Mentor Directory · Mentor Profile This information will be made available to prospective mentees at Aston University. If you do not wish for this to be held on the intranet, contact

07/02/19

Aston Mentoring Programme

Mentor Directory

Guidance for Mentees – V1 – 07/11/18

Mentee Guidance

This guidance has been produced for anyone who would like to be mentored as part of Aston’s

mentoring pool.

How to find a mentor: Firstly, download and complete your mentee profile – this is what our mentors will use to decide

if you are a good match for them.

o You can add a photo at the top of the form – this is optional and entirely up to you.

o We have created 12 areas of interest that you can use to quickly match with potential

mentors – tick any that apply to you.

o There is room to expand on what you are looking to get from mentoring or mention any

areas of interest that have not been covered above.

o You can also let mentors know if you have any particular preferences for who will

mentor you – this could be from a particular area of the university or based on

something you may have in common.

o Finally, let us know which ways you would llke to be mentored – face to face, by phone,

by email, by Skype etc.

Once you have completed your form then access the directory of mentors at

http://www.aston.ac.uk/staff/hr/development/mentoring/

o This PDF contains the details of all the mentors currently in the pool and who are

available. If there are a selection you can use the quick matching areas of interest to find

who might be a suitable mentor.

o Send your form and your preferences for mentors to

[email protected]

o We will get in touch with your prospective mentors and send them your profile.

o When we have a match we will ask the mentor to get in touch with you to arrange an

initial meeting.

o Once you have met your mentor, they will let us know that you have matched and we

will update our records.

o Will we keep a copy of your mentee profile on file, but will not post it to the intranet or

anywhere in public.

Periodically we will get in touch to see if you are still mentoring, whether our records need

updating and whether you want to continue in the programme.

We also may get in touch to invite you to find out more about your experiences of being

mentored and ways we can improve the mentoring pool.

Likewise, if you have any questions at any point, please get in touch.

http://www.aston.ac.uk/staff/hr/development/mentoring/

mailto:[email protected]

Mentor Profile

This information will be made available to prospective mentees at Aston University. If you do not wish for this to be held on the intranet, contact [email protected]

Name

Department / School

Telephone

About me: (who you are, your career history, your role at Aston)

My areas of interest/strength (tick as many that apply) Career Development

Leadership and Management

Negotiation and Influencing

Resilience and emotional intelligence

Research Skills Using Technology in the workplace

Networking and Building relationships

Professional/Subject Expertise (expand on this below)

Teaching Skills Student Support and Pastoral Care

Module and Course development

Engaging with Business and Community

Use this space to provide more information on the above or if there any other areas of interest or strength you have that you can mentor on

Why do you want to be a mentor? (how you think you can help others)

The number of mentees I can have at any time: Ways I can mentor: (f2f, email, phone, skype)

I have my manager’s authorisation to take part and I agree to the sharing of my information as below

Role

My working pattern

Email

Dr Nicola Allett Teaching Fellow (Learning Advisor)

Learning Development Centre/ CLIPP Full Time

0121 204 4955 [email protected]

I have been working in Learning Development for over 5 years (1 year at Aston University and, previously, at University of Westminster). My role involves working with academics to embed academic writing and skills support into their programs, delivering workshops and providing one-to-one tutorials to students at all levels of study. Before moving into the area of Learning Development, I was a Teaching Fellow in Media and Communications at Leicester, where I particularly valued providing dissertation supervision and pastoral care. I was drawn to Learning Development because of the opportunity to work one-to-one with students and its ethos to support all students to develop and enhance skills for their own success.

In addition to teaching, I have research experience in the areas of Sociology and Media. I completed a PhD on Extreme Metal music fans and their 'feeling community' at University of Warwick in 2010 and held postdoctoral researcher posts at University of Manchester and Loughborough University (on qualitative research projects with a focus on music relationships and memory).

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I have experience of managing staff, working in small and large teaching and research teams, managing projects, and building relationships with academic and professional staff. I can also share my expertise in Learning Development.

I am non-judgmental and I will consider an issue from several viewpoints. I would make a good 'sounding board' and I would be happy to share my insight and experience.

