Johanna Harris
My role
Based in Moulsecoomb, I manage relationships with colleges and secondary schools throughout Sussex delivering and developing a range of activities through the Widening Participation programme. I am particularly passionate about Saturday Clubs, especially Formula 24 Saturday Club which gives young people the opportunity to build and race cars. It’s amazing to watch them grow in confidence over the weeks and is so much fun. We are expanding the range of these clubs and I can’t wait to do more.
My background
I went to school in Crawley at one of the schools I now work with, so it’s been so lovely going back, encouraging students to make better choices.
I have always been involved with charity work and managed a Toy Library, as well as a volunteer-run playgroup for pre-school children. I was also Vice Chair of Governors at my children’s primary school.
I joined the university as an administrator in the outreach team before becoming a coordinator. It’s the best job in the world and I can’t imagine ever wanting to do anything else.
I am currently studying part-time for a Working with Children and Young People BA(Hons) at the University of Brighton and I love it! I will be in my fifties by the time I graduate but I’m determined to get there!
Why University of Brighton?
The University of Brighton is such a warm welcoming place. I feel so lucky to be here; I have been supported to reach my potential both as a member of staff and as a student. I know first-hand what a wonderful experience coming to Brighton represents for the young people I work with. It’s hard to keep up with all the amazing work to support the wider community, from law advice drop-ins, to art and performance opportunities to scientific research and environmental schemes.
My hobbies
When I’m not working or studying I love going to the gym to do Pilates, boxing and weights. I also like to cook.
Ask me about
- The Widening Participation programme, including talks, conferences, university visits, taster lectures and workshops
- Talks to parents and carers and support parents’ evenings in order to give advice and guidance on student finance, student life and the application process
Get in touch
I am based at our Moulsecoomb campus in Brighton. Contact me on j.harris2@brighton.ac.uk.
Laura Towers
My role
I am responsible for delivering a range of widening participation activities across schools and colleges in Hastings, Bexhill, and Rye, and providing information and support to young people making a decision about university. Another part of my role is coordinating academic outreach in the School of Health and Sport, and I also focus on planning and delivering the primary strand of the university’s outreach work.
My background
I attended university in Leicester and Sheffield, studying French and Spanish and Gender Studies. I moved to East Sussex in 2017, where I previously worked in the charity sector. I have always wanted to work with young people and have been very lucky to do this since the start of my career.
My last job was working in schools delivering a coaching and mentoring programme to young people to help them find the pathway they wanted to follow in life. It was here that I found a real interest in supporting students to make an informed decision about university, especially as I live in an area where many don’t consider going to university. This led me to the outreach team at the University of Brighton.
Why University of Brighton?
Working at the University of Brighton is a truly enjoyable experience and it is great to work with a team of people with shared values who care so much about working with and supporting young people. The opportunities that the University has available to staff, students, and prospective students are hugely varied and actively provide new ways to grow and develop.
My hobbies
Outside of work I like to try (and not always succeed at) as many creative hobbies as I can. At the moment you can probably find me watercolour painting, dressmaking, tap dancing, or crocheting – while also watching Netflix.
Ask me about
- Primary school outreach work
- Academic outreach for the School of Health and Sport Science
Get in touch
I work remotely. Contact me on L.Towers2@brighton.ac.uk.
Amber Hanrahan
My role
Through my role in the Outreach team, I work with partner schools and colleges to give their students information, advice, and guidance around going to university. I organise and deliver activities, events, and 1-to-1 support in schools and colleges, as well as on our university campuses. Within the university, I work with the School of Art and Media and the School of Business and Law to arrange events on campus including Saturday clubs and summer schools. Throughout this work, my aim is to break down barriers to going to university.
My background
My professional background is in psychology, education, and children’s mental health. I have worked in a range of different roles throughout the education system, spanning from early years through to schools and colleges. Prior to starting with the University of Brighton, I worked in Widening Participation (WP) with another university where I initially developed my knowledge on outreach work. I also have personal experience of coming from a WP background myself, which gives me a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by students we work with.
Why University of Brighton?
The University of Brighton is a creative university, full of opportunity, and based in a beautiful location. The community here is welcoming and supportive and the facilities are great!
My hobbies
On my more active days, I like to go climbing, cycling, and sea swimming. On calmer days, I enjoy doing pottery and drawing. I am always up for trying something new!
