Meet the School Office staff

The School Office staff provide management and administrative support to the academic leadership of the School as well as strategic direction and administrative support for the research and teaching activities that take place in the Departments. The School Office also interfaces with the University’s central administration (in particular HR, Finance, the Research Office and the Academic Division).

• Leadership

• Governance and Administration

• Bioscience Platforms

• Undergraduate Education

• Postgraduate Education

• Finance

• IT

• Health and Safety

• HR, Research Culture and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Research and Communications

Leadership

Isobel Humphrey

Secretary of the School

The School Secretary provides strategic leadership for all professional services staff in the School and its faculties and departments. The post holder reports to the Academic Secretary and to the Head of School.

Working closely with the Head of School, the School Secretary is responsible for helping to shape and implement the School’s academic strategy. Working with the Academic Secretary, and in consultation with the Head of School, the School Secretary is responsible for building effective partnership working arrangements with colleagues in professional services teams, ensuring that the services to academic institutions are efficient and effective. 

The School Secretary manages the School-based professional services team and has professional management responsibility for the Departmental Administrators.

Governance and Administration

Sarah Green

Governance and Ethics Co-ordinator

The Governance and Ethics Co-ordinator manages applications for ethical review to the Psychology Research Ethics and the Human Biology Research Ethics Committees.

Sarah also supports the Secretary of the School with Council meetings, and coordinates applications to the Charles Slater and Marmaduke Sheild funds. She ensures the smooth day-to-day running of the School Office and is first port of call for enquiries.

Vacant

Business and Operations Manager

The Business and Operations Manager supports operation and governance duties in the School Office, as well as providing ad hoc support to Departments and cover for Office roles. They are also responsible for supporting a wide range of projects, such as strategic academic recruitment and reshaping the Estate.

Carole Mortlock

PA to the Head of School

Carole provides PA support to Professor Jon Simons, Head of the School. This involves complex diary management and ensuring various deadlines are met in a timely manner. She also provides administrative support to the Faculty Board.

Harrie Palmer

Senior Assistant Secretary

The Senior Assistant Secretary works closely with the School Secretary to support the strategic goals of the School of Biological Sciences. Harrie helps deliver the School’s academic strategy by building and strengthening links across University teams and ensuring that key projects and processes effectively support academic activity. Harrie also contributes to major programmes by facilitating and providing strategic advice and leading operational delivery, including the School’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) planning.

Fiona Russell

Secretary of the Faculty Board of Biology, Deputy-Secretary of School

Bioscience Platforms

Simon Carpenter

Bioscience Platforms Strategic Lead

The Bioscience Platforms Strategic Lead acts as the project manager of an initiative to improve facilities connectivity across the School of the Biological Sciences, combining both science and operational expertise. 

Simon is responsible for improving the visibility and function of Bioscience Platforms across the School by streamlining approaches to facility management and communication.

Undergraduate Education

Holly Canuto

Director of Education (Medicine and Veterinary Medicine Sciences)

In her role as Director of Pre-Clinical Medical and Veterinary Education for the School of Biological Sciences, Holly oversees the first two years of the Medical and Veterinary Medicine Courses.

Sandra Fulton

Director of Education (Natural Sciences /Psychological and Behavioural Sciences)

Dee Scadden

Head of Technology Enabled Learning

Chad Pillinger

Administrative Officer (Teaching and Examinations)

Vacant

Education Projects Manager

Working closely with the undergraduate education academic leadership in the School, the Education Projects Manager actively manages a diverse range of education development projects as set out in the School’s Strategic Vision. These include the Medicine and Veterinary Medicine Curriculum Review (MVMCR), the Biological Natural Sciences Curriculum Review (BNSCR), and the Reimagining Undergraduate Education Support project. All these projects aim to deliver step-change improvements in undergraduate course content, delivery and assessment as well as embed continuous improvement in education management and administration.

Mycroft Rosca-Mead

Natural Science Tripos Co-ordinator

The Natural Sciences Tripos (NST) Coordinator works across the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Physical Sciences to support the running of the Natural Sciences Tripos. As secretary to the NST Management Committee, Mycroft spends much of her time liaising with the 16 departments that contribute to the NST on matters such as exam arrangements, regulation and policy changes, and student allocation projects.
The role of NST Coordinator has changed recently providing Leanne with the opportunity to review and develop the administrative processes behind the NST, leading to a number of ongoing improvements.

