Meet the team
Regional officers
Jack Walsh
Ireland & Northern Ireland officer
Hailing from Cork, Jack is the regional officer for Ireland and Northern Ireland. Currently studying Government and Political Science at University College Cork, Jack has been involved in student journalism since secondary school. Most recently he was able to combine his passion for both politics and journalism by serving as Deputy Editor of the newly relaunched POLITY magazine – the societal publication of University College Cork’s Government and Politics Society.
Isabella Ankerson
South east officer
Having just graduated with an MA in international relations from the University of Exeter, Isabella is working as a trainee reporter at Law Business Research, as part of Latin Lawyer. At Exeter, she was news editor and later deputy online editor for Exeposé. Isabella is new to her role as South East regional officer, and she looks forward to working with the rest of the team and all of the amazing student publications in the region.
Milan Perera
South west officer
Milan is finishing his degree in English Literature and is the current deputy editor at Epigram, the independent newspaper of the University of Bristol. He has written over 180 articles for Epigram under various sections from news, feature, arts to opinion.
His approach to journalism simple: the voice of the voiceless must be heard. As south west officer he wishes to be an advocate for student journalists of the region who are constantly impeded by their own institutions and other parties of interest.
In his free time he enjoys playing the piano and blogging about cricket.
Joe McFadden
North officer
Joe is the former managing editor of The Mancunion, the University of Manchester’s student newspaper, graduating with a degree in politics and modern history in 2023.
He is passionate about holding institutions to account and ensuring student newspapers are able to make a successful and lasting impact on their communities as speaking truth to power is the most important job of the media.
Joe is currently a Journalism Apprentice at BBC News where he is completing an NCTJ as part of the BBC’s Advanced Journalism Apprenticeship scheme.
Project officers
Tabitha Boyton
Advocacy officer
Tabitha Boyton FRSA is an experienced and passionate advocate.
Having gained a first class degree in law and politics with international relations, she is currently training to be a barrister.
As a dyslexic, mixed-race woman, Tabitha understands firsthand the importance of safeguarding the rights of journalists and student publications to report on crucial issues without fear of censorship or reprisal. With a profound belief in the power of journalism to hold institutions accountable and amplify the voices of marginalised communities, Tabitha is driven to advance the cause of press freedom both on campus and beyond.
Tabi Lambie
Alumni officer
Tabi is the SPA’s alumni officer, and former training & opportunities officer. As a student, she was the editor-in-chief of SCAN: Student Comment and News at Lancaster University.
Outside of SPA she works as editor of Protection Reporter, sister publication to Financial Reporter. Tabi is also editor of BeLikeThat Magazine, a newsletter celebrating #belikethat voices fighting for change.