Principal’s Introduction
As ever, QMYOU offers a wonderful opportunity to share
with you news about our students, staff and graduates and
highlight some of the University’s new developments at home
and overseas.
Firstly, our feature on graduate Norman Todd’s incredible
journey from deep sea fisherman to offshore medic in the East
Irish Sea demonstrates the impact that education can have on
one’s career. Norman’s inspiring story shows how he discovered
his love of learning and how higher education is helping him
fulfil his potential as a health professional on the high seas.
In this edition, we have increased the ‘Where are you now?’
alumni section which allows us to highlight more fascinating
stories about our graduates’ career developments and
achievements. For example, recently, we were delighted to
welcome back to QMU Tracy MacInnes, a dietetics graduate,
who now works as the Associate Chief Health Professions
Officer at the Scottish Government. Tracy accompanied Shirley
Ann Somerville MSP, Minister for Further Education, Higher
Education and Science, also a QMU graduate, during her
tour of the University. Tracy has been kind enough to share
information about her career path. You can read about her
career and current advisory role with the Scottish Government
on page 26.
QMU continues to focus its research on areas of relevance
which will ultimately help to improve people’s lives both in
Scotland and internationally. You can read about our audiology
project which looks at hearing care for older people in
residential homes (pages 12 & 13). Then there are our experts in
international health and development who are identifying ways
of improving access and care for patients with tuberculosis (TB)
in South Africa and Latvia (page 14).
Our Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation
ensures that our commercial work in food and drink continues to
go from strength to strength. The team of food and drink experts
has an excellent track record in supporting the development of
SMEs, as well as large scale organisations. Find out how our
experts helped entrepreneurs develop a first-to-UK-market
blend of high caffeine black tea. If you would like to be involved
in our commercial food testing, you might like to sign up to
become a taste panel member by emailing [email protected].
Please do stay connected with QMU. If you are a graduate,
you might consider sharing your career story with our Alumni
team or mentoring a student. Other ways for people to engage
and support the University are by funding a student scholarship,
setting up an internship, donating a tree to be planted in the
campus grounds, supporting research or donating to the
Student Development Fund. You can remember us in your will
or speak to our Development Manager about creating a lasting
legacy for a departed loved one.
We look forward to hearing your news, helping you with
business solutions, discussing student support ideas,
organising a reunion or taking you on a campus tour.
Professor Petra Wend, PhD, FRSA, FRSE
Principal and Vice Chancellor
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
Young learners contemplate
their future at the Queen
Margaret Children's University.
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QMYOU / Principal’s Introduction