I am currently an EdD candidate at the University of Sheffield. My research in that context has been surrounding non-traditional student support, with a focus on mature students and progressing students from Access to HE and BTEC courses. I have been a HEA Senior Fellow since 2014, and am currently a reviewer for the HEA. I also review papers for the Journal of Widening Participation and Lifelong Learning. I was elected onto the NEON (National Education Opportunities Network) Executive Committee for an initial 2-year-term in June 2017, alongside an active membership on the NEON Mature Student National Working Group. I am also a member of the SRHE (Society for Research in Higher Education) and BERA (British Education Research Association) and an Associate Animal Technologist BSAS / RSB. My equine-focused research largely focuses on equine reproduction and biotechnologies, although I also have an interest in public and owner understanding and education research.