Mentor Profiles
The profiles below have been kindly provided by colleagues at Queen Mary and are published here with their permission. Email addresses have been provided for those who have agreed to be contacted as potential mentors to University colleagues.
If you are, or would like to be, a mentor and would like to be included here, please complete the Mentoring Profile form!
Academic Staff
- Jayne Dennis: Reader in Biomedical Education, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences
- Livia Carvalho: Lecturer in Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Precision Medicine
School-based Professional Services Staff (including technicians)
- Rachael Parker: Deputy Institute Manager, Blizard Institute
- Emanuela Nova: Industrial Experience & Study Abroad Manager at the School of Economics and Finance
- Evie Edwards: SKETCH Coordinator, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
- June Ryde: Faculty Administrative Officer, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Elena Moreira: Teaching and Learning Manager, School of Languages, Linguistics & Film
- Jennefer Brown: Programme Convenor for the Pre-Masters Graduate Diploma, School of Languages, Linguistics & Film
- Kate Thornton: Faculty Technical Resources Manager, Science and Engineering
- Emma Gammage: Teaching Technician Manager, School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences
Central Professional Services Staff
- Stefan Couch: Acting Team Manager and Careers Consultant, Careers and Enterprise
- David Tomas-Merrills: Graduate Enterprise Advisor, Careers and Enterprise
- Kirti Bodhmage: Solution Designer, IT Services
- John Berman: Senior Project Manager in IT Projects & Change, IT Services
- Christos Kotorenis: Library Assistant (Circulation Team), Library Services
- Colbert Ncube: Non-Exec Director, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Provider
- Graeme Hathaway: Innovation and Learning Manager, Queen Mary Academy
Emanuela Nova
Industrial Experience & Study Abroad Manager at the School of Economics and Finance (SEF)
What do you do?
I manage the 'year in industry' and all study abroad related programmes (outgoing and incoming exchanges as well as partnerships) at the School. I also oversee the student-led programme qNomics and line manage the qNomics Coordinator. I will soon be line managing another Student Professional Development Coordinator. Outside of my job, I am also involved in organising wellbeing initiatives for students and staff at SEF, and I am part of the QMUL coaching network.
How did you get to where you are now?
I moved to London right after graduation and I started working in business development for a startup, where I developed many transferable skills such as effective communication, negotiation, time management, and organisation. After 1.5 yearrs I realised I needed a career change, as I wasn't passionate about the role and the industry. I turned to higher education and landed a job as Placement Officer at SEF, which was a new role at the time and gave me the chance to apply my skills and was a perfect match to my interests and passions. After about 2.5 years the role was regraded to the current title.
Is there anything about your personal situation or home life which has had an impact on your professional life?
Living and working in the UK as a foreigner.
Are there any particular areas where you would feel particularly confident as a mentor?
Career development, problem-solving, goal setting, knowledge transfer, improving confidence
What have you found beneficial when it comes to developing yourself and your career?
Getting involved in different initiatives that aren't necessarily related to my work. This has given me the opportunity to develop new interests, learn new skills, meet new people and grow both professionally and personally.
Email contact: e.nova@qmul.ac.uk
Rachael Parker
Deputy Institute Manager, Blizard Institute
What do you do?
With the Institute Manager, I am responsible for the management of the Institute. I line manage a team of 7 staff.
How did you get to where you are now?
I previously worked at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine for 15 years, over which time I progressed from Project Administrator to Department Manager. I moved to Queen Mary in 2020 as Deputy Institute Manager. I've previously been on many training courses, including the CMI certificate in leadership and management.
Are there any particular areas where you would feel particularly confident as a mentor?
Career development
What have you found beneficial when it comes to developing yourself and your career?
I have always found it beneficial to speak to others in similar roles to mine, and also in more senior roles along the same career path.
Email contact: rachael.parker@qmul.ac.uk
Stefan Couch
Acting Team Manager and Careers Consultant in Careers and Enterprise
What do you do?
I have line management responsibility for 6 people and support their career development, as well as supporting the career development of my students in the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science. I also have strategic and operations responsibility collaborating with various academic colleagues within the faculty of Science & Engineering.
How did you get to where you are now?
