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MPLS have a number of MHFA England trained Mental Health First Aiders on hand to offer confidential, informal support to anyone within MPLS experiencing poor mental health or stress, whether work-related or not. We can be your first point of contact and, by understanding your situation, can talk through your options and signpost you to the right service if further support is required. 

Please be assured that we will treat any contact and conversation with the utmost discretion and confidentiality and will only escalate issues in an emergency.

Get in touch with us either directly using our contact details below or via our confidential email address: mhfa@mpls.ox.ac.uk 

There is also a trained group of MHFAs specifically within Biology, for staff and students in that department. 

Photo of Isidro Abreu Sanchez

Isidro Abreu Sanchez (he/him)

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow, Biology

In the university, I am Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow in the Department of Biology, working on the mineral nutrition of a group of beneficial bacteria called rhizobia. I am also friend, partner, and now father. All our selfs bring its own ups and downs, specially when we have little or no support network (pandemics, expats...), therein the importance of self-care and mental wellbeing. If you want to speak (English or Spanish), feel free to contact me via email (isidro.abreu@biology.ox.ac.uk).

Carole Bateille photo

Carole Bateille (she/her)

Postdoc Researcher, Medicinal Chemistry

I am a postdoctoral researcher in medicinal Chemistry based at the Chemistry Research Laboratory. Currently, I am working on the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. I have worked for the University for over 16 years, and experienced and witnessed the many ups and downs of research in a STEM subject. When I am not in the lab, I like to do some sport. 

Feel free to contact Carole directly via email: carole.bataille@pharm.ox.ac.uk

Jon Bath

Jon Bath (he/him)

Postdoc Researcher, Physics

I’m a postdoc in Physics and have been for many years: longer than I care to admit and long enough to know the ups and downs of postgrad and postdoc life very well.  At work I make molecular machines using DNA as a construction material, at home I am learning to print with letterpress.

Feel free to contact Jon directly via email: jonathan.bath@physics.ox.ac.uk

Photo of Emma Bodger

Emma Bodger (she/her)

Receptionist, Statistics

I have worked in the Department of Statistics since July 2008. I enjoy getting to meet and talk to lots of lovely people, so do feel free to pop by and say hello!

You can contact Emma via mhfa@mpls.ox.ac.uk

Julie Carlin

Senior Finance Officer, Materials

In my 2 years in Materials, I feel I have worked through a very wide spectrum of activities, people and sights. This is part of a wider career of working in Finance in the University for 17 years, in total. I supervise a Team of 3 people and I enjoy this aspect of my role, as I like to see people being the best they can be, through any trials.  I can be approached about any discussions – I have a physical and mental Disability (which I would happily share if necessary) but I am not limited to these. I’m also bisexual. I love engaging with people so please do get in touch if you need someone to talk to. 

To contact me, you can either email me at Julie.carlin@materials.ox.ac.uk or use Teams. 

Photo of Yvonne Chart

Yvonne Chart (she/her)

DPhil student, Materials

I am a 3rd year DPhil student in the Pasta Group in the Department of Materials, looking at characterisation of battery materials. While I am still in the midst of the ups and downs of DPhil life, I have also had the opportunity to learn from some of my earlier experiences and am still continuing to learn how to deal with the stresses of research life. Outside of work I fence and enjoy crocheting. Please feel free to contact me at: yvonne.chart@materials.ox.ac.uk

Maria Christodoulou

Maria Christodoulou (she/her)

Statistical Consultant, Statistics

I am a biostatistician and evolutionary biologist.  Prior to taking a position as a consultant, I was a researcher in the Department of Statistics at the University of Oxford as a member of Prof David Steinsaltz's group in biodemography. I am an expert in quantitative biology with extensive experience in teaching and training. My expertise ranges from experimental design to machine learning, with specialised knowledge in data handling of large longitudinal data. My background as a researcher has given me the experience necessary to support grant applications and manuscript writing, as well as ensure that good statistical practices are embedded in research projects. I am particularly passionate about developing and delivering training in statistics and R for non-statisticians.

Feel free to contact Maria directly via email: maria.christodoulou@stats.ox.ac.uk

Connor D'Arcy

Connor D’Arcy (he/him)

Innovation and Business Partnerships Associate, MPLS

Connor coordinates Space @ Oxford, which is a university-wide academic network that advances and markets Oxford’s interdisciplinary research in the space domain.  His wider role is to bolster the range of business development, research funding and researcher engagement activity and he also supports the University of Oxford’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Office.  His past professional experience comes from working in Government, where he worked as an Operational Researcher across various Ministry of Defence and Other Government Department projects.  He has an engineering background and has previously worked in industry for Airbus Defence and Space on spacecraft projects.

