Paul Anderson - Head of Professional Services (School of Health & Wellbeing) and Shadow Board Co-Chair
I am currently Head of Professional Services in the University of Glasgow’s School of Health and Wellbeing, where I lead professional services across one of the institution’s largest research-intensive Schools. I work closely with the Head of School, School Executive, College leadership and senior academic colleagues to translate institutional priorities into operational delivery.
I have worked across a range of roles at the University of Glasgow and University College Dublin, spanning finance, learning and teaching, professional services leadership and School-level operations. My experience across different countries, institutions, grades and roles has given me a broad understanding of the sector and how decisions made at institutional level are felt by staff, students and services across the University.
In 2025, I was awarded the Robbie Ewen Fellowship, which enabled me to benchmark professional services practice at Karolinska Institutet and the University of Copenhagen, with a focus on staff and student experience, wellbeing, continuous professional development, income diversification and research support. I am also a Trustee of the Association of Higher Education Professionals and founder of the Scottish Health Schools Operations Network. Through these roles, I have developed a strong interest in sector-wide collaboration and professional services development.
As a member of the Shadow Board, I would like to help ensure colleague perspectives are brought together clearly and constructively to allow the Board to provide practical insight, thoughtful challenge and a strong colleague voice to SMG as the University considers its future direction.
Emma O'Donnell - Senior Transnational Education Policy & Governance Manager (APG) and Shadow Board Co-Chair
I am the Senior Transnational Education (TNE) Policy & Governance Manager, leading a specialist team within Academic Policy Governance responsible for the effective delivery and governance of the University’s global TNE partnerships.
Since joining UofG in 2013, I’ve held roles across learning and teaching administration, student experience enhancement, and operational management, collaborating across academic and professional services teams. My time here has reinforced my belief that people really do make Glasgow, and in turn, make our university what it is.
My current work focuses on governance structures and policy frameworks that support innovation while ensuring compliance and quality, particularly within complex international partnerships.
Outside of work I am an avid sports fan, terrible karaoke singer and Christmas fanatic.
As a new member of the Shadow Board, I look forward to contributing a governance‑focused, globally informed perspective, helping to bridge operational insight with strategic ambition, and supporting open dialogue and thoughtful challenge to strengthen the University’s long‑term direction.
Hanaa Abumarshoud - Lecturer (Autonomous Systems & Connectivity)
I am a Lecturer in the James Watt School of Engineering, with responsibilities spanning both the Glasgow campus and the UofG–China Joint Education Institute. I joined the University of Glasgow in 2022, having previously held research posts at the Universities of Edinburgh and Strathclyde.
I am passionate about advancing connectivity technologies that support sustainable and inclusive digital futures. My research focuses on the design of intelligent light-based communication systems, developing energy-efficient and scalable LiFi solutions that transform how humans and intelligent environments interact through light. I have been supported by a competitive EPSRC New Investigator Award to pioneer next-generation intelligent LiFi systems and have been recognised among the 100 Brilliant and Inspiring Women in 6G community for my contributions to the field.
As a member of the Shadow Board, I am motivated to bring an international perspective shaped by studying, teaching, and innovating across the Middle East, China, and Scotland. My lived experience as an early-career researcher and a female academic progressing within a discipline that remains male-dominated gives me a strong appreciation of inclusion, representation, and belonging in academic environments. I look forward to contributing constructive challenge and informed insight to support the Senior Management Group in shaping a people-centred and globally connected University.
Umar Ali - Solicitor (Legal & Governance)
I am a qualified solicitor in the University of Glasgow’s Legal Team, where I advise on a range of governance, compliance and institutional matters. While early in my legal career, I have developed a strong interest in how effective governance supports decision-making and enables the University to meet its strategic objectives.
My work involves collaborating with colleagues across academic and professional services, giving me insight into the practical application of governance frameworks within a large and complex organisation. I welcome the opportunity to use my skills and experience to support the development of services, strategy and initiatives that are fair, inclusive and reflective of the diverse communities the University serves.
