The Academic Skills team is dedicated to helping students to understand university working practices and to develop their own approaches to study. We offer our advice to all students, regardless of prior experience, including undergraduates, postgraduates and even staff who are studying at Napier. The team also works with academics to develop guidance tailored to particular disciplines and cohorts of students. You can learn a bit more about each of us below.
Tayo, Team Manager
Tayo moved to Edinburgh in 2010 to study towards Masters and PhD qualifications in the Biological Sciences. Having completed his research in 2017, he worked in the School of Applied Sciences as a demonstrator and a student project adviser, before joining the Academic Skills team in 2018. He was thrilled to be appointed the team’s manager in 2023. Tayo also spent four years working in the medical and pharmaceuticals industry. Additionally, he has over ten years of experience as a customer service analyst in the banking industry. When he isn’t working, Tayo spends time with his wife and children.
Angus
Angus first joined the Academic Skills team in 2013. He previously studied and taught at Georgetown University, before producing a political news programme for American radio. After sampling other pastures and finding them less green, he joined the team on a permanent basis at the end of 2018. Angus works closely with students and staff in the School of Arts and Creative Industries. He also spends time producing online study resources and leading on academic integrity issues. Alongside his work at Edinburgh Napier, he’s often to be found working on an essay or a book on some author or other. He also enjoys growing fruit and vegetables (with mixed success), cooking with these, and exploring some of the Lothians’ quieter corners.
Lorrae
Lorrae first came across learning development as an undergraduate student when she needed help with her academic writing. The guidance was so valuable that it inspired her to become a peer mentor, and the role sparked a passion for ‘facilitating learning’. Ten years later, she has experienced academia from several different perspectives, including as a student, lecturer, teaching assistant, and writing tutor in the UK and USA. Wanting to use the insight she has gained to dispel the myths of academic skills for other students, she joined the team in Spring 2022. Outside work, she can be found tending to her ever-growing plant collection and exploring Edinburgh on long walks. Lorrae has also completed a PhD in corpus linguistics and language testing.
Hannah
Hannah joined the Academic Skills team in summer 2023. She was awarded a PhD in Human Geography in 2018, and has taught at universities around the UK since then. This teaching experience has given Hannah an awareness of the growing challenges facing students, including the ongoing impacts COVID-19, the rising cost of living, and increasing mental ill-health. She is passionate about supporting students to make the most of their studies, no matter their circumstances. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys visiting museums, exploring Scotland, and reading.
Tilly
Tilly joined the team in 2025 as an Academic Skills Adviser. She previously worked for the Centre of Educational Enhancement and Development at the University of St Andrews in a similar role, as a student developer, alongside completing her PhD in Comparative Literature. During this time, she also taught within the School of Modern Languages, so she has lots of experience working with students from many different backgrounds and helping them achieve their goals. She also worked at the Disability Resource Centre at the University of Cambridge for a few years while doing her master’s, and is passionate about widening participation and accessibility. In her spare time, Tilly enjoys reading, spending time with friends, going to coffee shops, eating pastries, and walking dogs!
Callum
Callum joined the Academic Skills team in August 2025. He previously taught at the University of Edinburgh while completing his PhD in Sport and Exercise Science. Callum is committed to helping students thrive during their time at Edinburgh Napier, whether that’s through academic skills advice or just being a friendly face on campus (and online!). Outside of work, he’s most likely to be found on a football pitch, tennis court or golf course.