Meet the Team
The Researcher Development & Research Culture team is currently working from home, but is usually located in the Old Library. Until further notice please feel free to contact us via the 'Contact Us' tab.
Dr Chris Wood
Head of Researcher Development and Research Culture
Strategic lead for the Researcher Development and Research Culture team in the Doctoral College responsible for planning, budgeting and day-to-day management, part of the Senior Management Team. Research culture, PGR and ECR wellbeing, Training Needs, VITAE, GW4, Communications and feedback on our work. Chris has over 25 years of experience in delivering high impact agendas across strategic research sectors and has developed an expert understanding of research agendas, both within HE and beyond. Chris has chaired the regional GW4 Talent and Skills Steering Group, is a member of the national Vitae CEDARS Steering Group and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Cate Bennett
Researcher Development Manager (Research Staff)
Leads on the provision of professional development for research staff at the University, across all subject disciplines and campuses. ECR development & liaison forums, Researcher-led Initiatives, images of Research, GW4, mentoring and specific funding opportunities. Cate has over 25 years’ experience in training and development and career development consulting gained through her work in higher education, the NHS and across a range of businesses and not-for-profit organisations. Cate is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, an Associate of the CIPD and a qualified Career Consultant.
Dr Gabby Davies
Researcher Development Manager (PGRs) Job-share with Kathryn Coombes
Leads on the provision of professional development for PGRs at the University, across all subject disciplines and campuses. This includes the Researcher Development Programme for PGRs, the Researcher Development webinar programme online resource development, Research Showcase, writing support, GW4, decolonising research and equality, diversity and inclusivity.
Kathryn Coombes
Researcher Development Manager (PGRs) Job-share with Gabby Davies
Kathryn leads on the provision of professional development for PGRs at the University, across all subject disciplines and campuses. This includes the Researcher Development Programme for PGRs, the Researcher Development webinar programme online resource development, Research Showcase, writing support, GW4, decolonising research and equality, diversity and inclusivity. Kathryn has 20 years' experience at the University including several years working within the People Development Team and is a Member of the CIPD.
Kate Foster
Researcher Development Careers Coach
Works one day a week in the team, leading on careers support for Early Career Researchers, including career planning and development webinars and workshops and 1-to-1 careers appointments for ECRs. Kate is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a qualified Careers Coach with over 20 years’ experience working as a careers professional. Kate has worked with clients from both academic and non-academic sectors helping them to move forward and manage their careers. Her passion is working with individuals through one to one support and group workshops, to enable clients to identify their goals, reach their full potential and achieve their chosen career and lifestyle.
Kenneth Howgill
Employability and Careers Consultant (PGRs)
Kenneth is a qualified and experienced career coach, lecturer and learning and development professional with over 20 years’ experience within the corporate sector, universities, further and adult education. He has held management roles in the public, corporate and not for profit sectors, leading professional development, coaching programmes, and recruiting graduates. Kenneth is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He is a member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council and holds a business degree, a master's in music and a professional career coaching qualification.
Zoe Bright
PGR and ECR Experience Support Officer
Zoe leads on developing the PGR and ECR experience, including communications for the Doctoral College, PGR Induction, research culture and managing feedback into the Doctoral College. She also has responsibility for running both the PRES and CEDARS surveys at an institutional level. Zoe first joined the university as a Mathematics PhD student in 2016, before joining professional services as a Graduate Business Partner (GBP) and then securing further roles in various departments before joining the Doctoral College.
Becky Euesden
Engaged Research and Communications Officer (Responsible Metrics)
Supports the Head of Researcher Development and Research Culture to foster an understanding of ‘responsible metrics’ to the research community. Seeks to promote a greater understanding and awareness of this agenda, which encourages expert judgement and a more pluralistic approach to research assessment, through communications activities, thus supporting the University’s commitment to DORA. Becky works on a 0.5FTE (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) and has two active young boys. She has worked at the University since 2007 in marketing recruitment roles, with a particular focus on postgraduate marketing including prospectus production, postgraduate open events and campaigns to support postgraduate research recruitment.
Juliet White
Researcher Development and Research Culture Administrator
Supports all aspects of the administration of the ECR training and development programme (including RS/IIB Essentials Series), Researcher-led Initiatives, 1-2-1 career appointments as well as supporting ECR Liaison Forums and Network Meetings. Juliet is a qualified PA/Secretary with experience at Director/Chairman level within the private-sector, along with 17 years of experience working as Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer within 3 separate Councils and on a self-employed basis as a book-keeper and amanuensis. Juliet is 0.5 FTE and, when not working at the University, manages two separate charities working with children and young people across Devon.
Kelyn Luther
Researcher Development and Research Culture Administrator
Supporting all aspects of the Researcher Development team, with a particular focus on communications, PGR showcase and PGR training and development. Kelyn is the first point of contact for general enquiries for our team.
