Staff profile

Hazel's biography:

Hazel is a PhD student researching the intersection of music and imagination under the guidance of Dr Kelly Jakubowski and Prof. Elizabeth Margulis. With a profound passion desire to unravel the mysteries of how music shapes our minds, Hazel earned her MSc in Music Psychology & Neuroscience ("Music, Mind & Brain") from Goldsmiths University, following a BA(Hons) in Theology & Music at the London School of Theology. Proficient in piano and tenor saxophone, and an insatiable appetite for musical exploration, immersing herself in diverse genres and cultures, Hazel eagerly embraces each new sonic adventure and brings a rich musical background to her academic pursuits.

When she's not busying herself in the world of academia, Hazel's spirit shines through her diverse interests. As a certified Personal Trainer and Pilates instructor, she finds her mission in helping others discover joy in movement and appreciation of our incredible bodies. Weight training, hiking, yoga, and swimming, once being a competitive swimmer, are integral parts of her lifestyle, living for the thrill of movement . With an adventurous soul, she's always up for chasing new thrills and conquering fresh challenges.

In addition to her passion for music and fitness, Hazel has a deep-rooted fascination with plants, cultivated from her family's love of gardening. Inspired by her Dad and Oma, Hazel has expanded into cultivating a jungle of knowledge about exotic plants and cozy housemates. Now, she's branching out into the world of vegetable cultivation and foraging, because why stop at flowers when you can grow your own dinner? 

Extending her passion for learning to the kitchen, Hazel's culinary journey began as a necessity due to medical digestive issues, sparking her exploration of diverse cuisines, deepening her appreciation for cultural immersion through food. Living with an international group of girls during her master's degree from Korea, India, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, and Australia, shared cooking nights became a cherished ritual, blending flavors and traditions from around the world, adding her own Scottish, Dutch, and Dutch-Indonesian dishes into the mix. The universal language of food is a truly delightful gift. 

With her diverse array of interests and experiences, boundless curiosity, and zest for life, Hazel embodies the spirit of intellectual curiosity, holistic growth, and playful exploraxtion, enriching both her scholarly pursuits and personal adventures.