About
Highly accomplished PhD political communications graduate with extensive expertise in qualitative research, including interview, focus group, and text-based data collection. A seasoned freelance communications professional with over 20 years of experience in document formatting, writing, proofreading, and editing, adept at managing multiple projects and deadlines across diverse corporate, academic, hospitality, and media sectors. Combines strong analytical abilities with exceptional attention to detail to deliver high-impact communication strategies and content.
Work
Randstad Student Services Scotland
|SpLD Study Skills Tutor
Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Summary
Currently empowering university students to achieve academic success by developing essential study skills and fostering independent learning.
Highlights
Guided students in goal-setting and project management strategies, enabling effective fulfillment of university coursework requirements.
Cultivated confidence and fostered independence in students through personalized coaching on enhanced study skills and strategic management techniques.
Provided tailored support to diverse learners, improving academic performance and self-efficacy through targeted interventions.
Robert Gordon University Scotland
|Fixed-term, Part-time Lecturer
Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Summary
Delivered engaging lectures and tutorials, contributing to student success in Media Business, PR Strategy, and Public Relations modules.
Highlights
Prepared and delivered engaging lectures and tutorials, both in-person and online, for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Evaluated and marked coursework for Media Business, PR Strategy and Specialisms, and Public Relations modules, providing constructive feedback to over 100 students per semester.
Conducted one-on-one student feedback sessions, enhancing learning outcomes and addressing individual academic needs.
Subtext Communications Canada
|Freelance Writer, Document Preparer, Editor, Proofreader
Virtual, British Columbia, Canada
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Summary
Provided comprehensive freelance communications services, including research, writing, editing, and formatting, for diverse web and print media clients over 14 years.
Highlights
Researched, wrote, edited, proofread, and formatted a wide range of web and print communications, delivering high-quality content (portfolio available on request).
Conducted client consultations and provided training on Microsoft Office software, optimizing client workflow and document management.
Collaborated closely with clients to ensure high-quality results and timely delivery of projects, consistently meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations.
Visitors' Choice Publications Canada
|Travel Guide Editor
Virtual, British Columbia, Canada
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Summary
Managed the end-to-end production of 21 British Columbia travel guides, overseeing schedules, layouts, and content development.
Highlights
Managed production schedules, page layouts, and budgets for 21 distinct British Columbia travel guides, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery.
Developed compelling content through collaboration with community stakeholders, freelance writers, and photographers, enhancing guide quality and appeal.
Oversaw the entire editorial process from concept to print, maintaining high standards for accuracy, consistency, and reader engagement.
Selkirk Sentinel Newspaper Canada
|Managing Editor
Castlegar, British Columbia, Canada
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Summary
Led editorial operations for a student newspaper, overseeing content creation, staff development, and production timelines.
Highlights
Recruited, mentored, and managed a team of student writers and photographers, enhancing their journalistic skills and output.
Created and facilitated student writing workshops on journalism practices, significantly improving content quality and consistency.
Effectively set and managed production schedules and deadlines, ensuring timely publication of newspaper editions.
Selkirk College Canada
|Writing and Editing Student Peer Tutor
Castlegar, British Columbia, Canada
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Summary
Provided academic support to students, enhancing their writing, research, and assignment completion skills.
Highlights
Assisted students with grammar, spelling, punctuation, style, and overall presentation of written work, leading to improved academic submissions.
Guided students on effective research methodologies, project management, and comprehensive written assignment completion.
Provided one-on-one and group tutoring sessions, fostering independent learning and academic success for a diverse student body.
Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre Canada
|Visitor Information Counsellor
Castlegar, British Columbia, Canada
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Summary
Provided comprehensive visitor support and managed internal documentation for a regional tourism center.
Highlights
Assisted hundreds of visitors with inquiries about local and British Columbia culture, recreation, and travel, enhancing visitor experience and satisfaction.
Created and edited essential internal and external documents using Microsoft Word and Excel, improving operational efficiency and communication.
Provided expert guidance on local attractions and services, contributing to regional tourism promotion and visitor engagement.
Castlegar Citizen Newspaper Canada
|Freelance Newspaper Writer
Castlegar, British Columbia, Canada
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Summary
Authored weekly news articles and features for a local print publication, engaging with community members through interviews and research.
Highlights
Conducted in-depth research and interviewed local citizens to write weekly news articles for print publication, contributing to community engagement.
Produced a weekly 'Person on the Street' featurette, conducting interviews on selected weekly questions to capture diverse community perspectives.
Consistently delivered well-researched and engaging content, meeting weekly publication deadlines for print distribution.
Investors Group Canada Financial Services Inc.
|Administrative Assistant
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Summary
Provided essential administrative and clerical support, ensuring efficient office operations and client file management.
Highlights
Transcribed handwritten meeting notes into Microsoft Word, ensuring accurate and organized record-keeping for executive meetings.
