Rate My Professor Emily Chatfield

Emily Chatfield serves as a Student Advisor in the Learning Support Team at Disability Information and Support (Te Pokapū Hāpai Huka Hauā), University of Otago. A graduate of the University of Otago, she holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA), a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PgDipArts) with Distinction, and a Master of Arts (MA). Her master's thesis, completed in 2019 and titled 'Healing the Anxious Self: An Ethnographic Exploration of Undergraduate Student Mental Health at a New Zealand University,' investigates mental health issues among undergraduate students using ethnographic approaches. This research underscores her interest in student mental health, complemented by prior volunteering in mental health services.

Chatfield joined Disability Information and Support in 2020, drawing on her personal experience as a former University of Otago student to empathize with and assist current students facing academic challenges. In her role, she helps students with disabilities enhance their learning experiences and achieve greater academic success. Prior to this, she worked at Tūhura Otago Museum from 2015 to 2020 in front-of-house capacities, including as Front of House Officer and Museum Guide, as recorded in the museum's annual reports for 2015–2020. She has also co-presented university seminars on disability support, such as a session with Jackie Fox titled 'Unlock your academic potential with Disability Information and Support.' Chatfield's commitment to student wellbeing drives her contributions to an inclusive university environment.