About me

Hi there! I’m Dr. Stephanie Zihms, and I’m a Lecturer in Academic Writing and Researcher Development at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU). My primary focus is on enhancing the research journey for research staffand Postgraduate Research Students (PGRs) by developing tailored writing support and fostering vibrant academic communities. I assist researchers with various written outputs, including thesis writing and preparing for publication. My approach emphasises inclusive and innovative methods to help researchers thrive.

My core research interests revolve around peer-writing groups and leveraging creative methods to support writers. I also explore the crucial role of academic writing support in community building and the impact of public engagement (science communication) in research-engaged teaching.

Beyond my role at GCU, I’m deeply involved in shaping the broader researcher development landscape. I’ve had the honour of chairing the Universities Scotland Researcher Development & Culture Committee (RDCC) from May 2023 to May 2025. I am an active member of the Scottish Higher Education Researcher Developer (ScotHERD) network and contribute as a Lead Reviewer for Vitae’s UK HR Excellence in Research Award applications, helping to define and promote best practices nationally. I also serve as an Associate Editor for Geoscience Communication, with a focus on education. Additionally, I am on the advisory group for the Researcher Education and Development Scholarship (REDS) conference. I recently launched the Academic Writing Knowledge Exchange Network, creating new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing in the academic writing community.

My journey into researcher development might surprise you! I started my academic career with a PhD in Civil & Environmental Engineering from the University of Strathclyde (completed in 2013). Following this, I worked as a researcher in geoscience at the British Geological Survey and a postdoc at Heriot-Watt University. This background provides me with a unique understanding of the pressures and challenges researchers face daily, allowing me to bring a practical, empathetic perspective to my work. This career shift in 2018 was a re-evaluation of my values and goals, leading me to researcher development.

A core principle of my work is fostering supportive and inclusive academic environments. My personal experience of living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), diagnosed in 2016, has deeply informed my commitment to accessibility and promoting reasonable adjustments, ensuring that all community members can participate and excel. As a mum to a toddler, I also understand firsthand the importance of flexible, sustainable approaches to academic work that accommodate the complexities and changing demands of life. These lived experiences shape my empathetic approach to supporting researchers and my belief that academic systems must work for people as they are, not as we might expect them to be. I openly share my experiences to advocate for understanding and empathy within academia. I am also a founding member of the GCU Disabled Staff network, supporting policy development around reasonable adjustments and inclusive work environments.

My Approach

Throughout my blog, you’ll notice themes that reflect my approach to both work and life: the importance of setting boundaries, finding systems that actually work for you, and the value of community. I’m constantly experimenting with tools (from Obsidian to different bullet journal setups), and I love sharing what works – and what doesn’t.

I believe in the power of informal, supportive communities like the Power Hour of Writing – a regular writing session I facilitate where the goal isn’t perfection but progress, and where writers at all stages can come together to support each other’s work and build productive writing habits in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.

Thanks for stopping by – I hope you find something useful here!