Meet the team

Nikki heads up the CPD Services Unit and is responsible for the efficient running of the service. As well as policy development, Nikki's key roles include event management, budget development and providing advice on all aspects of CPD and Conference development and delivery throughout the University. She has over 25 years' experience in CPD development and delivery.  

Nikki has an MSC in Online Learning, an ILM Level 5 Certificate in Leadership and Management, is a qualified workplace coach and has recently completed the IAPCO Congress Project Management Course.

Tel: +44 (0)1224 273269
Email: n.pearce@abdn.ac.uk

Julie joined the team in 2006 and is involved in all aspects of event management, as well as being the focal point for the Institutes CPD returns to the Funding Council and collating the statistical data.

She has a particular interest in future and transformational technologies and recently completed a Future of Events course with the University of the West of Scotland.  Prior to this, Julie graduated from Nottingham Trent University after completing the PgCert in Higher Education Administration, Management & Leadership.

Julie built her knowledge and experience within training development, delivery and assessment from her previous employments at OPITO, Protocol Skills, Protocol National and Aberdeen College.

Tel: +44 (0)1224 274237
Email: j.dixon@abdn.ac.uk

Jade joined the CPD team in 2017 and is involved in all aspects of event management and has a particular interest in graphics and design. 

Jade has over 10 years’ experience developing and running a successful business, having set up her own jewellery and Illustration company after graduating with a BA in Fine Art from Gray’s School of Art in 2011.

Jade has an ILM Level 3 Certificate in Leadership and Management

Tel: +44 (0)1224 274368
Email: jade.mcgowan@abdn.ac.uk

Rachel joined the CPD services team in 2020. Since joining the University, Rachel has project managed the EU-funded grant project Explorathon, delivering more than 20 online events to connect public audiences with researchers. She also managed Dynamics Days Europe 2022, a week-long in-person conference for 200 people on the topic on non-linear dynamics.

During the pandemic she completed a qualification in digital marketing.

Prior to joining the University, she worked at OPITO, the skills body for the energy sector, as policy manager, and the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, where she managed the Scottish Government funded Developing the Young Workforce programme for the North East, connecting schools and employers. Rachel has also worked for a North East MSP.

Tel: +44 (0)1224 273416
Email: rachel.elliott@abdn.ac.uk

Heather comes from a finance background and is now responsible for providing secretarial support for all aspects of the unit's work. She is particularly interested in providing event support.

Tel: +44 (0)1224 272523
Email: h.a.macdonald@abdn.ac.uk

Jess re-joined the team in 2023 and is involved in providing administrative support for all aspects of the unit’s work. She previously worked for the University from 2005 to 2012 across various departments, and more recently has had over 8 years experience of running her own business alongside raising her family. Jess has a particular interest in streamlining processes and procedures, and on-the-day event support.

Jess has an MA in Divinity from the University of Aberdeen.

Tel: +44 01224 273966
Email: jessica.hippey@abdn.ac.uk