EDI Committee

Ruth Raynor

I am a lecturer in Urban Planning, and co-lead for EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) in the school of Architecture, Planning and Landscape at Newcastle University, working alongside Jill Mawson, and the rest of the committee. My particular areas of research interest are social justice in relation to gender and poverty, which I explore through the study and practice of performing arts for social research; the feminist politics of emotion and affect, specifically loss, grief, precarity and hope; Intimate and embodied experiences of social and political change. I have personal experience of ill physical and mental health, which I also draw on in this role. I want to help to make our school, and the built environment institutes that we are affiliated with more inclusive, more diverse and more equitable. I seek to drive real cultural and structural changes that will tackle social injustices related but not limited to racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia and ableism. In order to achieve this, we have to have difficult conversations and work hard, together. I am always looking for ways to learn and do better. If you have any questions or concerns about EDI in the school, or there is something you think we could work on, please send me an e-mail, you can talk to me in confidence. Alternatively if you would prefer to talk to somebody else, please explore the profiles of other committee members below.

Tolulope Onabolu

Tolulope Onabolu is lecturer in architecture at Newcastle University and an architectural and urban designer. He explores the use of architectural visualization in the speculation of urban scenarios and in the reconceptualization of lost architectural heritage. He is interested in the role of architecture in the conditioning of human subjectivity, the sanctioning of the architect by sovereign prerogative, and the dangers of aesthetic agenda as political device.

In his research and lived experience, reinforced by the work of Alain Badiou, Giorgio Agamben, Michel Foucault, and Achille Mbembe, he has queried the logics of belonging, inclusion, exclusion, and consumption as spatio-political practices.

Through his studio teaching, he finds direct correlation in horror fiction and speculative realism on the issues of foreignness and alterity and uses their narrative forms to lay bare the explicitly political structure of spatial practices in architecture and the built environment. In addition, he interrogates the consumption of architecture and its representation through computational practice.

Tolu has previously taught in various capacities at Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, and the Institute for Design Informatics, both at the University of Edinburgh. He has delivered projects across the UK and Nigeria, and his work has been profiled at the Venice Biennale and the London Festival of Architecture.

Karen Ritchie

I have worked in an administrative support role in school since 2006. It is important to creative transparent fair processes and treatment within my role which meet or exceed expectation. I am proud to work in a School which promotes diversity as a strength. I joined the EDI committee because I would like to engage in the conversations and strategies which improve our understanding of the difficulties faced within the workplace and the communities we live in by marginalised individuals or groups.

Contact Karen Ritchie

Tim Townshend

I'm Tim Townshend and my title is Professor of Urban Design for Health - I'm interested in how we design, deliver and manage the built environment in ways which support people's mental and physical health, so that they flourish and live rich, fulfilling lives. As an urban designer I am passionate that the voices of less powerful groups in society are heard. Specifically on EDI committee, I am LGBTQ+ lead, and aim to ensure that individuals identifying with this group are able to gain recognition within the university - and HE sector more broadly - rather than being erased, ignored, or denied.

Kelly Weightman

I have been at the University now for 20 years and in APL for 10 years. My role is Student Support and Wellbeing - taking the lead when students have any welfare issues they may need support, advice, information and guidance upon.

I work closely with University Central Services and key teams to support our students as much as possible, to encourage engagement in our students being a partner in their own learning - taking part in the support that’s offered and available to them is the key to success.

I manage the Schools Personal Extenuating Circumstances procedure and support adjustments for students wherever possible in line with University Procedures to help students gain the most from their studies and time with us.

I am a member of the NU Women’s Network and NU Parents Network. I’m part of the University Mental Health Charter Group, Athena Swan Committee. I’m a Wellbeing Advocate and Just Ask Volunteer.

I’m keen to support initiatives that promote an open, inclusive environment which is free from bias, prejudice and discrimination, where staff and students are valued and respected and have opportunities to succeed.

I believe EDI provides a powerful mandate for positive change and I look forward to helping our School achieve this, creating and maintaining a teaching and research environment which is welcoming to all and where colleagues and students can flourish and have a sense of belonging.

Contact Kelly Weightman