I gained a BSc Business Management degree at University of Surrey, and have worked as a teacher as well as having a graduate role as a Business Analyst/Graduate Consultant in the management consultancy industry. I have since had many different educational roles in further education and most recently (the past three years) in higher education. I gained another degree-level qualification in Careers Education and Development, and have worked in the space of Careers for the last 6 years.
Are there any particular areas where you would feel particularly confident as a mentor?
Developing professional networks, career development, improving confidence, actively seeking opportunities to train and develop yourself and others, empowering/inspiring others.
What have you found beneficial when it comes to developing yourself and your career?
Networking! But most importantly creating a community of people/friends who can support you to get where you want to be. Whether it is my first ever mentor to inspire me to take the career path of working in careers, which I love, to the current leadership mentors who are supporting me to realise my potential as a future leader.
Email contact: stefan.couch@qmul.ac.uk
David Tomas-Merrills
Graduate Enterprise Advisor
What is your role and what do you do?
I provide coaching, mentoring, and advisory support to current University students and recent alumni with entrepreneurial ambitions, on setting up and developing a new business.
How did you get to where you are now?
I worked as a senior manager in a university, and in management roles in further education colleges; I also had my own business (a careers consultancy). I've become a qualified careers consultant, manager, and leader.
Is there anything about your personal situation or home life which has had an impact on your professional life?
I'm a working parent. I've also faced compulsory redundancy - 3 times - and survived!
Are there any particular areas where you would feel particularly confident as a mentor?
Improving confidence. Assessment of skills. Developing professional network. Career development.
What have you found beneficial when it comes to developing yourself and your career?
Cardinal Basil Cardinal Hume, former Archbishop of Westminster, once said when asked to describe his faith: "If necessary, use words". Words are cheap. Behaviour is everything. Create a supportive, encouraging world around you - if not family, then selected friends, or like-minded entrepreneurs - just a few is all that's needed.
Email contact: d.tomas-merrills@qmul.ac.uk
Livia Carvalho
Lecturer in Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Precision Medicine
What do you do?
My current role is to identify molecular and cellular targets for prevention and treatment of stress-related illnesses such as depression. I support teaching and mentoring in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.
How did you get to where you are now?
I am a migrant and have worked for King's College London, University College London, and Queen Mary. I have over 6 years' experience in mentoring junior colleagues and supporting them in their career choices. I am a Fellow of the Institute of Clinical Research and of the Higher Education Academy.
Is there anything about your personal situation or home life which has had an impact on your professional life?
I have been through several home situations which has had an impact in my professional life and I have overcome successfully and thus feel that I will be able to support others' success. These include family with cancer and other family difficulties, immigration problems, financial difficulties, a difficult divorce, and caring for a young child.
Are there any particular areas where you would feel particularly confident as a mentor?
Improving confidence, developing professional networks, career development
What have you found beneficial when it comes to developing yourself and your career?
Having an intelligent and supportive role model.
Email contact: l.carvalho@qmul.ac.uk
Elena Moreira
Teaching and Learning Manager in the School of Languages, Linguistics and Film
What do you do?
I oversee all areas of teaching and learning within the School. I manage a team of ten and work closely with academics across the School.
How did you get to where you are now?
I have worked at Queen Mary since I graduated, but have moved around. Working in both central roles and in different Schools has given me great experience; when I look at each role I have held, I know it has benefitted from my experience in previous roles. I have completed an MBA in Higher Education Management and take every opportunity for management training that Queen Mary offers.
Is there anything about your personal situation or home life which has had an impact on your professional life?
I am a mother of three, and have to manage working full-time with managing parenthood.
Are there any particular areas where you would feel particularly confident as a mentor?
As a female, when I look back at my career I can see times when I have not stood up for myself and taken advantage of opportunities; learning from this puts me in a good position to help others. I have had positive experience from female colleagues I have supported in the past.
What have you found beneficial when it comes to developing yourself and your career?
It is important to set time aside to focus on my own career progression to make sure I getting everything out of a role that I need.
Email contact: elena.moreira@qmul.ac.uk
Evie Edwards
SKETCH Coordinator, Humanities & Social Sciences
What do you do?
I coordinate the SKETCH (Student Knowledge Exchange Through Community Hubs) programme within HSS. We connect students with organisations in the local community, be that charities, SMEs, large corporations or individual community groups, to work on projects where the students apply their learning to real-world situations or tasks.
How did you get to where you are now?
