Meet our Digital Student Ambassadors
Introducing our dynamic team of Digital Student Ambassadors, the enthusiastic faces dedicated to sharing their unique learning experiences with you.
Each ambassador brings a distinct perspective and diverse background, offering a genuine glimpse into life as a student, and what makes UHI North, West and Hebrides a special place to learn and grow.
Katie Winton
Hiya I’m Katie. I am a second-year student studying Equine Business Management at the UHI North, West and Hebrides, Thurso Campus. I've always had a love for animals, particularly horses. I am currently doing the course online and visit Thurso for short blocks to horse ride. Kai (my little dog) also gets to come to college too!
I was diagnosed with Dyslexia when I was a teenager and always struggled with school. I never had the best grades or the motivation in school. I had no clue what my future was. Until I found the perfect course for me. I have never had better grades and I want to achieve at UHI.
I can only say positive things about UHI, and I want to share that. UHI has something for everyone. I am excited to share the rest of my UHI experience. I hope more people like me can have the same UHI opportunities.
Sophie Ann Manson
Hello! My name is Sophie, a 24-year-old Veterinary Nursing student originally from Shetland. I am doing my work placement with Conanvet based in Conon Bridge where I now live with my 3.5-year-old Romanian rescue dog, Cinders. I am very passionate about the care and welfare of animals. I am also rather passionate about students’ rights and having their voices heard.
Abby Teague
Hello! My name is Abby and I am currently in my first year of studying at UHI on the Adventure Education course. I grew up in 2 busy cities - Los Angeles and Edinburgh so retreating to the Highlands to study has certainly been a contrast but one of the best decisions I have made nonetheless!
I absolutely adore studying here and making the most of what both the University and the Highlands of Scotland have to offer: from gorgeous scenery to explore and adventure around to fantastic teaching staff who really know what they are talking about.
I have always loved the outdoors and so that is why in summer 2023 I took on a job at an outdoors residential centre where I assisted many instructors on a variety of activities. During this time I realised that I would love to have a career in the outdoors field. I am forever grateful for my course at SOAS UHI which I know will help mould me into the best I can be in the sector
Find out more about studying with the School of Adventure Studies
Sam Francis
Hi there, my name is Sam. I’m a first year Adventure Tourism Management student. Growing up in a Forces family meant I had a bit of a nomadic childhood – 6 schools and 4 countries later, I've got quite the story to tell! But no matter where I was, one thing remained constant: my love for the great outdoors.
In 2019, I decided to turn that passion into a career by undertaking an apprenticeship to become an Outdoor Activity Instructor. It was there that I realized just how fulfilling and exciting a life in the outdoors could be. Fast forward a bit, and after a brief hiatus from the sector, I knew I had to get back to what I loved. That's when I found myself at UHI, starting my Adventure Tourism Management journey in September 2023.
When I'm not studying or out exploring, you can bet you'll find me near water. Whether Stand Up Paddleboarding, Wild Swimming, or Kayaking, you name it, I'm there! Fort William is an absolute paradise for outdoor enthusiasts like me. With its stunning rivers, lochs, and coastline, there's always an adventure waiting just around the corner.
Find out more about studying with the School of Adventure Studies
Stephen Button
Hiya, I’m Stephen but mostly known as Steve!
I am a mature postgraduate research student working towards a PhD within the Centre for Recreation & Tourism Research (CRTR), based in Fort William. My project focuses on Recreation Conflict, examining the rise of e-Mountain Biking and how it impacts and interacts with traditional Mountain Biking and other outdoor recreation activities within the great outdoors of Scotland and the wider UK.
I feel so privileged to be studying at UHI NWH and I love the mountains, lochs, and the friendly culture that Scotland offers so dearly. Combining my long-held passion for cycling and outdoor recreation with my research project is a dream come true. I hope to work on similar projects as a full-time researcher, lecturer, or in a related role when I complete my studies in 2025.
My background prior to studying here includes earning both a degree and a master’s in Countryside Recreation Management and Innovation Entrepreneurship. This led me to various roles, including spells as a ranger, which I loved, a period of self-employment (cycling-related, of course), and some FE lecturing.
I have been fortunate enough to travel extensively overseas, with my favorite destinations being Alaska, Canada, and New Zealand. However, I mostly love the splendour and simplicity of the Scottish coasts, highlands, and islands, not forgetting the splendid Borders! The best places are generally closer to home, I find!
Currently, I live in North Lancashire, so I periodically commute up and down by bike and train, which gives me great pleasure and time to read. This fits in perfectly with the excellent remote programme and connections that UHI NWH provides for all its students!
2.JPG "Student ambassador Stephen Button")
Lena Marie Meier
Hello, my name is Lena and I am currently a student at UHI since 2023. I am originally from Germany but fell in love with this gorgeous country and its beautiful landscape and therefore decided to study the Adventure Education BAH course in Fort William. I am now in second year.