1 f2f

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Mentor Profile


Name

Department / School

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Role

My working pattern

Email

Larry Atwood REF Impact Manager

Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) Full-time Monday to Friday

0121 204 4871 (Internal ext. 4871) [email protected]

Originally from Canada, resident in the UK since 1990. More than 30 years experience in and around research in a variety of roles. In the UK I spent 11 years with a research funding Council (SERC/EPSRC), last 16 years worked in universities in research support and alumni relations roles and outside HE in social enterprise, as a tree inspector, driver trainer and in applied logistics (i.e. as a HGV driver!). My role at Aston focuses on the impact our research has beyond academia. In REF terms I am the administrative lead for developing the impact part of the Aston submission to the Research Excellence Framework (REF). Beyond that I support researchers to develop skills that help them get their research results into the 'outside world' so they can have impact.

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Administrative and professional support roles at Aston call upon a range of skills, some of them are termed 'soft skills'. I have identified some of these in the selections above and would wish to offer colleagues an opportunity to develop these skills themselves.

Trying to establish a career or moving to a new workplace can be daunting. My offer as a mentor is to provide colleagues a space where they can ask the questions they don't feel comfortable asking their colleagues. Together we can work out what the answers are. I also have a long and relatively varied background over which I have learned some skills that I have found useful in developing my own career and I am keen to share these if they can be useful to others. My motivation for being a mentor is seeing others grow more comfortable in their confidence and abilities. I think I can help in that journey.

Two to begin with then perhaps up to three Any of the above but much prefer face to face

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Mentor Profile


Name

Department / School

Telephone
















Role

My working pattern

Email

Amanda Casey Senior Teaching Fellow

Audiology/ LHS Full time


Worked at Aston for 15 years and have been involved in developing the portfolio of courses we offer from Foundation Degree to Professional Doctorate and a level 6 apprenticeship. These are predominantly blended courses supported by on-line learning. Worked part-time clinically until 2 years ago and specialise in teaching communication skills and rehabilitation in audiology.

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I have been a member of the School Quality Sub-Committee for many years so can provide guidance around module and course development. I gained Senior Fellowship status in 2014 and am still developing my teaching skills.

My clinical role was based on the application of coaching skills. As a line manager until earlier this year I enjoyed supporting people and identifying how to develop their skills and enhance their careers.

1 As above

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Mentor Profile


Name

Department / School

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Role

My working pattern

Email

Mark Dolphin Organisational Development BP

HR/OD FR 9-5


I have worked at Aston for 2 years as OD BP, and prior to this in a variety of HR roles in HR and other sectors.

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ce in the design and delivery of face to face training, e-learning and group interventions and HR areas such as employee relations, recruitment and selection. I have a range of knowledge around leadership and management and am also an ILM qualified coach.

I have a range of experience in the design and delivery of face to face training, e-learning and group interventions and HR areas such as employee relations, recruitment and selection. I have a range of knowledge around leadership and management and am also an ILM qualified coach.

1 f2f, email, phone

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Mentor Profile


Name

Department / School

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Role

My working pattern

Email

Ruth Edwards Senior Teaching Fellow and Head of Professional Experience

Life and Health Sciences (Pharmacy) Full time

4181 [email protected]

Pharmacist, lecturer, passionate about learning and professional development. Head of Professional Experience in Aston Pharmacy School. Previously MPharm Course Director at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. Educational doctorate.

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Course leadership Leading without managing people Expertise in consultation skills, reflective practice, interprofessional learning Educational research, qualitative research

I am passionate about continuing professional development and love to see others develop. I have 20 years experience in doing this with students and informally with colleagues but would like to contribute that experience formally to mentoring colleagues (to develop myself professionally).

1 f2f + any

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Mentor Profile


Name

Department / School

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Role

My working pattern

Email

Lisa Gregg Head of Administration

LSS Mon-Fri

x3779 [email protected]

I have over 14 years experience in HE over 2 institutions and across a range of professional staff roles. I have been a line manager for 10 of those years and am interested in developing individuals and team dynamics. I have worked in LSS since May 2017 and this has given me another perspective to working in a university. I have previous experience of mentoring and feel it is a rewarding experience for all parties. I like to read, swim and generally keep busy. As well as working full time, I am Chair of Governors at a primary school, am just completing my M.B.A. and have a 9 year old son.

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I feel I have particular strengths in supporting with line management, developing self/others and team working.