I've worked in this role at Queen Mary for 6 months. Previously I worked at UAL (University of the Arts London). I started there as a Team Assistant, I then did a secondment as a Digital Projects Coordinator, and was able to then get a permanent role as Knowledge Exchange Coordinator. This experience means I have a strong background in project management. I've also completed Agile Project Management Foundation and Practitioner training.
Is there anything about your personal situation or home life which has had an impact on your professional life?
I was the first person in my family to go to university, so I have had to navigate entering the working world as a young woman with little guidance or direction.
Are there any particular areas where you would feel particularly confident as a mentor?
I would be interested to mentor young people in the early stages of their career - developing confidence and deciding what path they would like to take. I am happy to help with interview technique or drafting CVs and applications.
What have you found beneficial when it comes to developing yourself and your career?
I had a mentor at UAL, which was really beneficial. They helped me reflect on what path I was taking and where I wanted to get to. I think reflection is good for development - taking the time to stop and think in the long term about what you really want to do with your career. It can be difficult to carve out the time to do this, but with the help of a mentor it is made much easier.
Email contact: evie.edwards@qmul.ac.uk
Christos Kotorenis
Library Assistant (Circulation Team), Library Services
What do you do?
I assist Queen Mary students and academic staff with everyday enquiries (in-person and online), such as access rights, locating academic research material, printing, finding study spaces suitable for their work, and liaising with other academic institutions. I also assist in dealing with Interlibrary loans and provide essential support on research overall.
How did you get to where you are now?
I started working in Queen Mary's libraries in 2018, as a temporary Library Assistant. In 2019 I successfully interviewed for a permanent role and carried on working across the University libraries. I am now part of the Circulation team (Frontline Services). In addition to that, I am a certified professional tutor through the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training.
Are there any particular areas where you would feel particularly confident as a mentor?
- Setting and achieving goals
- Improving confidence
- Improvisation
- Creating and maintaining new ways of balancing everyday life and tasks
- Handling difficult situations at work
- Caring for others' wellbeing, especially after a difficult day
What have you found beneficial when it comes to developing yourself and your career?
There is always a solution for a problem, and there is always a way out of the dark woods. Consistency is the key to everything.
Email contact: c.kotorenis@qmul.ac.uk
Kirti Bodhmage
Solution Designer (Enterprise Architecture Team), IT Services
What do you do?
I developing bespoke software solutions for the University used by staff and students, and support applications used for teaching and learning.
How did you get to where you are now?
I have always been a techie lady and have spent last 20 years in various roles in technology. I have experience in the HE and Telecom sector. Since last 10 years, I have been working at QMUL in IT Services. As a BAME female, I found myself struggling to get heard in a male-dominant team. A few years back, I joined the Springboard programme offered by QMUL which was a 'eureka' moment for me. Since then, I have had coaching and mentoring, which have helped me to become more confident. I applied for a promotion in 2022 and was offered a new role.
I have learned that sometimes, you need a second pair of eyes to see things clearly and this is what I would like to offer others.
Is there anything about your personal situation or home life which has had an impact on your professional life?
Being a working mum of 2 children was a difficult task. I decided to cut down my hours to focus more on my family. When my children became independent, I decided to come back full time.
Are there any particular areas where you would feel particularly confident as a mentor?
I would like to mentor someone in career development, specifically BAME staff or women.
What have you found beneficial when it comes to developing yourself and your career?
I found mentoring and coaching useful for my career progression. Liaising with the senior management team and building effective relationships was also important for my career progression. I do continuous learning from Coursera and LinkedIn Learning. 360 degree feedback from my team was very useful.
Jennefer Brown
Programme Convenor for the Pre-Masters Graduate Diploma, School of Languages, Linguistics & Film
What do you do?
I manage a Level 6 one year programme which prepares international students for Masters studies within eight Schools at Queen Mary.
How did you get to where you are now?
I have worked as an international teacher and examiner in 5 countries since 2008, before joining Queen Mary in April 2016. My role now encompasses a very wide range of management, marketing, and administrative activities as my team and I successfully prepare international students to embark on post-graduate studies.
Is there anything about your personal situation or home life which has had an impact on your professional life?
I have no particular issues which might attract potential mentees. However, I have approximately 30 years' work experience so will hopefully be able to support a mentee in most situations.
