Mental Health First Aiders

Matthew Allen (he/him)
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Chemistry

I am a postdoctoral research associate based in the Department of Chemistry located in the Chemistry Research Laboratory. My research focus is investigating spectroscopic properties of lanthanide complexes. I joined the department in 2023, previously having lived in Australia for the last thirteen years and the United States before that. Research environments in all roles (students or staff) can be exceedingly taxing on one’s mental health, and often can be due to both internal and external stresses. I’d love to be able to help anyone trying to navigate through any challenges they may be facing or just be someone to lend an ear.

When not at work, I enjoy being outdoors, whether that is walking, hiking or running, as I find it to be a great place to reset.

Feel free to contact me via Teams or email (matthew.allen@chem.ox.ac.uk). My hours are between 8:30am and 5pm.

Natalie Armstrong (she/her)

Executive Assistant, Chemistry

I have worked in the Chemistry Department for nearly three years, assisting two Professors and simultaneously working across several areas. I am also the EDI Secretary, which is an important role I love doing.

I have two young (very active and noisy) boys! I think from any age it’s essential to talk about feelings and concerns to make sure we can get the best help we can. As a Mum and an EA, I am happy when helping others. Outside of work, I love keeping active and relaxing in front of the TV. I’m also a keen writer.

Contact me directly by emailing: natalie.armstong@chem.ox.ac.uk, message me via Teams or pop into my office, 30.109 in the CRL.

Arya Arun (she/her)

Post-doctoral Research Associate

I am a post-doctoral researcher in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry and the EDI representative for Post-docs in Chemistry. I have been a part of the University for almost 5 years now, having also completed my DPhil in Chemistry here. My time at the University has made me quite familiar with the pressures and stresses experienced by students and researchers, having seen close friends and myself go through some tough and challenging times.

Outside of the lab I usually enjoy reading, hiking and working on my music.

I am happy to be contacted at: arya.arun@chem.ox.ac.uk

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 (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

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. 

Sophie Bury (she/they)

Communications Officer at the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research (IOI)

I am a Communications Officer at the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research (IOI), where I get to talk about our amazing researchers and spread awareness of antimicrobial resistance. I am also currently a member of the university’s LGBT+ advisory group. Before moving to Oxford, I used to work in student advice, so I understand the pressures that can come with studying and working in a university, and have experience supporting students with all sorts of issues - academic and non-academic! Please feel free to contact me by email at sophie.bury@chem.ox.ac.uk, or on Teams. My core hours are 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.

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. 

Yvonne Chart (she/her)

DPhil student, Materials

I am a 3^rd 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 (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

Elizabeth ‘Lilly’ Cummins (she/her)

Postdoctoral Researcher, Biology

I am a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Biology and based at the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology. I am aware of the challenges of an academic career and understand the importance of maintaining workplace welfare. I am passionate about removing the stigma surrounding mental health and I can offer a safe space within the University for anyone who would like to be supported and listened to. As well as being a MHFAider, I sit on my department’s EDI committee, and I am a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Please feel free to contact me directly via email: elizabeth.cummins@biology.ox.ac.uk. My core hours are 10am-4pm.

Ai Fletcher (she/her)

Departmental lecturer in organic chemistry and EDI academic officer (Chemistry)

I am originally from Japan and moved to the U.K. to do my Ph.D. After spending many enjoyable years working in various research labs in Europe as a post-doc, currently I teach organic chemistry as a departmental lecturer in Chemistry and also work as an EDI academic officer which involves disability and welfare support. I’d be happy to be contacted by email on ai.fletcher@chem.ox.ac.uk.

Catherine Fung (she/her)

Postdoc Researcher, Physical Chemistry

I was born and raised in Hong Kong before moving to Australia for high school and then completed undergraduate studies. I then continued my PhD in University of South Australia before moving to Oxford for postdoc. I have moved continents and understand the difficulties of settling in a new place and new culture. I also experienced lots of obstacles during my PhD and understand how difficult research life can be sometimes.

When I am not working, I like cooking, hunting for nice food and travelling. Feel free to contact me via email or on Teams: catherine.fung@chem.ox.ac.uk. My core hours are 9am-6pm.

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. 

Hamish Hay [he/him]

Postdoctoral Researcher, Earth Sciences

I have been a postdoctoral research assistant in the Department of Earth Sciences since 2022, after moving back to the UK from California where I worked at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. I work on the internal dynamics of rocky and icy ocean-bearing moons in our solar system. My most important job, though, is being the father to my 2 year old daughter. We talk a lot about our feelings and ways to help cope with our emotions! If I'm not doing science or parenting, then I'm usually cleaning or building things out of wood.