I have varied experiences over many years within HE and 6 years experience at Aston. This experience can help others with finding solutions, building confidence and boosting their career. I find it very rewarding to see others develop and have enjoyed previous experiences of mentoring.

1 f2f, email, phone, skype

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Mentor Profile


Name

Department / School

Telephone
















Role

My working pattern

Email

Professor Simon Green Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research

Research and Knowledge Exchange Full-time

204 3786 [email protected]

I joined Aston in 2008 as Professor of Politics in the School of Languages and Social Sciences (LSS). Since then, I have served as Head of Department of Politics and International Relations (2009-11), Deputy Dean of LSS (2011-13) and PVC / Executive Dean of LSS (2013-18). Since 2018 I have been Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research. In this role, I have responsibility for and oversight of the University's research activities, including preparations for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

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I have gained a wide experience of Aston and of HE more broadly and would like to use this experience to support others to reach their career aspirations.

2 Preferably f2f, also phone and skype, but not email

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Mentor Profile


Name

Department / School

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Role

My working pattern

Email

Daniel Hill Research Fellow

AIPT 9-6

[email protected]

I am a research fellow who graduated in the UK but then went to live and work all over Europe. In doing so I have worked in industry, an IT SME and in various universities. At Aston I am a research fellow in AIPT where I develop photonic sensor applications for food safety and quality monitoring.

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Aside from early on in my career I have never had a mentor and because of it had I have had several unpleasant experiences in the workplace. I would therefore like to work to help avoid or solve such experiences and others for other people.

1 f2f, email, Skype

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Mentor Profile


Name

Department / School

Telephone
















Role

My working pattern

Email

Ms Zahida Hussain Muslim Chaplain

MLK Multi-Faith Centre Chaplaincy, Student and Academic Services. Wednesday and Fridays Term time only.

07960881207 [email protected] or [email protected]

I joined Aston in January 2018 as a Chaplain in the Martin Luther King Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Centre, Student support and Academic Services. During the course of my Chaplaincy I have used good listening strategies which have helped Students and Staff to enhance their resilience, feel empowered, develop self belief, improve their ability to reflect and develop a strong sense of purpose. I know this from the feedback they have given me. I am a good listener. Before joining Aston I contributed to the delivery of Initial Teacher Training courses at University, I Mentored/ Coached Teacher Student Placements in schools whilst they were Studying for B.Ed. In addition I Mentored / Coached practicing Head teachers and aspiring Heads. I have continued to Mentor/ Coach professionals from a variety of professions to secure promotions since my retirement from Headship.

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I have Supported colleagues and students in the areas that I have ticked in the above box.

I feel that every individual has the capacity to succeed and to be the best they can be. However as a society we do not always have time to listen and to provide an opportunity for others to think aloud and make sense of the best way forward for themselves. In my experience such opportunities empower people, improve their resilience, give them self belief, provide them with an opportunity to reflect and work out their own purpose. As a mentor I will be able to give someone an opportunity to take time out to talk.

1 f2f


Mentor Profile


Name

Department / School

Telephone
















Role

My working pattern

Email

Khadija-tul Kubra Learning Development Centre Assistant

CLIPP Mon-Fri 10am-3pm


I currently assist with the day to day running of the centre ,which provides opportunities to students to develop academic writing skills, and enhance study skills. My role is largely admin based; I also undertake casual work with Birmingham Museums Trust, in the visitor services and retail team. in addition, gained experience in the heritage sector. I have experience in education and healthcare.

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I am looking to progress, and take advantage of opportunities at Aston. I myself, have a keen interest in being a mentee of someone who has been at Aston for some time, and is familiar with the organisation. I would like to benefit from their knowledge, skills, and expertise. Would love for them to pass on their valuable life lessons and words of wisdom! I have a keen interest in self-development, and would also like to develop a business acumen.

Many consider me to be a positive person, with a learning mindset. Mentoring is an opportunity to pass on life lessons and share experiences. In addition, be part of a support network.