Melissa Haggar

Student Liaison Administrator

The Student Liaison Administrator maintains and runs services provided by the School for the smooth administration of student matters. Melissa spends her time co-ordinating teaching input from the departments: maintaining websites and timetables and representing the School to prospective and current students.

Adam Catley

Digital Assessment Administrator

The Digital Assessment Administrator is responsible for liaising with different departments within both Medical and Veterinary courses to support different processes involved in producing high-quality online examination.

This role works to manage the communication, support systems and processes of online teaching and examination software, as well as acting as a key point of contact for digital assessment requests, staff training, workshops and student bootcamps.

Vivek Rajendra

Educational Technologist

The School's Educational Technologist works with teaching staff across departments to integrate digital elements in the classroom effectively and responsibly.

Vivek provides guidance and inspiration on how to use technology to enable learning. He can advise on the design of Moodle sites, help choose the most fitting educational tools for specific learning objectives, and support the implementation of digital innovations for education.

Vacant

Roving Teaching Administrator

Roving Teaching Administrators are a mobile link between departments and the School. They are available to support work in departments, for example:

• Support induction and training for new undergraduate Teaching Administrators
• Coordinate training sessions
• Cover absences and recruitment periods in departments
• Map processes, provide process improvement support
• Generate process documentation
• Provide additional support during busy periods, e.g. examinations

Vacant

Roving Teaching Administrator

Roving Teaching Administrators are a mobile link between departments and the School. They are available to support work in departments, for example:

• Support induction and training for new undergraduate Teaching Administrators
• Coordinate training sessions
• Cover absences and recruitment periods in departments
• Map processes, provide process improvement support
• Generate process documentation
• Provide additional support during busy periods, e.g. examinations

Postgraduate Education

Julie Davies

Head of Postgraduate Administration

The School’s Head of Postgraduate Administration provides operational and administrative leadership for the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences Office, the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Biology Office, the BBSRC DTP Office and represents the School on University committees involved with the development of business processes and the financing of postgraduate students.

Julie is responsible for facilitating projects in support of the School strategy relating to postgraduate students and also across the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences (which encompasses both the School of Biological  Sciences and the School of Clinical Medicine).

Clare Impey

Degree Committee for the Faculty of Biology

Clare supports the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Biology, liaising with our departments and UPIs to ensure that postgraduate students have milestones recorded on CamSIS, examiners are appointed for vivas and thesis submissions are sent out to examiners. Clare also prepares the agenda paperwork for the monthly degree committee meetings.

Rosalie Beirne

Internship Programmes Co-ordinator

The Internship Programmes Coordinator is responsible for two summer internship programmes managed within the School of Biological Sciences: Experience Postgrad Life Sciences and the Amgen Scholars Programme.

Rosalie oversees student recruitment, communications and the support systems and processes necessary to ensure the successful delivery of both programmes, which host undergraduate interns from across the UK and internationally, for projects based in labs across Cambridge. Each programme includes a skills training and events programme together with an international symposium hosted in Cambridge.

Carmen Haugh

Postgraduate Office Administrator

Carmen supports Rosalie with recruitment, communications and the support systems and processes necessary to ensure the successful delivery of our two summer internship programmes, which host undergraduate interns from across the UK and internationally, for projects based in labs across Cambridge. Each programme includes a skills training and events programme together with an international symposium hosted in Cambridge. Carmen also helps us process degree committee business during busy periods and staff leave.

Victoria Houghton (Maternity cover)

Training and Inclusive Support Manager

Victoria runs the skills training programme for the School’s BBSRC funded Doctoral Training Programme. She offers 1-2-1 guidance to all DTP students and supports a training programme which offers multiple development pathways designed around each student’s individual training needs analysis. Victoria is a key member of the DTP Management Committee.

Sandra di Eleonora

School of Biological Sciences and BBSRC DTP Co-ordinator and Amgen Programme Manager

Sandra manages the School’s BBSRC funded Doctoral Training Programme with the support of its Director, Professor Ross Waller.  This involves advertising, coordination of a multiple school recruitment process, managing match-funding, iCASE and PIPS partners and regular reporting to the Research Council. Sandra also oversees the School’s Amgen Scholars Programme.

