QMYOU Alumni Magazine Issue 82 | Page 29

Where are you now? Kirsty secures place on prestigious Civil Service Fast Stream Programme. Bookings for Madras Lodge Bookings Secretary Anne Vokes T: 07817 328 035 E: [email protected] When Kirsty Markie began studying MSc Public Services Leadership at QMU, she was already working for local government, so she was able to combine part-time studies with her work commitments. Half way through her studies, Kirsty was successful in getting a place on the prestigious Civil Service Fast Stream Programme. Kirsty has just returned from London, where she spent Improving health and wellbeing with Simply Better Nutrition M Sc nutrition graduates, Matteo Berra and Scott Dolan were concerned about the alarming rise in preventable disease and obesity levels in Scotland. In response, in 2015, they established an exciting new health, nutrition and lifestyle service which aims to help people improve their health, wellbeing and fitness. six months working in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills leading the department’s work on the European Data Protection Regulation. In March next year she will begin a five month posting in the European Commission in Brussels. Commenting on her postgraduate experience at QMU, Kirsty said, “My QMU qualification, along with my MA, definitely helped set me Basing themselves at QMU, their new service offers tailor made programmes for individuals who want to improve their quality of life by enhancing their health and fitness and making better lifestyle and food choices. Matteo and Scott factor in nutrition, lifestyle, activity and time availability in supporting people to achieve their personal health-related goals, whether that be weight loss, improving sports performance or recovering from ill health. Their tailored programmes can focus on: • Weight loss (focusing on lowering body fat) apart in my application to the Fast Stream. If you’re havi ng doubts about whether you can work full time and study, I’m just one example that you can do it.” Kirsty also shares her story in our new ‘Step Ahead at QMU’ postgraduate study film, which can now be viewed on the QMU YouTube channel online at >> https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=gePuur27LkA • I m p r o v e d b o d y c o m p o s i t i o n (maintaining/improving lean muscle mass) • Decreased risk of type II diabetes • Improved heart health and lung function • Lower blood pressure • Improved energy, mood and sleep • A healthier and more active life! Matteo and Scott’s expert knowledge and experience could get you fit for your future. Find out more about their specialist ser vices at: http://www.simplybetternutrition.co.uk ❒ Louise Martin elected Commonwealth Games chief A graduate of QMU and Chair of sportscotland, Louise Martin was elected in autumn 2015 as President of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF). Louise is the organisation’s first female leader in its 85 year history. Louise was elected as a board member to the Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) 20 years ago, and served as Chair from 1999 to 2007. She was Honorary Secretary of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) from 1999 to 2015 before being installed as the organisation’s new president following her leading role in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Vice-Chair of Glasgow 2014, Louise had visited 64 countries in the lead-up to the event in Scotland. As part of her new role, she has promised to increase financial support for the 71 members of the CGF, and to set up a new trust to help more countries take part in the Youth Games. Excelling in the sporting arena, Louise was a swimmer who competed for Scotland at the 1962 Commonwealth Games in Perth. After retiring from her international sporting career, Louise graduated from the Edinburgh College of Domestic Science in 1968 having specialised in Food and Nutrition. She returned to  teach at Queen Margaret’s newly established Costorphine campus until 1972 and then spent some 20 years working as a teacher, examiner, specialist regional adviser and latterly lecturer in home economics and nutrition in Edinburgh, Fife and the Highlands. Talking of her new appointment, she said: “I am extremely proud and humbled to be elected as President of the CGF and it is my chance to give something back to the Movement that means so much to me.” With a proven track record of collaboration and delivery, as well as dedication and passion for the Movement, Louise is looking forward to guiding the CGF through the next stage of its Commonwealth journey and unlocking the immense potential of this unique sporting Movement. L o u i s e, w h o i s k n ow n th r o u g h o u t th e Commonwealth as a trailblazer in sport, was elected in September, just ahead of the Commonwealth Youth Games, an event that she was instrumental in creating. ❒ QMYOU / Where Are You Now? 31