Connor has recently moved up from Portsmouth, where he was a case worker for local communities and residents, supporting people with diverse range of local issues.  He hopes to be able to continue this now he’s based in Oxfordshire.

Connor also has late-in-life diagnoses of ADHD and dyslexia and hopes his past experiences and professional coaching can help in supporting others in similar positions. 

Feel free to contact Connor directly via email: connor.darcy@mpls.ox.ac.uk

Ashling Gordon

Ashling Gordon (she/her)

Graduate Administrator, Astrophysics

I am the Graduate Administrator in the Sub-Department of Astrophysics in the MPLS Division. I have been with the University for 13 years now and during this time I have encountered many students and colleagues suffering with mental ill health. I feel passionately about dispelling any stigma around mental health and welling and helping people to seek appropriate assistance. I would encourage anyone to speak up and ask for help should they ever find themselves experiencing a difficult time.  

You are welcome to contact me directly either by phone (01865 273303) or by email Ashling.gordon@physics.ox.ac.uk and we can arrange to meet (either virtually or face to face) at a time and location that is convenient for you. 

Lauren Haynes

Lauren Haynes (she/her)

Executive Assistant to Head of Department, Personal Assistant to Senior Academics and Governance Officer, Statistics

Hello – I’m Lauren, EA to the Head of Department and PA to Senior Academics here in the Department of Statistics. My role also encompasses Governance Officer. As an assistant, I have a natural tendency to want to help others! Now as a trained Mental Health First Aider, I have some additional knowledge and tools to enable me to support those in need. Please feel free to contact me via email (lauren.haynes@stats.ox.ac.uk) or Teams if you want to chat.

Kirsty Heber-Smith

Kirsty Heber-Smith (she/her)

MPLS Communications Manager

Kirsty is the Communications Manager for the Mathematical Physical and Life Sciences Division within the University. She’s passionate about being a Mental Health First Aider and believes mental health should be given the same level of attention as physical health. One in four people in the UK suffer from a mental health issue each year and yet two-thirds of Brits have no one to speak to about their mental health, Kirsty became a Mental Health First Aider to better assist those struggling with mental health issues.

Contact Kirsty at kirsty.heber-smith@mpls.ox.ac.uk

Amy Hinks

Amy Hinks (she/her)

Athena Swan Coordinator and Data Analyst, MPLS

Amy is the Athena Swan Coordinator and Data Analyst for the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team in the MPLS Division. She assists departments in improving gender equality for staff and students, as well as supporting the broader work of the EDI team in the division. With a background as a DPhil student and then PDRA in the Zoology department, Amy has an insight into the pressures students and researchers may encounter. Furthermore, Amy balances work with raising two young children and can empathise with the struggles of maintaining work momentum after a career break, as both a researcher and as administrative staff.

Feel free to contact Amy directly via email: amy.hinks@mpls.ox.ac.uk

Daisy J. Hung - MPLS Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Daisy Hung (she/her)

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, MPLS Division

Programme Manager, Race Equality Task Force

Daisy's personal and professional passion is to create positive societal change and fight for social justice. She is working to advance equality, diversity and inclusion in the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division at the University of Oxford. Alongside this role, she has been seconded to help support and shape the work of the University's Race Equality Task Force. Within MPLS, she leads a team to embed ED&I in all that we do, and cultivate a culture of inclusion and collaboration among our departments. She is also a trained mediator for Student Welfare and Support Services’ Student Resolution Service, and a Specialist Advisor for the Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service. Before coming to Oxford, she lived in San Francisco, California, and had a varied career as a public interest lawyer representing domestic violence survivors, a careers advisor for law students, and a diversity practitioner in the legal profession.

Feel free to contact Daisy directly via email: daisy.hung@mpls.ox.ac.uk

Professor Matt Jarvis - Associate Head (People)

Matt Jarvis (he/him)

MPLS Associate Head for People

I am a Professor of Astrophysics and non-tutorial fellow at St Cross College. I also hold a Visiting Professorship at the University of the Western Cape, in South Africa related to the MeerKAT and Square Kilometre Array radio telescopes. Prior to this I was a Reader in Astrophysics at the University of Hertfordshire, having held postdoctoral positions at both Oxford and Leiden.  My research is focused on the evolution of galaxies, how black holes may influence this evolution and how we can use galaxies to trace the underlying cosmology of our Universe. I lead several international observational surveys to address these questions.

Since 2018 I have been the chair of the physics department Equality & Diversity Committee and the Chair of the Postdoc Liaison Committee in Physics. I became Associate Head for People for the Division in May 2020. Through all my roles in academia I have always tried to support colleagues and students with their mental health and wellbeing.

When not in the office you can usually find me playing or watching sport.