Jethro Barclay - Security Operations Manager (Facilities Management)
I am a Security Operations Manager, where I lead security operations, emergency planning, and crisis response across the University. I joined the University in September 2024, but my connection to Glasgow goes back further, as I am a Central and East European Studies alumnus and former student ambassador. I am proud to now contribute to the University in a professional capacity, managing a 24/7 frontline team and working closely with colleagues, students, contractors, and external partners to support a safe, inclusive, and welcoming campus community.
My background is in safety-critical transport and infrastructure operations, having previously worked with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, where I supported the safe running of Glasgow Subway including emergency response, service resilience, and modernisation activity.
Outside of work, I am a keen traveller and enjoy learning languages. I also have a strong interest in public service contributing to the wider community. I am delighted to work with Shadow Board colleagues from across the University, share different perspectives, and help promote positive transformation for staff, students, and the wider University community.
Lia Doolan - Space Planner
I am a Space Planner within the Estates Directorate, where I support and lead projects ranging from workplace transformation and space planning initiatives through to major capital developments. I enjoy working with diverse stakeholders to solve complex challenges and create spaces that support the University's ambitions and its communities who work deliver on those ambitions. My work sits at the intersection of people, place and strategy, with a particular interest in how thoughtful design, engagement and collaboration can improve experiences and support institutional goals. I am passionate about bringing different perspectives together to solve complex challenges and create positive, meaningful change. Through the Shadow Board, I look forward to contributing fresh thinking, constructive challenge and a collaborative approach to conversations about the future of the University.
Ashton Duncan-Whitelaw - Digital Product Manager (Digital Experience)
I am a Digital Product Manager who has been at the University of Glasgow since early 2023. I lead cross-functional projects that deliver student-driven improvements and features across our digital portfolio, including the UofG Life App, Student Portal, and the UofG Design System. My experience is primarily in software development at startups, but I also worked in Marketing at the University of Iowa Press early in my career.
I studied Book History and Material Culture at the University of Edinburgh and previously lived on the Black Isle. I immigrated from the United States to join the University, bringing along my elderly poodle, and I enjoy playing tabletop games and reading in my spare time. I look forward to being a critical friend to the Senior Management Group while on the Shadow Board.
My pronouns are she/her.
Julian Hopkins - Learning Technologist (Social Sciences College Academic & Student Administration)
As part of the College of Social Sciences Technology Enhanced Learning team (TEL@CoSS), I work with academic staff and course convenors across five Schools to enhance curriculum design and teaching delivery. I help staff identify and integrate digital tools and practices that fit their discipline and personal teaching approach, supporting everything from interactive learning design to assessment and feedback. I also work with professional services colleagues, supporting their use of Moodle and the development of workflows to improve operational efficiency and student experience. I provide inductions, one-on-one training, bespoke training, and drop-in webinars on a range of areas such as: Moodle, digital tools for teaching and learning, AI, and automation.
Penelope Laycock - Lecturer in Social Policy (School of Social & Political Sciences)
Penelope Laycock is a Lecturer in Social Policy in the School of Social & Political Sciences at the University of Glasgow, where she contributes to teaching and curriculum development. She teaches across a range of social policy topics at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and also serves as a student advisor.
Andrew Maclaren - Research Fellow (School of Health & Wellbeing)
I am a Research Fellow in the School of Health & Wellbeing. I am a geographer by background, with research interests in everyday life, particularly in rural contexts. My work has focused on understandings and experiences of rurality, demographic ageing, and health inequalities.
I joined the University of Glasgow in May 2025. Prior to this, I studied and worked at both the University of Edinburgh and the University of Aberdeen, the latter where I did my PhD, and later became a Lecturer. In 2024 I took a career break to travel with my family before joining Glasgow.
