Emma McFadyen, Research Manager at the School for Public Health Environments Research at Exeter (SPHERE) tells us about her work with the School.
What work have you been doing for the School?
Exeter joined the latest SPHR quinquennium in April 2023 and it’s been my job to help our wonderful team of SPHERE academics to get up and running and to start to have an impact within SPHR as soon as possible. I provide professional services support across all our activities. I act as a first point of contact at Exeter for most things SPHR related and I co-ordinate our participation in SPHR programmes, such as research project bids, Fellowship and PhD calls, etc. I’m working on some external stakeholder engagement, setting up an Advisory Board to help us maximise our impact locally, as well as setting up communications, branding, website, for our School.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I’ll be honest – I don’t think there’s been a ‘typical’ day so far! As new members, there has been a lot to learn – and fast. I think I probably need to work a full year’s SPHR cycle before things start to feel more familiar.
What do you enjoy most about your role for the School?
That’s easy to answer – it’s definitely the people. Everyone across the School has been incredibly welcoming – both in the Directorate and also across the nine members. I’ve loved getting to know everyone – thanks to you all for your support!
What has been the highlight of your work with SPHR so far?
I’ve learnt a lot from being part of the SPHR EDI Committee, which has been meeting since July 2022. The members are passionate about making further improvements to EDI within SPHR and are driven to affect real change. I’ve been impressed by how much the Committee has achieved in a relatively short period of time.
What do you like doing when you are not working?
I love being outside. Living in Devon is wonderful, there are so many opportunities for getting out and about in the natural environment. Whether that’s walking in the wilds on Dartmoor, paddleboarding on the coast, body boarding or swimming at the beach (in summer!), sailing on the Exe estuary. Having danced a lot as a child, I’ve made a recent return to ballet as an adult, which has been so fun (and also a bit humbling!).