Dr Heather Selley

Profile

I am a PGR Support Specialist (EDI) in the School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability at the University of Leeds, where I lead and support initiatives that enhance the postgraduate researcher (PGR) experience, improve equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and strengthen doctoral training across a range of UKRI-funded programmes.

My work spans strategy, policy development, student support, recruitment, researcher development and programme management. I support several national doctoral training programmes and collaborate with colleagues across the higher education sector to share best practice and improve doctoral education. I have expertise in inclusive recruitment, widening participation, student support, EDI data and evaluation, and the development of evidence-informed approaches to doctoral training.

I am passionate about creating inclusive research environments where all researchers can thrive. Much of my work focuses on reducing barriers to participation, improving access to opportunities, and ensuring that doctoral programmes provide meaningful support throughout the student journey.

Alongside my institutional role, I contribute to a range of cross-sector initiatives and networks focused on doctoral education, EDI and professional practice. I have led the development of recruitment guidance, student support resources, EDI frameworks and sector-wide best practice recommendations, and regularly collaborate with colleagues across universities, research institutes and funding bodies.

Before moving into doctoral training and EDI leadership, I completed a PhD in remote sensing of the cryosphere, using satellite observations to investigate changes in the Antarctic Ice Sheet and their implications for sea-level rise.

Responsibilities

• Lead on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for Postgraduate Researchers
• School of Earth and Environment EDI Advocate
• SENSE CDT & NZPS DTP Lead Contact

Research interests

• Equity, diversity and inclusion in doctoral education

• Inclusive recruitment and widening participation

• Research culture and researcher experience

• Professional practice in doctoral training

• Communities of practice and knowledge sharing

• Student wellbeing and support

• Evaluation of EDI interventions

• Higher education policy and practice

I still contribute to Earth observation, remote sensing and cryosphere research based on my PhD work and collaborations through various projects.

Qualifications

• PhD, Remote Sensing of the Cryosphere, University of Leeds
• MSc, Glaciology, Aberystwyth University
• BSc, Physical Geography, University of Exeter

Student education

Supervision

I have helped to supervise a variety of students during my time at the University of Leeds, this has included:

Masters dissertations:

• Julia Andreasen – 2018-2019

Undergraduate dissertations:

• Chloe Badge – 2019
• Susanna Jackson – 2019
• Abigail Robinson – 2021

Summer students:

• Abigail Robinson – CPOM 12 week summer placement- 2021, Bed topography of West Antarctica.