Responsible Committees

Hi, I’m Ai-Lan and I am a Professor at the School of Chemistry, working in organic chemistry. As the School’s Director of EDI, I’m passionate about supporting both students and staff through initiatives that make a real difference to equity, diversity, and inclusion. I joined the EDI team to help build a welcoming and inclusive community—one where everyone feels they belong and has the opportunity to thrive.

Hi! I’m Charlie and I am postdoc in the Love group, working in inorganic chemistry. I wanted to be part of the EDI committee because I truly believe a diverse environment, is more creative, safer and supportive place to work! I am also a champion for menstrual and reproductive health in academia and education, through our work with PERIODically: the podcast! 

I am a Lecturer in Chemical Education at the School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh. I am a member of the School's EDI committee due to my interests in promoting inclusion in all areas of chemistry education. However, my primary role is as a dad to three young boys, so I also rely on flexible working policies to fit around my caring responsibilities.

I am an Early Career Researcher (Chancellor’s Fellow) working in Chemical Biology. I joined the EDI committee as the representative for the Organic section and the chemists working at the Institute for Regeneration and Repair (IRR). I think it is important that we create opportunities for those who are passionate about STEM to work in this area, regardless of their background. I hope to foster a supportive and welcoming environment within the School and the IRR where students and staff can be themselves and achieve their full potential.

Hi, I’m Harvey, a PhD student at the School of Chemistry, focusing on inorganic, computational and materials chemistry. I am passionate about increasing representation and awareness of minority groups and working to ensure everyone within the School of Chemistry feels included, welcome and safe. 

Hi, I’m Ishita and am a PhD student in the School of Chemistry. I joined the EDI committee as I want to help create a more inclusive, diverse and accessible environment within chemistry. Everyone should feel a sense of belonging in the chemistry community and as the secretary of the committee I am excited to work towards this!

Hi, my name is Jean and I’m the Head of Student Experience in the School of Chemistry. I became part of the EDI committee as I want our School to be welcoming and accessible to as many different folk as possible. I believe we are stronger as a diverse community – but there are lots of barriers in the way of people feeling like they belong here. My mission is to try and break down as many of those barriers as I can – whether that be by supporting individual staff and students in the department, or by using students and staff experiences to inform pro-active change.

I'm the Widening Participation and Outreach Officer within the School of Chemistry, I manage and deliver projects that engage with under-represented groups throughout the student life cycle, in order to raise aspirations, support access, and encourage success and progression within chemistry. I also help researchers showcase their work in an accessible way to the public. I joined the EDI committee as I wanted to contribute to the inclusive community within the school and ensure all staff and student backgrounds are welcome. Widening participation and EDI issues can overlap, and this intersectionality is important for the school to acknowledge.

Hi! I’m Kathryn, the Staffing Administrator at the School of Chemistry. As an HR professional, I’m passionate about creating a positive and welcoming work culture. Embracing the University’s commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility is close to my heart. We’re always exploring new ways to improve our processes to make everyone feel valued. I always want to make feel like they can be themselves without any judgement and that everyone has something to contribute and that they will be heard.  I have learnt so much being part of the EDI Committee. Let’s continue to make this a fantastic place to be!

I’m the School Operations Manager in the School of Chemistry, and get involved with a variety of policy and project activity. Its important to me that these pieces of work benefit our community and take into account the needs of different people within that. I have a young family and experience of caring responsibilities so am keen to support others with those where I can. I am also a historian researching the cultural roles of women and nature and how these are represented in different times and contexts, so I’m always interested in changes relating to EDI.

I am a Chancellor's Fellow in the School of Chemistry, working in inorganic chemistry. I joined the EDI committee as I am firmly committed to working on breaking down structural barriers that hinder individuals from careers in research. I believe science is at its strongest when it is collaborative and has a wide variety of different perspectives contributing to it.

Hi, I’m Róisín and I’m a PhD student in the School of Chemistry. I joined the EDI committee as I’m passionate and enthusiastic about ensuring that chemistry is inclusive and accessible to all! It’s really important to have a welcoming, diverse environment where everyone feels like they can truly be themselves, and their differences will be celebrated, in order to gain new perspectives and breakthroughs in our chemistry. 

Hi, I’m Seren and I am a PhD student at the School of Chemistry focusing on physical-organic chemistry. As a Public Engagement Scholar, joining the EDI committee allows me to bring this perspective into my outreach work. Primarily, I’m passionate about making science more accessible and inclusive - creating spaces where everyone feels science is for them.

Hi! I’m Sofia and I’m a PhD student in the School of Chemistry, working in physical chemistry. I joined the EDI committee because I am passionate about improving accessibility and representation in academia and education. I am also involved in the award-winning podcast PERIODically which focuses on the experiences of people with periods in STEM, so I am excited to bring these perspectives to my work within the School of Chemistry!