Through the course I've been able to try our a lot of new sports and activities and I'm very thankful for such an active Uni life! But also in my free time, when not studying, I love to explore the country and go hiking, swimming, climbing... so it is absolutely great to live here in between mountains and the water and have all that so close by!
It's been a great experience so far to move to Scotland and study and work here, but also to live abroad in general and I am excited to share these adventures with everyone, whether studying here already or still thinking about it!
Find out more about studying with the School of Adventure Studies
Kate Masson
My Name is Kate Masson and I live on the Isle of Skye. I love swimming in the sea, kayaking, skiing, taking photos and also play fiddle in a ceilidh band.
I have always loved Photography but did not think anything of studying it until recently when I met a friend who had taken on a higher photography course through UHI. I decided it would be something I would like to do, and I applied.
I can honestly say I love it. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone but I am learning so much whilst also still allowing me to work and have family life. I was a little worried being a certain age and trying to study again but it has been great.
Find out more about studying Photography at UHI North, West and Hebrides
Nadja Hohenadl
My name is Nadja, and I’ve been an online Masters student with UHI NWH since late 2024, studying Sustainable Energy Solutions. I aim to combine this knowledge with my Marine Sciences degree from SAMS, a UHI partner.
Passionate about how physical forces make the planet go round *pun intended, I enjoy sharing my love for the underwater world—an interest sparked by dolphins and earning my SCUBA certificate at 14. Now, I focus on helping communities understand the sea and develop sustainable ocean energy solutions.
I work part-time at a gift shop and garden centre in Oban. In my free time, I collect beach treasures like shells and sea glass for DIY projects, reflecting my passion for reusing and repurposing.
Originally from Germany, I moved to Scotland in 2018 and now live on the Isle of Seil, near Oban. From such a remote location, UHI offers incredible support and flexibility, making learning accessible and enjoyable. Feel free to reach out—I’d love to share my student experience with you, surrounded by sheep, shells, and ocean waves!
Find out more about studying Sustainability at UHI North, West and Hebrides
Glen Dickson
Hello! I am Glen, a 47-year-old mature student, currently in the third year of the BA (Hons) Adventure Education program at UHI. I hold an HND in Environmental Management and Sustainability from SRUC (2017) and recently completed an HNC in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry at UHI Inverness to refresh my skills and ease back into education. My goal is to continue through honours and pursue a Master’s in Mountain Development. As a summer mountain guide working toward my Winter Mountain Leader qualification, I aim to use my studies to become a more knowledgeable guide and eventually work in teaching or development to protect and sustainably enhance mountainous areas.
When I moved back to Scotland in 2010 after a difficult personal period, I was at my lowest point. Seeing the mountains gave me a sense of purpose- I knew I needed to walk them. Those first hikes set me on a path to becoming an outdoor guide, as I experienced the natural high and sense of achievement they provided. Now, I share my experiences of walking, climbing, wild camping, and swimming through Instagram to encourage others to try it for themselves. Modules like Adventure Therapy and Anthropology of Place align with my belief in nature’s transformative power. By guiding groups of all abilities and sharing both successes and setbacks, I hope to inspire others to connect with the natural world and its many rewards.
Find out more about studying Adventure Education at UHI North, West and Hebrides
Thea Stronach
Hi, I’m Thea, an 18-year-old gamekeeper and a student in the Gamekeeping course at UHI North, West, and Hebrides in Thurso. I have grown up around gamekeeping and this way of life, so it was a no-brainer for me when deciding what I wanted to do after leaving school.
I was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia in my last year of high school, which made school really difficult for me. I also hated being inside, so I knew this course was perfect for me. It has everything I love about a job: being outside in nature, working with people who share the same hobbies as me, and looking after birds and deer.
I knew this was my passion when I went shooting with my dad for the first time. The rush I felt was one of the best feelings in the world. Through this job, I want to help people tick things off their bucket list, like shooting their first red stag, or simply give them the same rush I felt at nine years old. This course is helping me achieve my goal by teaching me everything I need to know about deer stalking.
Find out more about studying Gamekeeping at UHI North, West and Hebrides
Mena Hancock
Hiya! My name is Mena. I’m 20 years old and currently in my 3rd year of studying BA (Hons) Geography and Archaeology fully online through the UHI North, West and Hebrides in Fort William.
I’ve always loved the outdoors. When I’m not busy with my studies, you’ll often find me exploring the Highlands on a motorbike with my friend, going for walks with my family and our dog, Skip, or traveling to new and interesting countries.
From a young age, I’ve faced challenges with Dyslexia, having been diagnosed in primary school. However, my experience with UHI and their lovely staff has been incredible. This course has opened doors to amazing opportunities, including volunteering at incredible archaeological sites like the Ness of Brodgar.
Find out more about studying Geography and Archaeology at UHI North, West and Hebrides
