Regional & project officers - Student Publication Association

Meet the team

Regional officers

Ali Rees

Scotland Officer

Originally from Wales, Ali (they/them) is a mature student studying Journalism with Film & Media at Stirling University. They have been the secretary and the gaming and tech editor for Brig Newspaper. They were the recipient of the SPA's award for Best Culture Writer in 2025 and were a Lyra McKee fellow at the Centre for Investigative Journalism in 2023. They are also secretary for Stirling's LGBTQ+ society and work at the university's Green & Blue Hub. They are passionate about equity and inclusion, sustainability, and global justice.

Alexandra Pullen

North Officer

Originally from Manchester, Alexandra is in her final year studying English and History at the University of York. She was the Editor-in-Chief of MUSE, the Arts and Culture supplement of Nouse, during 2024/25 as well as being a contributing writer to Circulation and Spotlight magazines. During her time in York, Alexandra has also been involved in the university’s radio station and has been keen to highlight the incredible cultural scene in York. As a proud Northerner herself, Alexandra is looking forward to celebrating the excellence of Northern publications during the next year.

Anna Boyne

Midlands Officer

Anna is soon to be a French and History graduate from the University of Nottingham where’s she’s been involved with Impact for 4 years. Having served as SPA Midlands Officer last year, Anna is delighted to continue in this role, futher developing relationships and supporting the fantastic array of journalistic talent in her region. Last year she organised the first SPA regional conference in the UK since Covid. She also led a collaborative reporting project involving over 20 student journalists across the Midlands.

Callum Martin

South East Officer

Originally from Southampton, Callum has just graduated from Exeter University with a degree in History. He served as Online Editor-in-Chief for his student newspaper Exeposé, and has written for outlets including the Times, Telegraph and Private Eye. He’s looking forward to joining a great team at the SPA and helping to support student journalism over the coming year.

Amy Rushton

London Officer

Originally from Slough, Amy is studying MA Journalism at City St George’s after studying History at the University of Exeter. She was involved in student journalism from the start of her degree and served as Print Editor-in-Chief at Exeposé, and Co-Host Officer for SPANC25 in her final year. She is passionate about increasing involvement and diversity in journalism and raising student voices.

Charlie Gershinson

South West Officer

Charlie is originally from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex and has been studying at the University of Exeter for the past four years. He has completed his undergraduate in History and is now finishing his postgraduate in Public Policy. He was a senior Editor with Exeposé, working as Print News Editor, Print Climate Editor and Print Deputy Editor over the years. After successfully co-hosting SPANC25, Charlie is excited to be part of this year’s team as South West Officer and is looking forward to working with the fantastic publications in the region.

Katie Storrie

Wales Officer

Katie is originally from Cheltenham and has just graduated with a degree in English Literature and Philosophy. She served as Editor-in-Chief of Quench Magazine in 2024/25 and was formerly Head of the Literature Section. She also works as a freelance journalist for various publications in and around Cardiff, including Cardiff Life and Cardiff Times. She is committed to spotlighting student voices and creatives across Cardiff, supporting the exceptional talent found in student publications throughout Wales.

Jack Walsh

Ireland and Northern Ireland Officer

Jack is a final-year Government and Political Science student at University College Cork. Previously serving as the regional officer for Ireland and Northern Ireland in 2023/24, he is delighted to return to the role again for 2025/26 having served as the SPA’s Chair in 2024/25.

Jack has been involved in student journalism since secondary school. Most recently he served as Deputy-Editor of Polity, the SPA award nominated societal publication of the UCC Government and Politics Society. He has also been a current affairs reporter for the University Express and hosted a radio show on UCC98.3FM.

Project officers

Daisy Outram

Advocacy Officer

Daisy is originally from Kent and has spent the last three years studying Law at the University of Oxford. There, she served as Editor-in-Chief of The Oxford Student, primarily working in news and strategy. She was also the South East Regional Officer on the 2024-25 SPA team. As Advocacy Officer, she hopes to bring legal knowledge and problem-solving advice to the SPA community.

Emily Jordan

Representation Officer

Emily is an MA Journalism student at the University of the West of England. She previously studied Marketing at the University of Bristol, where she was also the Equality Officer for the university's intersectional feminist magazine, That's What She Said. She also previously was the SPA's South West Regional Officer for 2024/25.

Originally from Norfolk, Emily now freelances for various publications, covering topics from local reporting to providing commentary on arts and culture. She has spent the better part of the last year helping out with the magazine side of the community interest company, neun.

As a young adult carer, Emily is super passionate about representation within the media and giving people from all walks of life the equitable opportunities they deserve.

Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco

Alumni Officer

Josh is a reporter with The Herald in Glasgow. After receiving an undergraduate degree from the University of Aberdeen, where he served as Editor in Chief of The Gaudie, he studied for a masters in Multimedia Journalism at Glasgow Caledonian University. Originally from the United States, Josh is particularly keen to help student papers thrive, despite financial challenges and pressures from student unions.

Sophie Layton

Digital Media Officer

Sophie (she/her) is completing her studies in International Public & Political Communication at The University of Sheffield.

Forge Press’ former Arts & Theatre Editor, & current EdFringeReview Editor, Sophie has written for a variety of publications, including UniHomes, The Liberator & WILD Magazine. She is also a keen thespian, having starred both on and off stage in a variety of roles in over a dozen productions.

Sophie is keen to highlight the work of publications across the UK and Ireland, particularly smaller titles, and bring the SPA’s work to new audiences both on campus and in the wider community.

Emily Pitt-Shaw

#SPANC26 Co-Host Officer

Emily Pitt-Shaw is currently studying an MA in Broadcast and Digital Journalism at the University of East Anglia, having previously achieved her BA in English at King’s College London. She is currently the Editor-in-Chief of Concrete after first joining the paper in October 2024 as the publication’s first Investigations Editor.

In her previous role, Emily investigated SU finances, university training modules and campus therapy services. In short: she loves sticking her nose where it’s not meant to be! Emily has had work published across The Times, BBC Norfolk and the Eastern Daily Press, as well as previously co-hosting a radio show on Livewire 1350. She thrives under pressure and loves creating impact through investigative stories. When she’s not working, you’ll find her painting, doing crosswords and pouring Guinness in her second life as a barmaid.

Hannah Foley