Ask me about
- Outreach support in schools and colleges
- Academic outreach for the school of Art and Media and the school of Business and Law
- Saturday clubs and summer schools
Get in touch
I am based at our City Campus in central Brighton.
Email me at A.Hanrahan@Brighton.ac.uk.
Mike McGuire
My role
I work as the Data Administrator for the Outreach Team. My role involves ensuring all data relating to student activities is recorded on the Higher Education Access Tracker (HEAT) and to provide analysis and reports to assist in the evaluation of the Team’s work. HEAT is a national system for universities engaged in widening participation (WP) providing data management, analysis and reporting for their outreach activities.
My background
I had a long career working as a Performance Analyst for the National Crime Agency (NCA) and its precursor agencies which gave me a fascinating insight into the threat from serious and organised crime and the ongoing fight against it. Prior to this I worked for the Courts Service working at many courts in London dealing with legal professionals, defendants and the general public in a variety of roles. I moved to the Sussex coast in 1999 and have been here ever since.
Why University of Brighton?
After taking early retirement from the NCA, I was keen to take on a part-time job where I could use my skills and experience in a supporting role and this fitted the bill. I feel that it is important that as many people as possible have the opportunity to undertake a successful university education and so I am very happy to support the hard work of my colleagues in the Outreach Team in this aim.
My hobbies
I enjoy most sports, particularly football and cricket, although I just watch rather than play these days. I also play guitar and bass, mainly on my own for relaxation but sometimes in jam sessions with friends.
Ask me about
Any queries or issues relating to HEAT.
Contact me
I am based at our Moulsecoomb campus. Contact me on m.mcguire@brighton.ac.uk.
Lucy Jenner
My role
I am responsible for building relationships in widening participation in schools and colleges and supporting young people to consider their prospects, and the possibility of pursuing higher education. I do this through projects and events on campus or in schools/colleges, mostly in Brighton and West Sussex. I am based at the university’s Moulsecoomb campus. I work with the School of Applied Science but also help to support work with colleagues in other university Schools. I will also be responsible for leading our fantastic Saturday Clubs, which are free and run each year for secondary school students.
My background
I have worked in arts education most of my career, working in a secondary school as an Art Technician, as an Education Officer at an arts organisation promoting South Asian performance art and at an art and craft museum as their Learning and Public Programme Manager. I was the first to go to university in my family, and I came from a single-parent, low-income family. I studied Contemporary Applied Arts at the University of Cumbria. Having grown up in the South of England, I wanted to study in the North and explore new places. I was technically classed as a mature student when I started university at 21, having taken a few years out to work and travel. I also travelled after university, volunteering in India and Sri Lanka.
Why the University of Brighton?
In my role at the museum, I regularly worked with the University of Brighton. I enjoyed coordinating the live projects we collaborated on together. In addition, I was impressed by how the academics cared for their students, seeking new ways to engage with industry and supporting students to gain essential work experiences to help enhance their CVs.
My hobbies
I like swimming, visiting galleries and museums, and I run a night called Dancing in the Dark. Walking is my favourite pastime, and I hope my young family will enjoy it too so we can ramble together in the future. I have travelled extensively and dream of far-off lands regularly.
Ask me about
Saturday clubs and the school of applied science.
Contact me
I am based at Moulsecoomb campus.
Contact me on L.jenner2@brighton.ac.uk.
Jake Donkin-Peters
My role
As part of the Outreach team, I help deliver and organise a range of events across schools and colleges in East Sussex and Eastbourne. From 1-to-1 personal statement sessions to information, advice and guidance presentations, I work to equip young people with the relevant skills and information so that they can make informed decisions on their potential journey into Higher Education. Within the university itself, I work with the School of Education and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences to facilitate events on campus surrounding these subject areas including subject taster sessions and summer schools. I believe that every young person no matter their background deserves the right to pursue higher education if they desire, and I consider my role to be ensuring that every young person I work with is as best equipped as possible to make this choice and realise their potential.
My Background
Originally from the Southwest of England, I moved from Plymouth to Brighton to Study International Relations and Development after having taken some time out of education and work to travel and volunteer in Southeast Asia. During my time studying I became introduced to the world of widening participation as a student ambassador, and from that point on have become infatuated with the amazing work the sector can do for young people.
