Meet our Students

Katherine Birditt

Biomedical Science Graduate

Find out about Katie's time at Roehampton and how she was awarded the British Neuroscience Association 2023 Undergraduate Award.

Stephanie Heringa

Law Graduate

Stephanie is a Future Pupil Barrister at 2 Bedford Row.

Pedro Aguiar

Digital Media Graduate 

Pedro is our Esports coordinator, initially Pedro founded the Esports society.

Carly Tremblin

Primary Education Graduate

Carly started off as a teacher then progressed to a Phase Leader, moving on to Deputy Head and now Acting Head. 

Donna Kay

Primary Education Graduate 

Donna worked as various subject leads before becoming a Phase Leader, then going on to be a Deputy and SENCO.

Ann Lennard

Class of 1967

Ann Lennard studied Junior Education, Speech and Drama, and Maths. Ann has spent over 60 years helping vulnerable children and young people. While teaching, she mentored boys in care, building lifelong relationships, and later hosted Barnardo's teenagers transitioning to independence. Ann has also volunteered with ‘Crisis at Christmas’ and supported homeless youth through practical life-skills courses. Currently, she actively supports Ukrainian families by teaching English, organising activities, and offering guidance. 

Rio Heriniaina 

Class of 2017

Rio Heriniaina, a graduate of Master of Research in Primate Biology, is a researcher and lecturer at the University of Diego. Rio is celebrated for his impactful lemur conservation and community development work in Madagascar. He has led forest restoration projects and established an English language centre for young Malagasy children. His dedication has earned him a spot among Africa's top 100 conservationists.

Claire Johnson-Tusińska

Class of 2009

Claire is a graduate of Nutrition and Health, and Global Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Johnson & Johnson MedTech where she has played a pivotal role in shaping communication strategies for one of the world's largest healthcare companies. 

Since 2014 Claire has provided unwavering support to Roehampton and our students. First as a mentor, then employing students through our internship scheme. She is one of our longstanding donors, giving back to student hardship appeals and supporting fundraising campaigns. Claire has also volunteered her time on boards and at events. Claire’s advice resonates deeply with students and graduates and with her commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement she is a true Roehampton ambassador.

Adam Tate

Class of 2017

Adam is a graduate of PGCE Secondary Education and is a Senior Lecturer at Nottingham Trent University. In 2016, Adam founded Fahr Beyond, the world's only charity dedicated to Fahr's Disease, a neurological condition characterised by abnormal deposits of calcium in areas of the brain that control movement. His groundbreaking work has helped clinicians develop a UK diagnostic framework for this rare condition. Through Fahr's referral service, he has supported numerous patients and conducted pivotal research, catalysing the discovery of a new gene mutation.

Sarah Appiah Boateng

Class of 2016

Sarah is a graduate in Special Educational Needs and is the visionary founder of IGEA Enterprise, a non-profit dedicated to combating period inequality and empowering women in rural Ghana. Her initiatives have transformed the lives of over 10,000 women and girls, providing access to menstrual hygiene products, education, and economic opportunities. Sarah's work has garnered international recognition, and she has created lasting change through partnerships with the Obama Foundation and the Queen's Commonwealth Trust.

Marian Adejokun

Class of 2015

Marian, a graduate of Early Childhood Studies, is founder of ReachOut2All CIC, a multi-award-winning leader, youth advocate, and Early Years educator. 

Beyond teaching, she is an inspirational speaker, author, and ambassador for several health foundations. Marian's life was profoundly shaped by surviving Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, which strengthened her mission to empower others through education, faith, and advocacy. Through ReachOut2All, she provides young people with unique opportunities and experiences, promoting leadership, well-being, and personal growth.

Jennifer Hurley

Class of 2005 and 2009

Jennifer holds an undergraduate degree in Zoology and a Masters is Biodiversity and 
Conservation. Her career spans roles at London Zoo, the Institute of Zoology, and several roles in the civil service including the UK Space Agency. Her current role is Head of Delivering Greener Transport Priority within the Department for Transport.

With a foundation in environmental sciences and conservation, she has addressed critical global challenges through her work in biodiversity, air quality, climate change, and space policy. Jennifer's ongoing support to students and engagement with the Roehampton community and her contributions to policy development exemplify the university's commitment to excellence and innovation.

Paula Craigie

Class of 1995 and 1997

Paula Craigie is a graduate in Education with Dance, and a PGCE in Primary Education. Paula's passion for education and excellence in teaching has seen her journey from London to Singapore, where she now leads one of the premier international schools in Asia, Tangalin Trust School, leading the institution to numerous awards for British overseas schools including from the Department for Education.

Previously, Paula was a lead Ofsted inspector in the UK and has mentored scores of colleagues into their own leadership roles. Paula continues to mentor students at Roehampton and influence future education leaders.

Erica James

Class of 2013 

Erica, a graduate in Journalism and News Media with Media and Culture, has built an impressive career as an entertainment journalist and assistant TV producer. Within both roles she has contributed to major outlets like The Huffington Post, BBC, Evening Standard, the Press Association, The Financial Times, The Sun and Channel 4. Despite the challenges she faces due to her progressively severe scoliosis, Erica has made a significant impact in the media industry, interviewing prominent figures including Lord Cameron and Barak Obama. She also runs The Erica James Show podcast, inspiring young journalists to pursue their careers with determination.