Yolibeth Lopez

School of Biological Sciences and BBSRC DTP Administrator

Yoli supports Sandra in managing the School’s BBSRC funded Doctoral Training Programme and has particular expertise in the financial tracking of studentships across all active Doctoral Training Programmes and Doctoral Landscape Awards.

Antonia Shacklock

MPhil in Biological Sciences Co-ordinator

The MPhil in Biological Sciences Programme Coordinator heads the administrative team that provides administrative support for the Faculty’s multi-pathway taught MPhil degree programme, which comprises 6 distinct ‘pathways’, each centred around a particular Research Theme. The course involves taught components, as well as a 32-week long lab-based research project in a specialist area. The Programme Coordinator works with the Pathway Course Directors to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the systems and processes needed for the successful delivery of this degree. The Programme Coordinator works closely with the Course Director to provide data and analysis of the course 's aims and procedures to align with the ethos of the programme including a commitment to widening participation.

Julie Poole

MPhil in Biological Sciences Programme Administrator

The MPhil in Biological Sciences Programme Administrator provides administrative support for the Faculty’s multi-pathway taught MPhil degree programme, which comprises 6 distinct ‘pathways’, each centred around a particular Research Theme. The course involves taught components, as well as a 32-week long lab-based research project in a specialist area. The Programme Administrator works closely with the MPhil Programme Co-ordinator and Pathway Course Directors to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the systems and processes needed for the successful delivery of this degree.

Joe Fitzsimmons

MPhil in Biological Sciences Programme Administrator

Joe provides administrative support for the Faculty’s multi-pathway taught MPhil degree programme, which comprises 6 distinct ‘pathways’, each centred around a particular Research Theme. The course involves taught components, as well as a 32-week long lab-based research project in a specialist area. The Programme Administrator works closely with the MPhil Programme Co-ordinator and Pathway Course Directors to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the systems and processes needed for the successful delivery of this degree.

Rosa van Lieverloo

MPhil in Therapeutic Sciences Programme Administrator

Rosa provides administrative support for the Faculty’s taught MPhil in Therapeutic Sciences and works closely with the Academic Coordinator based in the Department of Pharmacology. This MPhil programme re-launched in 2025 and now includes an innovative six months placement with students integrated into one of the many participating research groups in academia or industry.

Finance

Chris Brown

Finance Business Partner

Amanda King

Deputy Finance Business Partner

Bhavna Shah

Senior Finance Advisor

Adam Durrant

Finance Advisor

Darta Zvejniece

Finance and Grants Co-ordinator

Tom Townsend

Accounts Assistant

Zainab Yusuf

Finance Coordinator

IT

Alastair Downie

Head of IT and Digital Transformation

The Head of IT and Digital Transformation is responsible for improving IT systems, services, processes and support across all of the departments and institutions within the School, ensuring that we have the appropriate resources for the work we do today; that we use them well; and that we have the capacity and agility to support innovation and to respond to new opportunities in the future. This role is as much about cultural change as it is about technology – a strong focus is on building community and collaboration, and working better together.

Ollie Denning

Deputy Head of IT

The Deputy Head of IT works with the Head of IT and Digital Transformation and the IT Managers for the departments within the School to provide strategic direction, operational support and guidance on IT matters.

Ollie is responsible for initiating and running projects to improve resilience, collaboration and harmonisation of IT infrastructure, systems, services and processes within the School. Often liaising between the University Information Services (UIS), the School Office, the School IT community, partner organisations and departments in the School to achieve this and improve communication between stakeholders.

Health and Safety

Mark Elsdon

Safety Officer

HR, Research Culture and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Sarah Spira

Lead HR Business Partner

Sarah Spira is the Lead HR Business Partner for the School of Biological Sciences. She works in close partnership with senior management to clarify their “people” requirements, and to develop and drive a people strategy for the School – thus enabling the School to achieve its strategic aims and objectives.

Rachel Bailey

Research Culture and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Facilitator

The Research Culture and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Facilitator works closely with the School Academic Leads for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Widening Participation (WP), EDI and wellbeing groups, and the central University EDI team, to identify and implement new policies and initiatives to better support diversity and inclusive practice across the School.

Rachel is responsible for project managing the School-wide Athena Swan application and processes, and is the main interface between the School, its research community and its Professional and Technical Services staff in matters relating to EDI, WP, and the Race Equality Charter.

