Hi! I’m Elle, and I’m delighted that you’ve made it this far. Below is the professional background bit, but in short, I am a queer, neurodivergent, disabled, white, atheist, cis woman. I love dogs, cake and co-ordinating my nail colour with my clothes. I am bad at small talk, but good at big talk. And hopefully, this has convinced you I’m an alright sort of person and that you’d like to participate in my research. But if you want to know a bit more about the serious stuff…
I am currently undertaking my doctoral studies at the University of East Anglia. I opted to do an EdD as it afforded me the opportunity to study and research alongside my professional career. I have over fifteen years of experience in higher education, both professionally and as a student myself. I have multiple hidden disabilities, and this has given me a personal insight into the experience of being a learner and employee in higher education.
Currently, I work at the University of Cambridge, at Cambridge University Libraries as their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor, and my work focuses on supporting staff and leading staff-related EDI initiatives and projects within the libraries. I also contribute to University EDI activities, including having been co-lead for the EDI Community of Practice and co-lead the workplace adjustments working group.
Before Cambridge my work was student-focused; in 22/23 I supervised undergraduate dissertation projects on the BA Education programme at UEA. Previously, I have worked as the HE Disability Manager at Writtle University College (now, ARU Writtle) and as an Academic Skills Advisor at the University of Suffolk. My professional experience has greatly informed my perspective on the needs of learners and has given me a passion for providing equitable access and opportunity in higher education.
I have a BA (hons) in History of Art from the University of York, and a MEd in Language, Literacy and Dyslexia from the University of Birmingham. I am qualified to deliver specialist support for students with Autism and Specific Learning Difficulties. I hold Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy and am mental health first aid trained.
ELLE WILLS EdD PROJECT 