role?
Seeing students achieving their goals during their time with us. Graduation is lovely!
Do you have any top tips for new students?
It’s not an exciting suggestion but it’s a practical one: register with a GP as soon as you can! And a wee Edinburgh ‘hidden gem’ I like is Dr Neil's Garden - it’s really peaceful.
Give us a fun fact about yourself!
I’ve got a big tabby cat called Luca. He flits between being a total legend and a loveable menace.
Kasia Mazurkiewicz
Politics and International Relations; Social Policy; Management of Bioeconomy; Innovation and Governance; Science and Technology in Society; OL programmes
"Remember that university is a mix of learning, growing, and having fun. Enjoy the journey, and your own individuality."
- More about me
What attracted you to work at the School/in your role?
I enjoy being part of a caring group of people dedicated to student growth and success.
What’s your favourite thing about your role?Helping students thrive and find their way in their exciting journey. I also love the collaborative environment where students are encouraged to explore their passions, overcome challenges, and achieve their full potential.
What kinds of things can students come to you about?We are here to create a safe and supportive environment for students. Our policies and services know-how helps students connect with the resources they need. This can be from health and wellbeing to academic challenges and everything in between.
Do you have any top tips for new students?Remember that university is a mix of learning, growing, and having fun. Enjoy the journey, and your own individuality. Other top tips: reflect on your goals, celebrate your victories and learn from challenges.
Give us a fun fact about yourself!I trekked to Everest Base Camp while living in Nepal. The stunning views, the trail above the treeline and clouds, even the altitude sickness – all unforgettable. Just me, my hiking boots, and Everest.
Will Rennie
Social Work
"Being in the room (virtual or otherwise) with students and in a position to help is a fulfilling job to have."
- More about me
What attracted you to work at the School/in your role?
The opportunity to help students directly.
What’s your favourite thing about your role?The same as the above question, actually. Being in the room (virtual or otherwise) with students and in a position to help is a fulfilling job to have.
What kinds of things can students come to you about?Anything they have doubts or questions about. I may not be able to answer every question myself, but can always direct students to the person or team that can.
Do you have any top tips for new students?
Something we hear on occasion from students is along the lines of “I didn’t mention this because there are other students who have real problems.” This is very considerate, but not necessary. Whatever your circumstances, if something is affecting your studies then it is a real problem - please make your Student Adviser aware.
Give us a fun fact about yourself!1. I was the captain of my university’s ultimate frisbee team (though not at Edinburgh).
2. I’ve won national competitions for playing chess.
3. My first job after I graduated from my undergrad was in Madrid, where I stayed for 2 years.
Only two of those are true …
Cath Thompson
CAS and International Development; Social and Medical Anthropology; Sociology; Global Mental Health & Society; Social Research; OL programmes
"Students can come to me with any issues that are affecting their studies"
- More about me
What attracted you to work at the School/in your role?
I joined the university in 2019 - exactly 30 years after I arrived here as an undergraduate. It’s great being back in George Square, where I fell in love with the city all those years ago. I started working in the Teaching Office, then joined the student support team a couple of years later. I had previously worked supporting new parents, so I was glad to be able to reconnect with those skills again.
What kinds of things can students come to you about?
Students can come to me with any issues that are affecting their studies. That could be as simple as brief email exchange, but there are some students we work with for years.
What’s your favourite thing about your role?
I love meeting young people from all over the world. An added bonus is talking to them about their dissertations, even though that’s not part of my job!
Do you have any top tips for new students?
I work with MSc students, so what I would say is to enjoy your winter break, as it’s non-stop from January to August. Also, this is something I say to my own children: “Things always take longer than you think they will”, so don’t rely on being able to do something at the last minute.
Kirsty Buckley
(Kirsty is on maternity leave in 2025-26)
"If you are starting to struggle come see us as soon as you can, we can support you before it gets overwhelming."
- More about me
What attracted you to work at the School/in your role?
I struggled at University and after graduating learned about student support, I don’t want students to struggle the way I did so wanted to be part of the solution. And I enjoy helping people.
What’s your favourite thing about your role?It’s cheesy but I like helping people, so to walk with folk for part of their journey through university is rewarding no matter their destination.
What kinds of things can students come to you about?Students can come and chat about anything really, we support students with a variety of different things, both academic and wellbeing.
If you are starting to struggle come see us as soon as you can, we can support you before it gets overwhelming. If we don’t have the answer or there is someone better suited to help we will share their information with you.
Is there an achievement or project you are most proud of?
I set up a skills coaching programme in the School in 2018 focusing on employability and academic skills with the Student Development Office – check them out! The thing I'm most proud of isn’t my achievement setting it up but those of the students I supported as they reached their goals.
