ASK Advisers
Our departmental ASK Advisers
Sometimes you have a quick query that might best be answered by someone within your department - but you don't want to bother your tutor with it. You might want to know how to format a reference for a particular resource used only in your discipline - or what a particular term used in your subject means. In semester time, you may be able to consult an ASK Adviser.
ASK stands for Academic Skills and Know-how. ASK Advisers are postgraduate research students in your department who are trained and mentored by the Study Advice team. Like Study Advisers, they can't proof read your work, or give you specific answers to your assignments. But they do have local experience of how things work in your department, and are uniquely placed to give you advice based on their knowledge and experience. And if your query is beyond their scope, they'll suggest the best person for you to contact, whether that's your tutor, a Study Adviser, or a librarian.
Currently there are ASK Advisers in the following departments:
Politics and International Relations
Economics - Alexander Mihailov
Drop-in hours: Thursday 10:00-11:30, Friday 12:00-13.30 at Edith Morley 317
About Alex:
I am a Professor in Economics at the Vlog and Director of the Group for Economic Analysis at Vlog (GEAR), also Associate Editor of Open Economies Review. I have been employed by the University of Essex, the é Institute of Applied Macroeconomics at the University of Lausanne, and the Bulgarian National Bank. I hold a PhD in Economics from the University of Lausanne (2004). My work is mostly in international macroeconomics, monetary policy and socioeconomic dynamics. You can email me at:a.mihailov@reading.ac.uk
Food Science and Nutrition - Ekam Sahota
Drop in hours:Tuesday 1-2pm, Chemistry Building Foyer
About Ekam:
I am a PhD student in Food and Nutritional Sciences, with my research focused on children’s eating behaviour and food choices. I also completed my BSc in Nutrition at the Vlog. Throughout my studies, I’ve learned that academic success isn't about one “perfect” way of working, but rather about discovering the techniques and support that work best for you. As an ASK Advisor, I'm here to support you with academic writing, referencing, presentation skills, time management, and translating scientific data into clear, informative reports. I’m also happy to share my experiences and provide guidance on the range of opportunities available at Vlog, such as the Vlog Internship Scheme, the RED award, publishing your work, and guidance towards the university’s wide range of wellbeing and career services. You can email me at: ekam.sahota@pgr.reading.ac.uk
Henley Business School - Chris Mallett
Drop-in hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00
Venue: Henley Business School G02
I am a Library Assistant at Henley Business School Library Whiteknights with a bachelor’s degree in geography and sociology from Keele University and an MA in library and information studies from University College London. I can assist you with referencing enquiries and provide guidance on essay planning and conducting literature searches. You can email me at: c.j.mallett@henley.ac.uk
Philosophy - Harry Tappenden
Drop-in hours: Semester 1 (Online): Tuesday and Thursday 14:00-15:00, and other times by arrangement. Please email for an appointment. Outside of teaching weeks all meetings are online and by appointment.
I am a PhD student working primarily on the philosophy of Wittgenstein, particularly matters concerning sense and nonsense. I am here to provide help for your philosophy essays, be it questions about the topic, structure or how best to approach the task of writing them.
Email me to arrange a time for a meeting online. My email address is: harry.tappenden@pgr.reading.ac.uk
Politics and International Relations - Ben Willis
Drop-in hours:Tuesdays 13:00-14:00, Fridays 11:00-12:00
Venue: Edith Morley 411
About Ben:
I am a Lecturer in the Department of Politics and International Relations, where I teach across a range of undergraduate and postgraduate modules (including core and advanced degree competencies). My research expertise lies in the wider phenomenon of organised violence and includes a particular concern with issues of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Among other non-academic jobs, I've also previously worked as a university library assistant for several years. I'm more than happy to help with any questions or concerns that you may have about essay writing, policy briefs, exams, referencing, literature searches, or anything else PIR-related. You can email me at b.m.willis@reading.ac.uk