Awa Farah

Class of 2016

Awa Farah, a graduate in Sociology and Journalism, is a Danish-Somali filmmaker, writer, and award-winning storyteller with a passion for increased representation in media. Her work includes producing the BAFTA-winning BBC documentary The Real Mo Farah (2023), which explores the story of Mo Farah’s journey to the UK as a trafficked child. Awa also wrote and produced Somalinimo (2021) for The Guardian and is pursuing her PhD at the University of Cambridge. In addition, she founded the Siman Foundation, an NGO dedicated to democratising education for underserved communities, and her efforts recently earned her the University of Cambridge Chancellor Award for social impact.

Professor Carrie Winstanley

Class of 1998

Carrie is a graduate of Masters in Education. She is a long serving and much loved member of the Roehampton community and has spent nearly 35 years inspiring learners of all ages, both here and teaching in schools. Known for her innovative field trips, Carrie has a passion for engaging students through real-world experiences and outdoor learning. Beyond teaching, she has published extensively on education and pedagogy and has held leadership roles within the British Philosophy of Education Society. As the first in her family to attend university, Carrie’s dedication to education and lifelong learning has impacted her students and colleagues greatly.

Miracule Daniel Gavor

Class of 2020

Miracule graduated with an online Master’s in Technology and Learning Design. He is the founder of three EdTech organisations focused on professional education communities in Ghana and West Africa including the Ghana Society for Education Technology, which employs 26 staff who support digital literacy and ICT integration across 700 schools in Ghana. His pioneering efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic ensured a seamless transition to online education for teacher-training colleges. In addition, Miracule has led curriculum reforms, significantly improving Ghana's educational landscape.

Caroline Read

Class of 1979

Caroline Read, a graduate in Sociology and Religious Studies, is the founder of Communicate-ed. A former Special Educational Needs teacher, Caroline founded Communicate-ed in 2003 to address the national need for training in JCQ Exam Access Arrangements regulations. Her innovative approach has transformed education, providing online and face-to-face training to thousands of educators. Additionally, her company has donated over £1 million to global development projects, supporting small businesses, health training, and education in some of the poorest communities.

Rhiannon Lambert

Class of 2014 and 2015

Rhiannon Lambert graduated in Nutrition and Health and a Masters in Obesity: Risks and Prevention. She is one of the UK’s top Registered Nutritionists, as founder of Rhitrition, a leading Harley Street clinic specialising in fertility, gut health, and eating disorders. Rhiannon is also a two-time Sunday Times Bestselling Author and hosts the popular podcast 'Food For Thought' with over 8.4 million downloads. Rhiannon’s influence spans social media, media appearances, and her evidence-based supplement company, Rhitrition Plus. As a mother of two, she’s passionate about improving nutrition education and combating misinformation online.

Lucas Paoli Itaborahy

Class of 2012

Lucas graduated with a Master’s in Human Rights Practice. His work with Micro Rainbow has revolutionised support for LGBTIQ+ communities in Brazil, the UK, and Cambodia. His pioneering programmes have facilitated income-generating opportunities for over 500 LGBTIQ+ entrepreneurs, significantly improving their livelihoods. Lucas has also been a vocal advocate for policy changes in the UK asylum system, supporting Micro Rainbow in creating the first safe houses for LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers.

Humphrey Aghoghovbia Jr.

Class of 2015

Humphrey Aghoghovbia is a graduate in Sports Coaching. His entrepreneurial journey began in 2016 launching LionHeart Football, discovering young football talent, including Brentford and former Liverpool FC’s Fabio Carvalho. Humphrey is also a licensed FIFA football agent and in 2023 launched his latest venture Nork Sport Group. Humphrey's contributions extend to Roehampton, where he regularly engages as a guest speaker, mentor, employer and as a true champion of innovation and entrepreneurship, winning the UR Launchpad competition in 2018.

Ehi Braimah 

Class of 2017

Ehi Braimah, graduated with an MBA. He is an eminent journalist and communications specialist, the founder and Editor in Chief of a leading Nigerian online newspaper, Naija Times, and also Editor in Chief of the Lagos Post. He is a prominent voice for political and economic reform, maintaining rigorous standards of journalism and anti corruption governance. Ehi's work has made Naija Times a trusted news source, promoting balanced, evidence-based reporting, especially during critical events like the 2023 presidential elections.

Dr Derek Beaulieu 

Class of 2015

Derek is an acclaimed poet, who graduated from Roehampton with a PhD in Creative Writing. He is a leader in contemporary poetry and poetics, receiving the Platinum Jubilee Award for his contributions to the arts. As the head of the Literary Arts programme at the Banff Centre, Derek has transformed the programme, increasing applications and offering free tuition. His work promotes Canadian poetry globally and nurtures the next generation of writers.

Michelle Potter

Class of 2007

Michelle is the Executive Director and founder of SAYes Mentoring, an organisation that was founded to bridge the gap in support for young people leaving the care system in South Africa. Michelle initially began working in a voluntary capacity, even bringing a football team of young care leavers to London in 2010 to play against local school teams. In 2021, SAYes began to work with disadvantaged young people in the UK and is currently recruiting 100 volunteers to guide, mentor and support young Londoners, funded through the Mayor of London's Work for Young People initiative.

Dr Mazvita Margaret Machinga

Class of 2017

Dr. Mazvita Machinga has dedicated over two decades to psychology and mental health care, making significant contributions to her community in Zimbabwe. Volunteering at local hospitals and police departments, she has provided essential mental health services and fought to dismantle stigma. She established the first centre for substance abuse and trauma recovery in her local region, serving as the full-time Clinical Director. Her work earned her numerous awards and appointments to national boards.