Feel free to contact Matt directly via email: matt.jarvis@physics.ox.ac.uk

Jo Knights

Jo Knights (she/her)

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator, MPLS

I work with the MPLS ED&I team to advance equity, encourage diversity and advocate inclusion across the Division and wider University. Working closely with staff and students, I am responsible for delivering the Division’s ED&I Action Plan. Having joined the University in March 2021, I have gained a lot of insight about how to navigate the University and ways of working while at home in Nottingham.

I firmly believe that work should be a safe and supportive space for everyone and talking about mental health is a big part of this. I encourage anyone who wants to talk to get in touch, either through email or Teams.

Outside of work I’ll either be hiking, eating or dreaming about getting on a plane.

Feel free to contact Jo directly via Teams or email: joanne.knights@mpls.ox.ac.uk

Beverley Lane

Beverley Lane (she/her)

Events Officer and ED&I Support, Statistics

I have worked in the Department of Statistics for almost 14 years.  My role is Events Officer and ED&I support.  I feel very privileged to have been trained as a mental health first aider and to be able to work in breaking down the stigma around mental health and supporting wellbeing in the Department.

I am married and have four grown up daughters and two young grandsons and love nothing more than having all the family together, enjoying good food and conversation.

Feel free to contact Beverley directly via email: beverley.lane@stats.ox.ac.uk

Photo of Michaela Livingstone-Banks

Michaela Livingstone-Banks (she/her)

Public and Community Engagement with Research Manager, MPLS

Dr Michaela Livingstone-Banks (she/her) is the Public and Community Engagement with Research Manager in the MPLS Division, and is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring the Division's Strategic Plan for Public Engagement with Research, with a focus on engagement with local communities.

I have experienced both sides of the coin in regards to supportive environments for mental health; the good and the bad. As a result, I am keen to provide the sort of compassionate support that I have found to be vital to thrive.

Feel free to contact on Michaela.livingstone@mpls.ox.ac.uk or drop her a message on Teams.

Photo of Nicole Malloy

Nicole Malloy (she/her)

Research Facilitator, Physics

I am a Research Facilitator in the Department of Physics and have worked at the University since 2014. Prior to this I worked in research in the pharmaceutical industry having obtained a PhD in Pharmacology at Imperial College London. I am a mum of two young children, and have recently returned to work after a year’s maternity leave.

As a Research Facilitator I support academics and early career researchers in applying for research funding. I understand the challenges of establishing or maintaining a career in the academic sector, while sustaining a personal life, particularly for those with caring or additional responsibilities. I have lived experience of anxiety and depression and also of supporting others struggling with their mental health. I am very pleased to have trained as a Mental Health First Aider for the division, which complements my recently obtained Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills. I hope that anybody who needs support with their mental health will feel able to reach out to an MHFA – we are here to help! Please feel free to contact me directly by email: nicole.malloy@physics.ox.ac.uk, or using Teams if you would like to talk.

Izzi Floyd Mear

Isaac Mear (he/they)

Teaching and Design Engineer, Engineering

I work in the Department of Engineering Science, as part of the Teaching Support Group. I teach in various undergraduate labs, as well as supporting research. I have a PhD in mechanical engineering, and understand the pressures that can come with postgraduate as well as undergraduate study.

As well as being a mental health first aider, I am also an LGBTQIA+ role model and so am happy to support people in this area too. I am neurodivergent, mixed raced and have lived experience of anxiety and depression. I hope that my past experiences can be useful in supporting others going through difficult times. I believe we can all thrive and learn to work with our particular brain chemistry, but sometimes we need support from others. 

If you need someone to be that friendly face, or listening ear, you are welcome to contact me directly by email izzi.mear@eng.ox.ac.uk, Microsoft Teams or phone (01865 283309). We can also meet virtually or face to face. Please do not feel any issue is “too small” or “too big”, I am always happy to chat. 

Photo of Emily Milan

Emily Milan (she/her)

DPhil student, Materials

I'm a first year DPhil student in the Materials Department researching solid-state batteries. Having done my undergrad here, this is my 5th year in the department, and it is wonderful to see how the importance of welfare is gaining the increased attention it merits, especially in an academic environment which can be so intense. I care strongly about addressing the stigma which sadly exists around mental health and I would love to start more open conversations on the topic. If you are struggling for whatever reason, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Feel free to contact Emily directly via email: emily.milan@wolfson.ox.ac.uk

Photo of Leanne O'Donnell

Leanne O’Donnell (she/her)

Astrophysics Administration Officer, Physics

I am in the Astrophysics Administration Officer along with PA to the Head of Astro.  I also manage 4 ERC projects within Astro. 

I have been working at Oxford University for 8 years and before that I worked at Edinburgh University for 12 years, so I am very aware of the challenges and stresses that can occur within the University environment and the strain it can put on your mental health.

