Graduation 2026: Dyslexia diagnosis at UHI Inverness ‘saved my academic career’
A graduate who felt ‘left in the dark’ until she was diagnosed with dyslexia by the support services at UHI Inverness has gone on to excel in her studies and gain a first-class BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science.
Bethany Towell (23), a former Dingwall Academy pupil, says the support she received ‘completely saved’ her academic career. She went on to study the distribution of native and invasive barnacle species in the Moray Firth for her dissertation and now works analysing sediment and other environmental samples at STIM Ltd.
A life-long passion for the environment led her to choose the course because it offered the perfect opportunity to explore different fields and discover her true interests. However, Bethany had always found learning incredibly difficult and barely scraped the minimum requirements to secure her place.
Bethany said:
“I had a spark of genuine interest, but my undiagnosed dyslexia left me in the dark, wondering why my academic efforts weren't translating into success. UHI Inverness was the perfect choice for me because it meant I could study at home close to family while also being a budget-friendly option since I wasn't working full time. For the first time in my life, I found joy in reading and studying. My personal academic tutor, who has lectured me for most of my degree, even noted that I had completely ‘caught the research bug’. Alongside this academic growth, I absolutely loved the hands-on fieldwork and the chance to apply theoretical concepts directly to real-world local ecosystems.”
Learning she had dyslexia after taking a gap year was a real turning point for Bethany.
Bethany said:
“Before I returned, the university arranged a dyslexia screening for me. While online learning initially felt isolating, once my diagnosis was confirmed and the proper support systems were implemented, my true potential could finally shine. Personal learning support staff helped me navigate complex tasks using methods that worked for my neurodivergence. I was provided with a digital sticker to flag spelling errors, practical tips for reading, access to assistive software, and extra time for my assessments, all of which made a tremendous difference. My confidence has completely transformed since starting my degree. Following the struggles of my early years and my gap year, my third-year results improved dramatically, and my final year was truly exceptional. Progressing from someone who barely met the entry requirements to graduating with first-class honours is an achievement I am immensely proud of. Overcoming these hurdles helped me realise that dyslexia is simply a different way of processing the world rather than a limitation.”
Bethany now works at STIM Ltd as a benthic sorter, and a lecturer has asked to use her assignments as an exemplar for future cohorts.
Her goal is now to use the strong foundation UHI Inverness provided to pursue postgraduate study and build an enriching scientific career.
Bethany said:
“Seeing others appreciate the teaching potential of my ideas means the world to me. Furthermore, securing a job has fostered immense personal growth. My primary motivation was proving to myself that I belonged in the sciences and could overcome my initial feelings of inadequacy. Once I received the correct support, I was determined to demonstrate that neurodivergent individuals are fully capable of producing high-level research. I couldn't have succeeded without the unwavering support of my family and my partner, who kept me grounded during the difficult pre-diagnosis phase and the intense workload of my final year.”