Meet the hardworking folk who keep the SWDTP running!
Professor Richard Harris (he/him)
SWDTP Director
Rich.Harris@bristol.ac.uk
Rich is Director of the SWDTP and Professor of Quantitative Social Geography at the University of Bristol. Despite the quantitative in his title, he is a keen advocate for all types of social science research and methods. He believes the point of a University is to learn from other people, to challenge and to be challenged. He enjoys being so. Rich was an undergraduate in Bristol geography and hopes one day to have a room named after him. Or, a small cupboard, at least.
Dr Angeline Mbogo Barrett (she/her)
SWDTP Deputy Director
Angeline.Barrett@bristol.ac.uk
Angeline oversees the SWDTP’s collaboration activities, including the training and development, and the postdoctoral fellowship competition. She previously led an international research project on qualitative research training within doctoral programmes. She has also served as PGR Director for the School of Education at the University of Bristol.
Some of Angeline’s best memories from her own PhD are the friendships she formed across the social sciences. As DD, she aims to facilitate doctoral researchers to form and connect with peer networks, through which their view of social research is challenged and expanded.
Sonja Foster (they/them)
SWDTP Manager
Sonja.Foster@bristol.ac.uk
Sonja has been the Manager of the SWDTP since 2012 and is responsible for the strategic development and delivery of all activities, as well as stakeholder management across the five partners sites and leadership of the Hub. She obtained her MBA at Warwick University, whilst undertaking a head of department role at the Research Councils in Swindon. Prior to that she worked at the Higher Education Funding Council for England. She enjoys being a mum to her two daughters, travelling as much as possible, reading poetry, throwing axes and watching horror films…
Joanna Williams (she/her)
SWDTP Coordinator
Joanna.Williams@bristol.ac.uk
Jo is the SWDTP Coordinator and arrived on the doorstep of the SWDTP in Spring 2014. She enjoys the challenges that cross institutional working can bring and is immensely grateful to work within such a great team whom are friends as well as colleagues. Jo can help with additional funding to support your PhD via Overseas Fieldwork, Overseas International Visits, Difficult Language Training and your RTSG (Research Training Support Grant).
Jonathan Chow (he/him)
SWDTP Collaboration Facilitator
jonathan.chow@bristol.ac.uk
Jonathan joined the SWDTP as Collaboration Facilitator in July 2023, having previously worked in community engagement and social innovation. He looks after our academic community and supports academics and industry in delivering training and collaboration activities. When not at work, he can be spotted anywhere from museums to street markets, but nothing beats the seaside on a nice sunny day!
Jackson Paterson (he/him)
SWDTP Collaboration Facilitator
jackson.paterson@bristol.ac.uk
Jackson joins the team, having spent the last few years working in Student Recruitment and Widening Participation. His focus will be on wellbeing, training, events and EDI, and he looks forward to working with students and staff to support development in these areas. When not at work, Jackson enjoys hiking, cooking and taking Duolingo way too seriously.
Brendan Walsh (he/him)
SWDTP Administrative Assistant
brendan.walsh@bristol.ac.uk
Brendan is the administrative support for all things SWDTP. He joined recently in July 2023. Brendan can help with all queries, concerns and requests relating to your funding. He is excited to have joined such a kind and welcoming team and is looking forward to helping all of our students achieve their PhDs.
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