2? f2f, email

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Mentor Profile


Name

Department / School

Telephone
















Role

My working pattern

Email

Gillian Knight AD in L&T

EAS Full time


• Experience in Higher Education senior management. • Over eight years of experience in Higher Education, which includes the development, design and implementation of undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum. • Experience in leadership and management of HE academic and research staff. • Knowledge of the key HE education policies, particular in relation to TEF and REF. • Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy. • Experienced Human Health research scientist in the field of virology and infectious disease • Successful scientific research grant applications and publications. Experience of successful delivery of research grants. • Experience in PhD and Post-doctoral supervision Previous roles:Research Scientist (UoB), Teaching fellow (Keele University), Senior lecturer (University of Derby), HoG in Biosciences (University of Derby). Now AD at Aston University

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I have had experience in establishing new teams, bringing together people from different academic backgrounds and getting them to work together towards a common goal

I have had experience in range of L&T aspects, from developing new teaching material, to leading a team of academics. I have found, whilst being a line manager, that I enjoying supporting people and helping them make informed decisions. I am also an open person, who is happy to share their experiences to help people develop new awareness and also skills.

4 F2F, email, phone and skype

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Mentor Profile


Name

Department / School

Telephone
















Role

My working pattern

Email

Pat Saunders Chaplain

Chaplaincy wed/Thurs 10-6pm Fri 10-2pm


I have worked supporting students and staff not only as a Chaplain, but also as a Manager, Family Support Worker and Counsellor and various other roles. When I saw the vacancy for Christian Chaplain I was excited to apply and accept the job; which I started in August 2017.

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In my working life my career path has changed direction over the years by choice. I have come to realise that there are opportunities to be explored and many skills can be transferred or developed; so working can be fulfilling and not just a salary at the end of the month. I'm passionate about helping others achieve their goals and development their careers.

I enjoy working with people and believe my experience and changing job roles can be used to encourage others; who may want to change/apply for promotion or just become more effective and enthused about their job. My training and experience in recruitment and selection can support staff with job applications and CV's. I hope by listening I can help others feel comfortable and at ease when talking about work/career/jobs and help them find a balance.

2 weekly f2f

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Mentor Profile


Name

Department / School

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Role

My working pattern

Email

Jan Scott Chaplain

Martin Luther King Multi-faith Centre Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays


I am one of the Christian Chaplains based at the Martin Luther King Multi-faith Centre (MLK). I have worked at Aston for 5.5 years and have had many fruitful conversations with staff and students of all faiths and none in that time. I am involved in Wellbeing events at MLK and have been leading on weekly Mindfulness sessions and monthly stress management drop-ins. Together with the Team of Chaplains, I am also involved in a programme of social and faith based events.

Before working at Aston, I worked at Birmingham Children's Hospital as a Principal Physiotherapist, which involved clinical work with children and young people, the management of Paediatric Rheumatology Physiotherapists within a multi-disciplinary team, and being part of the clinical management team for the whole Physiotherapy Department. This involved staff development. In addition, I was an Honorary Lecturer at the University of Birmingham and was also involved in a number of research projects.

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I am a qualified Mindfulness Teacher and have experience in offering stress management and resilience to individuals and groups. In my chaplaincy role, I have studied a variety of faiths and would like to see good interfaith relationships at all levels. I enjoy the diversity at Aston.

Firstly, I have had a mentor myself and my career has greatly benefited as a result. Secondly, I have been involved in staff development over about 20 years and have been delighted to see the progress staff have made with encouragement. After 35 years in the workplace, I would like to use my experience to mentor others.

2 face to face, preferably, but could do email or phone.

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scottj9

Stamp

Mentor Profile


Name

Department / School

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Role

My working pattern

Email

Emma Szurminski UG Programme Manager

Aston Business School Mon,Tues,Thurs (09.30-14.30) Weds 09.00-17.00) Fri - out of office.


I have worked at Aston for nearly 17 years. I started as an administrator in the School of Languages and Social Sciences and then moved to the Business School. Over the years, I have moved up through various roles, all with an administrative focus. I have been a Manager since I moved to the Business School in 2002. My first management role involved line-management of a very small team and I now jointly manage the ABS Programme Office (approx.30 staff)

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I hope that my knowledge, experience, and general understanding of how things work at Aston, will enable me to be a positive and supportive influence. I remember when I first started at Aston, and particularly when I first started out as a Manager, how much I lacked in confidence. I hope that I will be able to help someone starting their career, both in terms of building their confidence and providing them with the tools to succeed.

1 all of the above.

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Mentor Profile


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Mentor Profile


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Documents

Mentor Directory · Mentor Profile This information will be made available to prospective mentees at Aston University. If you do not wish for this to be held on the intranet, contact