Throughout my studies and academic career, I have held a range of representative and service roles, including undergraduate and postgraduate committee positions, membership of ethics and staff development committees, and most recently as a reviewer on the University of Glasgow’s GKEF panel. I am delighted to join the University of Glasgow’s Shadow Board and welcome the opportunity to contribute by sharing perspectives from my research and academic experience with the Board and senior management.
Gregor McGinnis - Student Experience Administrator (Adam Smith Business School)
I am a recent graduate of the University, having completed an MSc in Political Communication in 2023. I’m currently on secondment within the Student Experience team at the Adam Smith Business School, where I support initiatives focused on enhancing the student journey and strengthening engagement across the School. Before this, I held a number of roles within Development and Alumni, giving me the opportunity to work with a wide range of institutional stakeholders and gain a strong understanding of how different parts of the University connect and collaborate.
I’m passionate about communications and storytelling, particularly when it comes to sharing meaningful experiences and building a sense of community. I’m committed to helping Team UofG shape its future direction and to contributing work that supports its long‑term ambitions and values.
Clare Rollie - Lecturer (School of Molecular Bioscience, MVLS) (she/her)
I am a Lecturer in the School of Molecular Biosciences, where I coordinate a first year course and act as Deputy Programme Coordinator for the Molecular and Cellular Biology degree. After completing my PhD at the University of St Andrews, I held research positions there and at the University of Exeter before transitioning to a teaching-focused role at the University of Glasgow in 2020. I am passionate about research-led teaching and science outreach. As a member of the shadow board, I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the university, providing constructive feedback, and making a positive impact on our academic community.
Mohammad Ali Salik - BECS Research Group Laboratory Manager (Geography & Earth Sciences)
I currently hold the position of Research Laboratory Manager for the BECS research group in the School of Geographical & Earth Sciences (GES), where my focus is on organic geochemistry and analytical chemistry. In addition, I also fulfil the role of Technician Commitment Coordinator for the University. My academic background includes a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Chemistry and Environmental Science from the Open University.
I commenced my professional journey at the University of Glasgow in 2012 as a Modern Apprentice immediately after high school. Upon successfully completing the apprenticeship programme in 2014, I transitioned into a technician role within the School of Chemistry while concurrently pursuing my academic degree. Throughout the ensuing years, I progressed through various technical positions both at the University of Glasgow and Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Since 2017, my operational focus has been within the School of Geographical & Earth Sciences, where I presently oversee research laboratory activities. In 2020, I was entrusted with the responsibility of University Technician Commitment Coordinator, tasked with spearheading the formulation and execution of the University's Technician Commitment Action Plans and championing the visibility, recognition, career development, and sustainability of technical roles campus-wide. I am wholeheartedly committed to leveraging my knowledge and skills to contribute towards advancing the objectives of the Shadow Board in fostering positive transformation within the University.
Robyn Wright - Executive Administrator (Estates Planning & Administration)
Robyn is an Executive Administrator within the University of Glasgow’s Estates Directorate. She joined the University in 2019 and, over her six years of service, has provided comprehensive administrative support to Estates Directors. Robyn also acts as a primary point of contact on their behalf, ensuring effective communication, coordination, and high quality administrative delivery across the Directorate. In addition to her administrative responsibilities, Robyn is highly skilled in stakeholder management, building strong working relationships across the Estates Directorate and the wider University community to support collaborative decision making and service excellence. A pivotal part of her role involves providing seamless support to governance committees while proactively identifying opportunities to enhance and streamline processes. Robyn ensures clear communication, effective coordination, and a professional, collaborative approach when engaging with internal and external stakeholders, enabling smooth decision making and high quality service delivery. Robyn is passionate and driven to contribute to the University’s strategies and initiatives while actively promoting its core values. With her proactive and collaborative approach, she is eager to engage with both the Shadow Board and the Senior Management Group, embracing opportunities to support strategic discussions, share insights, and contribute to the University’s ongoing development.