Paula Bibby

Research Culture and Fellowships Framework Facilitator

Paula Bibby is the School Research Culture and Fellowships Framework Facilitator, working with the Deputy Head of School for Research Strategy and the Director of the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (SCM). She is responsible for implementing the Research Fellowships Framework, supporting the career development of independent Fellows who are setting up/leading labs, as well as providing further career support within the University and externally. Additionally, Paula provides leadership and operational support for the Schools’ Research Culture agenda, actively engaging with researchers and the research culture champions network to understand how we can create an environment that allows all researchers to flourish and achieve their full potential in a supportive environment.

Addy Donnelly

HR Business Partner

Addy Donnelly is the HR Business Partner supporting and providing advice on HR matters to the School, Biochemistry, Psychology, Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Plant Sciences and Veterinary Medicine departments and the Gurdon and Milner Institutes. Addy collaborates with Heads of Departments, Departmental Administrators, Business Operations Managers and departmental human resources teams to align human resources practices with University goals, aiming to foster a positive and effective working environment.

Kelly Howell

HR Business Partner

Kelly Howell is the HR Business Partner working within the School of Biological Sciences, providing support, advice and guidance to Departmental Administrators, managers and staff across the School on all HR-related matters, with the aim of ensuring best practice HR solutions meet University, School and Departmental objectives. Kelly will be responsible for a range of HR activities, including disciplinary, capability and grievance casework, and change management.

Natalie Wills

HR Adviser

Natalie Wills is the HR Adviser providing support to managers and staff in the School to develop and deliver innovative, best practice HR solutions to meet institutions objectives. She supports the HR Business Partners with casework and acts as a first point of contact on a wide range of HR queries from members of the School.

Katie Wright

HR Assistant

Katie Wright is the HR Assistant, shared between the School of the Biological Sciences and the School of Technology. Her role is to assist in day-to-day HR operations and to support the School HR team to deliver a professional and effective HR service. This includes providing administrative support with casework, projects, and general HR exercises. As part of the HR Assistants Team, Katie provides a first-line advisory service to employees and managers on general HR enquiries, and assists in coordinating HR policies and processes.

Research and Communications

Abi Herrmann

Research Strategy Manager

The Research Strategy Manager works with the senior leadership team to develop and deliver progress on the research arm of the School’s academic vision, with a particular focus on developing the six cross-disciplinary Research Themes.  

Abi works with stakeholders across the University to enable cross-disciplinary research, facilitate philanthropic and industry engagement and support a positive research culture.

Issy Baker

Research Communications, Events and Data Co-ordinator

The Research Communications, Events and Data Co-ordinator works within the Research Themes team to provide core administration duties alongside communications and events activities to ensure smooth running of the new Research Themes.

Issy supports the Research Themes team to organise all Theme events, manage Theme membership, keep track of Theme activities, and supports Theme communication such as the external facing website, newsletters, and School Information Hub.

Susana Camacho

Communications Manager

The School Communications Manager works closely with the Research Strategy Manager and the School Secretary to provide operational and administrative support for internal and external communications on behalf of the School.

Susana is responsible for defining and implementing communications plans and activities to support the School strategy and vision, as well as day-to-day running of the communications channels, such as the external-facing website, social media accounts and School Information Hub.

Carmen Fernandez-Posada

Bioscience Impact Facilitator

Emma Brock

Bioscience Impact Facilitator

The Bioscience Impact Facilitators are embedded in the School of Biological Sciences to support researchers in maximising the benefits of their work to society. Our Impact Facilitators work closely with researchers across Departments, with Research Theme Leads, Knowledge Exchange facilitators and with the School Senior Leadership Team to deliver a joined-up approach to research impact which is in line with the wider University strategy.

Diogo Martins Gomes

Public Engagement Manager

Diogo is the Public Engagement Manager for the Schools of Biological Sciences and Clinical Medicine. He is responsible for developing strategies and practices to embed a culture of excellence in public engagement with relevant research areas at the University.   
In the School of Biological Sciences, the Public Engagement Manager works closely with the Research Strategy Manager, Communications Manager and Bioscience Impact Facilitators to enable researchers to build high-quality public engagement activity into their academic careers, with associated recognition, and ensure a high profile for the public engagement work already being undertaken.