Jilly MacKay
I am a Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Science Education at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. I belong to a lot of categories (in alphabetical order): Academic, Crafter, Feminist, Interdisciplinary Scientist, LGBT Ally, Mother, Writer . . . there’s probably more.
I began my academic career in veterinary sciences studying animal personality, but I was always fascinated by research methodologies. How can we quantify non-existent things like ‘personality’, ‘welfare’ or ‘student satisfaction’? I barged my way into educational research and started really playing about with research methods. I employ both qualitative and quantitative methodologies in my research, and I’m particularly interested in assessment, the open science framework, and effective human behavioural change.
I have very recently become passionate about academic motherhood, for what are probably obvious reasons. I find I have far less time for hobbies than I used to.
Education
University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh, Scotland
PhD in Characterising personality traits in cattle using biotelemetry systems
Jan 2010 - May 2013
University of Glasgow | Glasgow, Scotland
M.Sci in Zoology (2:1)
Aug 2004 - June 2009
Experience
University of Edinburgh
Senior Lecturer (Veterinary Science Education)
1st August 2022 - Present
Responsibilities include:
- Director of Quality Assurance and Enhancement
- Developing research competencies across the school
- Teaching research methodology at UG and PG
Lecturer (Veterinary Science Education)
August 2019 - July 2022
Responsibilities included:
- Student Research Component Course Organiser
- Evaluating Lecture Recording at the University of Edinburgh
Research Fellow (Veterinary Education)
June 2016 - July 2019
Responsibilities included:
- Leading investigation into NSS free text responses
- Supporting education research at R(D)SVS
SRUC
Lecturer (Animal Behaviour and Welfare)
January 2013 - June 2016
MSc Coordinator
- (International Animal Welfare Ethics and Law)
Lecturer / Course Organiser
- (Animal Behaviour and Welfare 3rd Year)
- (Animal Welfare 2nd Year)
Contact Me
Feel free to contact me to ask about my research, any of the projects I’ve been involved in, or just to say ‘hi’. I can also specifically discuss:
Speaking events for educators, academic groups, public engagement and student groups. I rarely say no to public engagement and student groups so please feel free to reach out. I can tailor a talk to your specific interests.
Consulting exercises on professional development and professional culture for charities, governmental organisations and businesses.
The best way to contact me is to reach out via my Edinburgh email address on the linked page, but you may also get a good response on BlueSky or Mastodon!”