Managed email correspondence and diary appointments, coordinating travel arrangements for senior staff to optimize schedules.
Prepared, scanned, and managed client files, maintaining confidentiality and accessibility of critical documents.
Volunteer
RGU Research Student Association
|Co-President
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Summary
Co-led the Research Student Association, representing postgraduate students and fostering a supportive academic community.
Highlights
Served as Co-President, overseeing initiatives to enhance the postgraduate student experience and advocate for their needs.
Contributed as a committee member from 2018-2019, actively participating in planning and executing student-focused events and programs.
RGU Board of Governors
|Postgraduate Student Governor
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Summary
Represented postgraduate student interests on the university's governing board, contributing to strategic decision-making.
Highlights
Served as Postgraduate Student Governor, providing student perspective and input on key university policies and strategies.
Acted as a crucial liaison between the student body and the university's leadership, ensuring student voices were heard.
Selkirk College Board of Governors
|Diploma Program Student Governor
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Summary
Represented diploma program students on the college's governing board, contributing to academic and operational oversight.
Highlights
Served as Diploma Program Student Governor, providing student perspective on college policies and academic programs.
Contributed to governance discussions and decisions impacting the student body and college operations.
Selkirk College Resort and Hotel Management Advisory Board
|Student Representative
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Summary
Provided student insights to the advisory board for the Resort and Hotel Management program.
Highlights
Represented student interests on the advisory board, offering valuable feedback on curriculum and program development.
Contributed to discussions aimed at aligning the program with industry needs and improving student readiness for the workforce.
Selkirk College Students' Union
|Executive Chair and External Co-ordinator
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Summary
Served as Executive Chair and External Co-ordinator for the Students' Union, leading student advocacy and external relations.
Highlights
Chaired executive meetings and coordinated external relations, enhancing the union's reach and impact.
Spearheaded initiatives to improve student life and advocate for student rights within the college and broader community.
Columbia Basin Trust Youth Advisory Committee
|Writer and Editorial Review Team
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Summary
Contributed as a writer and editorial reviewer for the Youth Advisory Committee, shaping youth-focused content.
Highlights
Served on the writer and editorial review team, contributing to the development and refinement of youth-focused publications.
Ensured content was engaging, relevant, and accurately reflected the perspectives of young people in the Columbia Basin.
Castlegar Spoken Word
|Event Planner, Publicist, and Host
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Summary
Orchestrated and hosted monthly literary showcases, managing event planning and publicity.
Highlights
Led event planning and publicity efforts for monthly literary showcases, significantly increasing community engagement and attendance.
Served as host for the events, creating a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for participants and audience members.
Managed all logistical aspects, from venue coordination to performer scheduling, ensuring successful execution of each showcase.
Education
Robert Gordon University (RGU) Scotland
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PhD
Information Management
Courses
Transcendental phenomenological analysis of focus group and interview data, exploring British and Canadian youth experiences of persuasive and informative election campaigns.
Robert Gordon University (RGU) Scotland
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MSc
Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
Grade: Distinction
Selkirk College Canada
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Diploma
Resort and Hotel Management
Grade: 3.57 GPA
Selkirk College Canada
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Associate of Arts (AA)
Psychology and English Literature
Grade: 3.57 GPA
Awards
Scotland's Saltire Scholarship (SSS) Recipient
Awarded By
Scottish Government
Awarded the prestigious Scotland's Saltire Scholarship in recognition of academic excellence and potential, supporting postgraduate studies in Scotland.
Prestige Lakeside Resort Scholarship Recipient
Awarded By
Prestige Lakeside Resort
Received scholarship for academic achievement in the Resort and Hotel Management program, demonstrating commitment to the hospitality industry.
D. Fowler Memorial Creative Writing Scholarship Recipient
Awarded By
Selkirk College
Awarded the D. Fowler Memorial Creative Writing Scholarship, recognizing exceptional talent and promise in creative writing.
Skills
Research & Analysis
Qualitative Research, Interviewing, Focus Group Facilitation, Text-Based Data Collection, Primary Data Collection, Secondary Data Collection, Phenomenological Analysis, Analytical Thinking, Innovative Thinking, Research Skills, Data Analysis.
Communication & Content
Freelance Writing, Document Preparation, Editing, Proofreading, Content Development, Web Content, Print Communications, Copywriting, Public Relations (PR), Journalism, Technical Writing, Academic Writing, Curriculum Development, Public Speaking, Student Feedback.
Project & Program Management
Project Management, Goal Setting, Production Scheduling, Deadline Management, Budget Management, Event Planning, Program Development, Workflow Optimization.
Leadership & Mentorship
Team Leadership, Mentoring, Training & Development, Student Coaching, Student Advocacy, Cross-functional Collaboration, Stakeholder Engagement, Team Empowerment.
Technical & Administrative
Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Social Media Management, Keyboarding, Document Formatting, Client Consultation, Email Management, Diary Management, File Management, Data Entry.