Our Mentors

I am delighted to be acting as a mentor for 'My Academic Family', helping to support first generation university students here in the UK. I have a true passion for helping others reach their full potential, and I hope that I can use my skillset as a successful manager in business to help support a deserving student to follow their dreams at university.

I graduated from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow back in 2009 with a Honours degree in Accountancy. Following that, I continued my studies and successfully qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2012. Since then, I have worked for various different businesses as an in-house financial professional. One of my recent roles was with a company within the utilities sector, where I was responsible for a team of 24 people spread across various UK locations, and my current role is working as Head of Finance and Operations with a fast-growing recruitment business in Glasgow. I have been fortunate to have had a varied and exciting career, and despite people assuming accountants are boring, no two days have been the same!

No matter what stage you are at in life, having a committed mentor will always be invaluable and I am keen to help support the next generation of leaders to reach their full potential at the early stages of their career journeys. If you, or anyone you know would benefit from this service then don't hesitate to get in touch - we look forward to working with you soon!

Daniel was a first-generation student himself when he completed his degree in English Language & Literature at the University of Reading back in 2014. After working in various careers-related roles at the University of Reading, Daniel moved to Scotland in 2022 where he worked at Glasgow Kelvin College overseeing key people development initiatives and leading on staff training and development. Daniel has always been passionate about supporting people to be their best, and is now part of the leadership team within Careers, Employability and Opportunity at the University of Glasgow. 

I'm a first-generation student who understands the unique challenges of transitioning from college to university. Having studied biomedical science at Abertay University, I developed a deep interest in reproductive science and bioinformatics, complemented by valuable NHS experience. My MSc in biotechnology with industry experience further solidified my scientific foundation.

Currently working as a science technician in a secondary school, I'm committed to inspiring young minds and sharing my knowledge. I believe mentoring can be a rewarding way to give back, guiding students on their academic journeys. My diverse background, combined with my passion for science and education, makes me a dedicated and supportive mentor.

In my free time, I enjoy spending quality moments with friends and family, exploring the outdoors, and immersing myself in music.ion goes here

Gina Snooks is a lover of F words and F sounding words. She holds a PhD in Women’s Studies and Feminist Research (University of Western Ontario), a Master of Gender Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts with a doble major in Women’s Studies and Folklore (Memorial University of Newfoundland). Her academic interests include arts-based research, Pagan studies, and life storytelling. Gina is a photographer who loves creating fictional characters inspired by fantasy, and feminist historical fiction. She resides in northern Alberta, Canada (Treaty 8 Territory) but her heart belongs to the island of Newfoundland and the north Atlantic Ocean.

Gina supports My Academic Family’s work with first-generation university students in Canada.