Staff and support at the ISC and the University

ISC students are fully supported by dedicated staff within the centre. Tutors and support staff at Heriot-Watt University International Study Centre have qualifications in a wide range of subjects. You can read about some of their teaching experience and interests below:

• Dr Victoria Amador - ELP & English Tutor
• Sheila Bell - ELP & English Tutor
• Dr. Helen Bridle - Physics, Chemistry & Biology Tutor
• Patricia Fisher - Mathematics Tutor
• Helen Gisbey - Centre Administrator

Dr Victoria Amador

Role: Tutor
Qualifications: PhD English, MSc Information & Library Studies, MA Theatre Arts, BA English & Speech, PGdip
Subjects: ELP & English

"2009 marked my 30th year in higher education teaching, and I find it as exciting and challenging as I did in 1979.

In addition to teaching English language skills for the ISC, I also teach critical writing and group communication skills for Heriot-Watt University, as well as university literature courses for the Open University in the UK and online for The New School for General Studies in New York City.

I've been fortunate in being able to work and travel in a variety of countries over the years, including the US, UK, Turkey, Italy, Germany, Iceland, Greece, and Turkmenistan. My doctorate in English is from the University of Denver, and prior to moving to Edinburgh full time, I was an English professor at a small university in New Mexico.

My leisure pursuits include photography, cinema, travel, reading, and theatre."  

Sheila Bell

Role: Tutor
Qualifications: MA (Hons) in English, CELTA
Subjects: ELP & English

"I was born on the beautiful and sunny Mediterranean island of Malta and was educated in a convent school.

I gained my MA degree in 2001 and then decided to train as a teacher of English as a Foreign Language. I love teaching and meeting international students from all over the world.

I met my husband in Qatar while working there as an English teacher and now have two daughters, one of whom is studying at a school in Edinburgh.

I also enjoy keeping fit!"  

Dr. Helen Bridle

Role: Tutor
Qualifications: PhD Biotechnology, MSc Advanced Materials, BSc Natural Sciences (1st)
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry & Biology

"I have always enjoyed teaching and helping others to understand new concepts. I have taught Maths and English to a wide range of different students, including Italian summer school students while doing my BSc as well as private tutoring to teenagers and class teaching to a group of pensioners during my time in Sweden.

I lived in Gothenburg for 8 years, undertaking my MSc and PhD. As a part of my PhD I took courses in Popular Science Communication and Teaching, Learning and Evaluation. I have also worked in Switzerland for 2 summers.

Outside work, I enjoy many sports including skiing, climbing, cycling and orienteering. Summer 2008 I biked the length of Norway from the North Cape to the southern most tip which was a fantastic experience. I am also a member of the Great Britain Orienteering Squad and have represented GB at many international competitions, the highlights being my podium finish at the World Championships in 2006 and the Gold Relay medal at the World University Championships in the same summer."

Patricia Fisher

Role: Tutor
Qualifications: PGCE, MA Economics, BSc Statistics & Mathematics
Subjects: Mathematics

"I have lived and worked in both Kenya and Nigeria. In the UK, I have spent many years in Edinburgh, where I have taught at several colleges. I also spent some years teaching in Greater Manchester.

As well as Mathematics, I am very interested in music, both classical and jazz. I play in various amateur music groups. I also enjoy cycling and walking in the Scottish countryside."

Helen Gisbey

Role: Centre Administrator
Qualifications: SVQ Level 3 & 4 in Management and Team Leading 

 "After leaving school I joined the Clydesdale Bank and then 10 years later moved to the Bank of Scotland where I worked in Customer Services. I then decided to train as a Callanetics instructor as I’ve always been interested in keeping fit and exercise. In fact, I used to be a competitive athlete and have represented Scotland at school and senior level in middle-distance running events – my best time was in the 400m!

Before joining the ISC, I helped to set up a new company and liaised with customers and suppliers. I really enjoy my work at the ISC as it enables me to use my customer service and administration skills while getting to know students from all over the world! I recently gained my qualifications in Management & Team Leading and am planning to do an MBA in the near future.

I live in Livingston, which is about 10 miles from Heriot-Watt University, with my husband, David, and our two daughters, plus our two pet dogs, Kyra and Blue, whom I always take for a walk in the morning, whatever the weather!"