Are there any particular areas where you would feel particularly confident as a mentor?
I believe I am a good listener and have a lot of life experience in many different professional environments. This should help me to empathise with mentees' problems or issues. My job involves a lot of problem-solving, and I hope that this will prove helpful in supporting others to face or resolve their own issues.
What have you found beneficial when it comes to developing yourself and your career?
I have always worked hard and proved that I have some stamina and determination when times are tough or challenges seem impossible. It is important to be very well-organised and to plan ahead. I believe I have followed these principles and would help others to do so too.
Email contact: jenny.brown@qmul.ac.uk
Jayne Dennis
Reader in Biomedical Education, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences
What do you do?
For the last few years I have been the Director of Teaching & Learning for Biomedical Sciences, which spans the faculties of Science & Engineering and Medicine & Dentistry. On the strength of my experience and interest in scholarship, I am now the Director of Scholarship in my School, which is a new role I have developed.
How did you get to where you are now?
Although my academic career started conventionally with a PhD and postdoc, I then took a detour into lab management in core facilities before starting to teach, gaining my teaching certificate and then returning to an academic role focused on teaching and scholarship. More recently, I completed a part time MSc in education psychology at University College London while working full time at Queen Mary. I also completed the Aurora programme in 2019.
Are there any particular areas where you would feel particularly confident as a mentor?
I have an affinity for people who are establishing their teaching careers or those who work alongside teaching academics. The Aurora programme has opened my eyes to empowering women in the workplace.
What have you found beneficial when it comes to developing yourself and your career?
Say yes to opportunity, because you never know how something you experience today will help you in the future.
Email contact: jayne.dennis@qmul.ac.uk
John Berman
Senior Project Manager in IT Projects & Change, IT Services
What do you do?
I am assigned IT Projects to deliver; these can be wide ranging and diverse.
How did you get to where you are now?
I have worked in a number of Higher Education organisations in Project Management. I joined Queen Mary in 2020 as a Project Manager, and have subsequently been promoted to Senior Project Manager. I have undertaken a number of Project Management related training courses over my career.
Are there any particular areas where you would feel particularly confident as a mentor?
Improving confidence. Career development.
What have you found beneficial when it comes to developing yourself and your career?
Being open-minded and welcoming to constructive feedback. Occasionally, I do remind myself that making mistakes is not necessary a bad thing - indeed, it's a learning pathway.
Email contact: j.berman@qmul.ac.uk
June Ryde
Faculty Administrative Officer, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
What do you do?
My role is in resources & operations management.
How did you get to where you are now?
My previous roles at Queen Mary include Operations Manager (Institute of Health Sciences) and Centre Manager (Blizard Institute). Prior to that, I worked at SOAS as a Programmes Manager, managing International Programmes. All these roles involved line management for a number of staff. I also hold an ILM qualification at level 5 in Leadership and Management.
Are there any particular areas where you would feel particularly confident as a mentor?
Developing professional networks and career development,
What have you found beneficial when it comes to developing yourself and your career?
Networking.
Email contact: j.ryde@qmul.ac.uk
Kate Thornton
Faculty Technical Resources Manager, Science and Engineering
What do you do?
Faculty oversight for developing and managing all aspects of technical services, ensuring that the Faculty has a comprehensive, robust and sustainable model to support its research, learning and teaching plans. I work with the Faculty Executive and Schools to ensure technical resources (staff, infrastructure and equipment) are deployed efficiently, effectively and equitably across the Faculty. I'm also responsible for leading on Technician Commitment work within the Faculty, and sit on the Steering Group.
How did you get to where you are now?
I started my Higher Education career in 2002, working at Imperial College where I was part of a team investigating IL-10 signalling in Rheumatoid Arthritis; I'd originally planned to do a PhD, but quickly realised that I really enjoyed the organisational elements of my role. I quickly took on additional technical roles which included training and operationally supporting the larger signalling research group.
I juggled both research and lab management until I moved to UCL in 2009, where I took up a purely technical position first as the Laboratory Manager for the Institute for Women's Health and later the Head of Laboratory Management for the Institute of Child Health.