Dealing with academia, parenthood, and short-term contracts (to name but a few things) is really hard. If you would like to talk about it, or anything else, then I'd love to talk too. Please reach out: hamish.hay@earth.ox.ac.uk

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 (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

Dave Hemprich-Bennett (he/him)

Postdoctoral Research Assistant and Project Coordinator, Biology

I'm a postdoc working in the Department of Biology on mosquito ecology. I'm also a first-gen scientist from a working class background, and didn't realise I had ADHD until I was in my 30s. Having weathered a few storms and seen others around me going through their own, I'm glad to have been trained as a mental health first aider so as to be able to better support those in need.

Outside of work I'm a keen runner, mediocre photographer, and proud new dad. Feel free to contact me via Teams or email on david.hemprich-bennett@biology.ox.ac.uk.

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 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. During this role, she had 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

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 (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. I work closely with staff and students to embed EDI across our departments and encourage learning and collaboration. I am particularly passionate about mental health and lead on divisional activity in this area, including our Mental Health Awareness Week. 

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 me directly via Teams or email: joanne.knights@mpls.ox.ac.uk. My core hours are 8:30am-4:30pm. 

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

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 Michaela on Michaela.livingstone@mpls.ox.ac.uk or drop her a message on Teams. Her core hours are a flexible 9am-5pm.

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.

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. 

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 5^th 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

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)

Abraham Oluwole (he/him)

Postdoctoral Researcher, Chemistry

I am a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Chemistry and based at the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, DCH Building. I study bacterial cell wall proteins primarily with native mass spectrometry. Outside work, I spend time with my two toddlers and enjoy quiet walks to have some ‘me-time’.

You can contact me directly at abraham.oluwole@chem.ox.ac.uk. My core hours are 9:30am-5:30pm.

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.

Lucy Radford (she/her)

Research Facilitator, Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science, Biology

As a Research Facilitator, I have the great privilege of being the first point of contact for new group members and visiting researchers, so I am really happy to have undertaken Mental Health First Aid training to add another dimension to the support I can offer people within the group and the wider Department/Division. When I’m not at work, I spend a lot of time on hobbies like flying trapeze and looking after various people’s dogs (some of which occasionally come to the office with me!)

Please feel free to contact me directly on lucy.radford@biology.ox.ac.uk if you would like to talk. My core hours are 9am-5pm. 

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

Catherine Seed (she/her)

Researcher Training and Development Officer

I am based in the MPLS Divisional Office, working in the Researcher Training and Development Team and have worked within the University since 2017. Prior to that I worked in science outreach, and also have a doctorate in Evolutionary Biology.

I am passionate about the need for work environments where mental health and wellbeing can be talked about and supported. Anyone who wants to get in touch, please drop me an email (catherine.seed@mpls.ox.ac.uk) or message me on Teams. My core hours are 9am-5pm.

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 (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

Duhan Toparlak (he/him)

Postdoctoral Fellow, Chemistry

Duhan is a postdoctoral fellow in the Chemistry Department since late 2022, supported by Human Frontier Science Program. His research interests are single-molecule chemistry and chemical origins of life. Outside of research, he is interested in chess, basketball, history and talking about olive oil, to name a few.

As a co-chair of postdoctoral committee in the Chemistry Department, his goal is to advocate for well-being of all postdoctoral researchers and improve postdoctoral life at Oxford. He has lived in 5 different countries (Turkey, Germany, Italy, USA, UK), rendering him to appreciate the challenges of international scholars.

You can contact him at duhan.toparlak@chem.ox.ac.uk or stop by LG11/LG7 at CRL.

Andrew Walker (he/him)

Associate Professor, Earth Sciences

I am an Associate Professor and Senior Research Fellow in computational geosciences within the Department of Earth Sciences. Prior to moving to Oxford in 2020 I was Associate Professor and programme leader for undergraduate geophysics degrees at the University of Leeds. I have held postdoctoral appointments in Bristol, UCL, Cambridge and at the Australian National University. My research focusses on the material properties of the Earth's interior and how these influence the behaviour of the planet and much of my work involves working with researchers and graduate students.

Feel free to contact me directly by email (andrew.walker@earth.ox.ac.uk). My core hours are 9am-5pm. 

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. Nina's core hours are Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-5pm. 

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

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)"