Do you have any top tips for new students?
Build in time to explore the city and the country there are so many different places to see and so many different subcultures. You may find a hobby or a sport outside of university that you didn’t know existed!
Give us a fun fact about yourself!
I have a cat and two guinea pigs. If you me ask about them you should probably clear your diary as I can chat about them all day.
Ellen Gardner
Student Advice and Support Assistant
"Students can come to me with general questions about the School and I can make sure more specific questions go to their student adviser or other services on campus that may be able to help."
- More about me
What attracted you to work at the School/in your role?
Ever since studying Sociology at university, I’ve had a passion for education. I’m a firm believer that everyone has a right to education and to expand their own knowledge in a particular subject for whatever reason they wish. I wanted to be in a role where I could help students get the support they need so that they could be in a better position to reach their potential!
What kinds of things can students come to you about?Students can come to me with general questions about the School and I can make sure more specific questions go to their student adviser or other services on campus that may be able to help.
What’s your favourite thing about your role?
My favourite thing about my role is chatting to the students! If I can alleviate some anxiety or stress by pointing a student in the right direction, then I’ve done my job well.
Do you have any top tips for new students?
It is really beneficial to get involved in uni life! Joining societies and going to school events are great ways to meet people with similar interests and create a support system.
I would also recommend finding out where the support services are and who you can go to if you have a problem.
Is there an achievement or project you are most proud of?
I am still really proud of my undergraduate dissertation researching the effects of masculinity in Scottish politics.
Give us a fact about yourself!I lived in Prague for two years while teaching English.
Luke Vinnicombe
Student Advice and Support Assistant
"If students find themselves struggling due to circumstances out of their control, they can contact our office and I can put them in touch with their Student Adviser."
- More about me
What attracted you to work at the School/in your role?
In my working life, I have always moved towards roles where I can provide others with care and support. In previous employment this has always been a smaller part of the role, and the prospect of being part of a department that puts support and care as a primary focus was very attractive to me.
What’s your favourite thing about your role?It brings me a sense of fulfilment when I have been able to find resolution for a student in distress. To know that I have contributed towards making someone’s day more manageable and have helped relieve their anxiety makes me feel a great sense of achievement.
What kinds of things can students come to you about?In my position, I am often in a public-facing role at the reception, or accessible to students via phone or email. If students find themselves struggling due to circumstances out of their control, they can contact our office and I can put them in touch with their Student Adviser. We can guide students through the extensions and special circumstances available to their situation, as well as give students advice on the programme and courses they are studying.
Do you have any top tips for new students?Always ask lots of questions!
Is there an achievement or project you are most proud of?I am very proud to be a fully trained first aider in mental health. It is something I have wanted to learn for a long time and I am very glad that the University of Edinburgh has provided me the opportunity to be trained in this.
Give us a fun fact about yourself!Outside of my role, I am also a practising artist, using my time outside of work to make art and exhibit it!
Catriona Elder
Head of Student Support and Enhancement
"We can always help, even where a student is facing really challenging or complex circumstances."
- More about me
What attracted you to work at the School/in your role?
I love the variety of working in such a vibrant community of students and staff.
What’s your favourite thing about your role?The Student Advisers are an incredible group of people. They work so hard to support students to make the most of their studies. It is a real pleasure to work with them.
What kinds of things can students come to you about?I usually work with the Student Advisers to support students where they have been unable to resolve an issue elsewhere or if they have faced disruption to their studies. We can always help, even where a student is facing really challenging or complex circumstances.
Do you have any top tips for new students?Edinburgh is a fantastic city with lots to do so take time out to explore. Take advantage of student discounts on tickets for sporting and cultural events.
Is there an achievement or project you are most proud of?I studied for a Master's degree in Education at the Open University but had to complete my dissertation at the same time as returning to work after maternity leave. It was a hard slog, but I managed it and it was a great sense of achievement.
Give us a fun fact about yourself!My parents met while studying at Edinburgh. 40 George Square was built during their time here!
Cristina Roman
Student Support Operations Officer
"I have a dual role and my remit entails looking after daily operational tasks in our office, as well as being a Student Adviser"
- More about me
What attracted you to work at the School/in your role?
I have a dual role and my remit entails looking after daily operational and data-led support tasks in our office, as well as being a Student Adviser.
What’s your favourite thing about your role?I really enjoy the variety that my role has to offer, from working with wonderful colleagues within our School and beyond to supporting students from various backgrounds and cultures.
What kinds of things can students come to you about?Any programme-related queries and I can advise on how to access further support when required.
Give us a fun fact about yourself!I initially trained as an interpreter before moving to Scotland and speak Romanian, German, Spanish and Italian alongside English.