I joined Queen Mary in 2019 as the Technical Resource Manager for the Faculty of Science and Engineering. I have over 18 years of laboratory management experience and have been lucky enough to manage some fantastic teams, have been the technical lead on the design and fit-out of a brand new building, and have organised the installation of an awful lot of equipment. I have a NEBOSHH General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health an IEMA Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management, and I'm an alumna of the Advance HE Aurora Program.
Is there anything about your personal situation or home life which has had an impact on your professional life?
I'm a full time working parent of two boys and I also cared for both my parents in their last months, so I understand the challenges of balancing your personal and professional life.
Are there any particular areas where you would feel particularly confident as a mentor?
I think I can support in improving confidence and developing professional networks.
What have you found beneficial when it comes to developing yourself and your career?
I have been incredibly lucky to have had a string of strong and supportive line managers throughout my career, all of whom have really believed in me and allowed me to stretch and challenge myself in my roles.
Collaboration and discussing ideas and problems with my peers has also been hugely important in my development; looking at something from someone else's perspective can really help you develop your own analytical and problem-solving skills.
I also try and remember in my working life something my father-in-law told me: 'it's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice'.
Email contact: k.thornton@qmul.ac.uk
Colbert Ncube
Non-Exec Director, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Provider
What do you do?
I act as a board member and support to the Senior Executive Team on making decisions around the organisation.
How did you get to where you are now?
I participated in a graduate scheme in social care, then undertook roles in national policy development for the NHS and regional Commissioning Director-level roles.
Are there any particular areas where you would feel particularly confident as a mentor?
Improving confidence, Black and Minority Student support, career development, career transition, NHS and Public Sector roles.
What have you found beneficial when it comes to developing yourself and your career?
Building networks and using them to support and mentor me through my career.
Email contact: c.ncube@qmul.ac.uk
Graeme Hathaway
Innovation and Learning Manager, Queen Mary Academy
What do you do?
I support educators with trying new things in their teaching. This includes facilitating discussions and sharing sessions with other educators and professional service colleagues, often in the form of Communities of Practice or Thematic Peer Groups.
How did you get to where you are now?
I've worked in education for over 25 years, starting as an entry-level teacher in the Further Education sector before moving into management and strategic roles as high as Assistant Principal. I moved into the Higher Education sector in 2017 as the Head of Technology Enhanced Learning at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and to Queen Mary in 2021. Last year I covered the maternity leave for the Head of Innovation and Learning in the Queen Mary Academy. I am part of the Queen Mary Coaching Network, I have a Prince2 Project Management qualification, and completed the Senior Fellowship of the HEA in July 2023.
Is there anything about your personal situation or home life which has had an impact on your professional life?
I have moved institutions based on values, a sense of belonging and where I feel I can contribute. This can be challenging, especially when things change, e.g. restructures, change in line management etc., whilst you are in a role. I feel my experiences in this area help to shape my professional life, as I am more aware of what can happen and how I can react proactively (which helps with my own well-being).
Are there any particular areas where you would feel particularly confident as a mentor?
I feel I am good at helping people to identify what areas they want to develop in their career and the actions they could undertake to do this. I am a big believer in enjoying the work you do, and that this sometimes means you need to question the status quo if that enjoyment begins to wane.
What have you found beneficial when it comes to developing yourself and your career?
I believe just having someone to talk to about your career is one of the most powerful things that can influence a career. Whether this is a coaching approach to unpick things yourself or by listening to someone who has had some life experiences, having a another source to reflect with helps to get things out of your head! If the person you speak can also inspire you, that's even better!
Email contact: g.hathaway@qmul.ac.uk
Emma Gammage
Teaching Technician Manager, School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences
What do you do?
I am responsible for the effective and efficient management of the teaching laboratories and the teaching technical team, including forward planning, as well as day to day management of laboratory resources. My work ensures provision of a high-quality technical support service by all members of the teaching technical team.
How did you get to where you are now?
I have over 4 years of teaching technician experience at St George's University of London and Queen Mary; I worked my way up from Biology Teaching Technician to Teaching Technician Manager at Queen Mary. I'm currently a STEM ambassador and have completed the IOSH Managing Safely qualification.
Are there any particular areas where you would feel particularly confident as a mentor?
Improving confidence and career development.
What have you found beneficial when it comes to developing yourself and your career?
Gaining independence in my role as a teaching technician and being delegated tasks beyond the scope of my role.
Email contact: e.gammage@qmul.ac.uk