When I’m not at work you can find me at home with my two children or out walking our Dog!  

Feel free to contact me via Teams or email and we can arrange a convenient time to have a chat (leanne.odonnell@physics.ox.ac.uk)

Photo of Andrey Poletayev

Andrey Poletayev (he/him)

Postdoc, Materials

I am a postdoc in Materials working on simulating lithium-ion battery cathodes and their synthesis. However, I believe that humans are the most important part of doing science, so I hope to offer an ear and a cuppa to my colleagues who would like one. Please feel free to contact me at andrey.poletayev@materials.ox.ac.uk or stop by room 40.32 in the Rex Richards building.

Photo of Hannah Ravenswood

Hannah Ravenswood (they/she)

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Facilitator - Training and Development

I am responsible for designing, delivering and facilitating Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) related learning and training across the Division for staff and students. I support departments and the divisional office to develop and progress local People strategies and plans, providing advice regarding people and organisational development while embedding ED&I principles and sharing good practice; and is responsible for divisional ED&I projects with a particular focus on mental ill-health, disability (especially non-visible disabilities), neurodivergence (especially autism) and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Please feel free to contact me directly: Hannah.Ravenswood@mpls.ox.ac.uk

Photo of Shermin Stanford

Shermin Stanford (she/her)

HR Officer, Department of Chemistry

I’m Shermin, an HR Officer at the Department of Chemistry. I have worked at the University since 2021 in HR and previously worked in the education sector. I am a naturally caring and helpful individual and feel privileged to have trained as a Mental Health First Aider. I hope that I will be able to offer a safe supportive space for anyone that would like to talk and be listened to. Please feel free to contact me via email (shermin.stanford@chem.ox.ac.uk) or Teams if you would like to chat.

Yige Sun

Yige Sun (she/her)

Early Career Researcher, Department of Materials

I am an early career researcher (ECR) in the Department of Materials with an international background. My work is on lithium-ion batteries. Working with my peers and also graduate/postgraduate students, I am fully aware of the ups and downs in our lives not only in academic aspects but also in how each of us recognises the world. When I am not in the lab, I am exploring different libraries in the University, in the gym, or in the choir. I try my best to take a short walk every afternoon so as to have a clear mind.

Feel free to contact Yige directly via email: yige.sun@materials.ox.ac.uk

Reka Toth

Reka Toth (she/her)

Lecturer, Biology

I'm a departmental lecturer in Department of Biology teaching undergraduates and doing scientific research.  I'm a non-British national, lived in several countries, and experienced cultural adjustment and the challenge of an academic career.

Please contact Reka through our dedicated email address: mhfa@mpls.ox.ac.uk

Nina Warren

Nina Warren (she/her)

Office HR Manager, Begbroke Science Park

Prior to joining the University, Nina’s career was in Local Government where she experienced first-hand the impact that organisational change and uncertainty can have on people’s mental health. She is drawing on her HR background to develop her Mental Health First aid skills and to promote Mental Health and Wellbeing in the future.

Nina is a keen gardener who knows how important it is to get outdoors and connect with nature in order to improve wellbeing, and in helping you to look after yourself. “I am looking forward to being part of the MPLS team offering this support to others”.

Feel free to contact Nina directly via email: nina.warren@begbroke.ox.ac.uk

Photo of Jenny Woods

Jenny Woods

Research Facilitator & Mentoring Programme Coordinator

I am a member of the Physics Department Research Facilitation Team. Along with my Facilitator colleagues, my role is to assist with all aspects of applying for research funding. I took up the post in November 2018 – returning to the Department where I had studied for my degree and DPhil many years before! I also coordinate the PostDoc mentoring activities within the Physics Department. In previous posts in my career I have worked for the EPSRC and for other Universities, particularly specialising in science project management, funding and policy roles. All this makes me very aware of the pressures of working in an academic environment and I’m keen to support colleagues facing those.

Feel free to contact Jenny directly via email: jenny.woods@physics.ox.ac.uk

Photo of Mariagrazia Zottoli

Mariagrazia Zottoli (she/her)

Statistical Consultant, Statistics

Thanks to my job, I have the chance to work on a variety of projects and to collaborate with many excellent professionals inside and outside the University of Oxford. I am currently taking care of "The Network" a group for PostDocs and Early Career Researchers within the Department of Statistics. 

In the past I have suffered from severe anxiety, and I would have loved to know where to go and whom to ask for support. 

I feel really privileged to have had the opportunity to train as a Mental Health First Aider and be a friendly face to someone who is struggling.

Please, feel free to contact me directly by email mariagrazia.zottoli@stats.ox.ac.uk

"When we are suffering, we tend to think that the pain will last forever. However, that is simply not true. Rain always lifts; night always gives way to day; and winter always turns to spring. (Daisaku Ikeda)"