Whilst my passion within my studies was originally on how education systems work around the world, and the impact of education for development, my work in widening participation has realigned my sights on the UK education system and the support that is needed by young people here. As such I have spent the last two years working within this sector, having volunteered for organisations such as Into University Brighton and having worked for amazing organisations such as We Speak who help develop students public speaking and confidence skills. Having come from an area of the country that was relatively deprived and devoid of vast opportunities I appreciate the value of what we do as a sector and a team at Brighton every day and I am glad I can be part of a team that combats these challenges.
Why University of Brighton?
The University of Brighton is a great institution and asset to so many in the Brighton and East Sussex area, offering opportunities to so many to achieve their potential and challenge stereotypes of what success looks like. As a wonderful space of diversity, inclusion and innovation it is a privilege to be able to represent it and use our amazing facilities and resources to inspire young people to achieve and realise their potential in a positive and supportive environment.
My Hobbies
In typical British fashion my activities outside of work are highly weather dependent. An ideal day involves a trip to the beach with plenty of sea swimming, a potential bike ride, hike or if I’m lucky to return to the Southwest then a bit of surfing or paddle boarding. However, when the winds and rain decide to bless us all, you can often find me watching a good movie or series with my partner, hanging out with friends playing some sort of game and all often accompanied by some excessive/extravagant meal that I’ve cooked as I love trying out new recipes from around the world.
Sarah Sawyer
My role
I am the Operations Coordinator within the Outreach team, based at the university’s Moulsecoomb campus. My role supports, develops and administers the Outreach team’s systems and processes used to promote our widening participation work with schools and colleges, including managing email communications and promoting our events to their students and staff.
My background
For the majority of my career I have worked within the education and training sectors. This includes many years working for the National Apprenticeship Service, implementing the government agenda to promote and widen access to apprenticeships. I worked for the training provider network for Sussex, supporting the interests of colleges, independent training providers and universities focusing on communications, administration and event organisation. During this time, I also worked for the Apprenticeship Support & Knowledge programme, delivering presentations and workshops to schools and colleges across Sussex about the benefits of apprenticeships. Before joining the University in this role, I worked as an Employment Coach for an educational charity supporting unemployed adults into work with employability skills and support.
Why University of Brighton?
I have worked for the University twice before and enjoyed the experiences and worked within really supportive teams. It has been a positive and supportive environment for me personally and rewarding to work alongside colleagues who care about the work they do in supporting and inspiring young people.
My hobbies
When I'm not working or negotiating with my teenaged children, I like to relax by reading, walking our lovely dog, and visiting galleries and museums. I love watching live music, and fortunately living in Brighton gives me lots of opportunities to attend gigs.
Ask me about
Our schools and colleges newsletters and Outreach events and activities
Contact me
I am based at our Moulsecoomb campus in Brighton. Contact me on s.j.sawyer@brighton.ac.uk.
Helen Bery
My role
I’m the Digital Outreach Coordinator and support the Outreach team’s aim to widen participation, through organising and delivering a range of online events and talks. These include subject tasters, information, advice & guidance talks and peer to peer events with Student Ambassadors. I also organise and edit content for our Online Summer Schools, which run during July each year.
My background
I’ve worked in the charity sector for most of my career. I studied Fine Art at UWE University in Bristol then went on to study a Masters in Curating Contemporary Art at London Metropolitan University.
After travelling and taking part in volunteer work in India and an internship at the Whitechapel Gallery, I knew I wanted to work on projects that make learning more accessible for disadvantaged groups.
I worked in the charity sector for a number of years; at Kids’ City charity recruiting disadvantaged young people into volunteer placements, while marketing the project within the local community and Age UK Merton where I worked as a Festival & Volunteer Coordinator, organising a large festival, producing a brochure and promoting this within the borough. I also worked as a Visual Content Editor for a period of time, which continued my interest in using digital methods of communication to engage with different community groups.
Why University of Brighton?
The University of Brighton is a welcoming, inclusive, and creative place and I am very happy to be here and to represent it. The University has so much to offer and a vast range of opportunities for both staff and students. I’m enjoying working in an environment that is both supportive and inspiring.
My hobbies
My three young children keep me busy! - I love the beach and going for walks in the countryside with them. I also enjoy going to music festivals, visiting art galleries and travelling when I can. Baking cakes and sweet things is another favourite pass time of mine – especially eating them!
Ask me about
Digital and online outreach events
Contact me
I am based at our Moulsecoomb campus in Brighton. Contact me on E.Bery@brighton.ac.uk.