Nicola is a disabled PhD researcher at the University of Stirling committed to raising awareness of chronic illness and amplifying the value of lived experience to empower others to drive positive change in their communities.  

For over a decade, Nicola has volunteered with the Cystic Fibrosis Trust to highlight community voices by reviewing information and support resources, participating in focus groups to advise on future projects, and sharing her involvement journey at online events. She is currently serving as a community representative in the redrafting of international Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines.   

Nicola is passionate about youth engagement, having joined the CF Trust’s Youth Advisory Group in 2016 before moving into a co-facilitation role, where she co-designed initiatives that encouraged youth participation and ensured youth voices were meaningfully represented in policy development and research. In 2023, she led creative writing workshops for children with cystic fibrosis, helping to foster confidence and creativity. She also authored a nutritional guide to empower children to better understand and manage their condition from an early age.  

As a chronically ill researcher, Nicola is committed to advancing educational equity, serving on committees including Advance HE’s Disabled Student Advisory Group and the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities (SGSAH) Doctoral Researcher Committee. In her role as a University Mental Health Charter Assessor with Student Minds, she champions student mental health through an intersectional lens, recognising the complex factors that shape diverse student experiences. Over the years, Nicola has mentored students entering the publishing industry and, more recently, has supported those from underrepresented backgrounds in applying for PhD funding. Through tailored guidance and encouragement, she works to bridge access gaps and promote a more transparent and inclusive path into higher education.  

As part of the Snowdon Trust’s Disabled Leadership Network, Nicola values the power of collaboration and community-led advocacy, constantly striving to make a real difference across her academic, volunteering, and activism work. At the heart of her efforts is a determination to challenge structural inequalities and systemic ableism by promoting authentic community engagement and meaningful co-production at every level.