Andrew (Andy) is a part-time PhD candidate at the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, University of Edinburgh. Andy’s doctoral research investigates community-building and activism in response to the environmental crisis, with a particular focus on gender and sexual minority groups in the UK.

Prior to beginning his PhD, Andy received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History of Art from the Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London, and a Master of Science degree in Environment, Culture and Society from the School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh. Andy enjoys teaching and has taught on Geography and Landscape Architecture courses at the University of Edinburgh.

Alongside his doctoral studies, Andy works for a major Scottish environmental forum and his advocacy role encourages Members of the Scottish Parliament to champion threatened species and priority habitats. Prior to this role, Andy worked to build community partnerships for Scotland’s leading youth homelessness charity. Andy has also previously worked and volunteered with different charities and NGOs that work to empower and support young people, vulnerable adults, and refugees.

Andy is a current Fellow of the UK educational charity, Cumberland Lodge (2021-23). The Cumberland Lodge Fellowship offers doctoral students who are firmly committed to promoting social progress the chance to set themselves apart, by deepening their understanding of pressing societal issues from a cross-sector perspective, and developing valuable skills in public engagement, networking, communication and interdisciplinary working. Every year in the spring, nine Cumberland Lodge Fellows are selected through a competitive application that is open to doctoral students from universities and higher education institutions across the UK. A tenth is nominated by the Council for At-Risk Academics, which supports international academics who are at risk of persecution, conflict or violence in their home countries to study or work in the UK.