Meet the team

Amy Adams 

My role
Based in Eastbourne, I oversee the university’s outreach offer to schools and colleges including parental engagement and information advice and guidance to students who would not traditionally consider university.

My background
Since graduating from University of Brighton in 2007, with a Social Science degree, I have been involved in education with young people – from youth work and sexual health advice to behaviour and attendance management in schools.

I was the first person in my family to attend university. Brighton was such a brilliant choice for me; I found people with similar interests and I felt I fit in. The degree challenged me to question most of my beliefs and changed my perspective. I chose to work for the university’s outreach team to share my experience of being from a low income family and how that didn’t hold me back from achieving at university.

Why University of Brighton?
As a University of Brighton graduate I understand the positive experience this university has on our students. The work-based approach to learning helped me understand the value of working with young people and the opportunities that a higher education degree can offer. Both as a student and staff member, the support available at Brighton is second to none.

My hobbies
My children, aged 4 and 1, keep me pretty busy, but I do find time for yoga and I am most happy spending my days at the beach on my kayak.

Ask me about

• Our work with schools and colleges in the Hastings and Bexhill area
• Parental engagement
• Outreach activities for looked-after children

Get in touch
I am based at the Eastbourne campus. Contact me on a.r.adams@brighton.ac.uk. I work Monday to Wednesday.

Daniel Hawkins 

My role
My role as outreach officer is to oversee subject-based activities for our widening participation students and partner schools. I work closely with our academic staff, parents, carers, teachers and students, and outreach coordinators who are based at colleges and sixth forms.

I enjoy working in a great team helping to deliver a variety of activities, both face to face and online!

My background
I studied media at the University of Chichester as the first in my family to go to university. This was personally a huge deal at the time, and felt like I was moving to Australia to start a new life. In reality, I could get a train home in 40 minutes.

The experience was very transformative, particularly for my personal confidence. I also made lifelong friends and even met my wife!

I studied an MSc in Information Systems at University of Brighton. Studying as an adult while working was a more mature experience and I really enjoyed my University of Brighton experience and learnt a great deal.

Previously, I have worked for STEM Sussex running outreach projects and contracts with schools and colleges. Through STEM Sussex I was able to gain a PRINCE2 qualification and experience of running widening participation projects, so when the opportunity to join the WP team at University of Brighton came up, I jumped at applying.

Why University of Brighton?
The University of Brighton has supported me with my personal development as a student and a member of staff.

I feel lucky to be doing a job that has a strong social aim of supporting young people to make informed decisions around their future.

My hobbies
Outside of work I have the honour of being a lifelong Brighton & Hove Albion fan and season ticket holder. I also have two boys who keep me busy!

Ask me about

• Subject-specific activities for Widening Participation students
• Taster lectures, Big Visit days, summer schools and Saturday clubs

Contact me
I am based at our Moulsecoomb campus in Brighton. Contact me on d.hawkins@brighton.ac.uk.

Wendy Heasmer 

My role
Based in Eastbourne, I have been at the University of Brighton for 11 years and have previously led our primary school project work, taking Professor C Gull into local schools. I also chair the NEON primary working group, which brings together widening participation professionals from all over the UK.

My background
I went to Filsham Valley School and St Leonards Academy. I had no idea what I wanted to do, so I worked in Tesco pharmacy and opticians for several years. I saw an advert for the University of Brighton and ended up studying a degree in Applied Social Science. Best decision I ever made! During my degree I knew I wanted to work in education, probably as a careers advisor. I later worked as an information, advice and guidance youth worker, while finishing my degree, and had the interview for my job with the University of Brighton the same day as my graduation!

Why University of Brighton?
The University of Brighton changed my life because an academic at an open day spent time finding out what I loved about studying and encouraged me that university was for me. I strongly believe that the area you live in or school you attend should have no bearing on your future potential.

My hobbies
Outside of work, I have a very active toddler who keeps me busy when I am not at work. He is already quite the golfer and I can see myself spending evenings and weekends at golf clubs before too long!

Ask me about

• Our work with schools and colleges in the Eastbourne and Falmer areas
• Looked-after children who haven’t yet applied to university.

Get in touch:
I am based at our Eastbourne campus. Email me on w.heasmer@brighton.ac.uk or for queries relating to looked-after children, email aboutuni@brighton.ac.uk.

Nikki Collins 

My role
Based in Eastbourne, I coordinate and deliver our widening participation programme with students who attend schools, sixth forms and colleges across East Sussex. We support the transition from school to higher education, running sessions that tackle the application process and provide open discussion so they can make informed decisions about their future. I also lead our primary school programme. As a qualified teacher, I strongly believe in the importance of education regardless of background.

My background
I went to five different secondary schools due to being estranged from my parents. I ended up being cared for by a wonderful family in Bexhill and completed my GCSEs at Bexhill High School, and then completed a BTEC in Early Years Education at Northampton College. 

I had never considered going to university as this was just not the norm for anyone I knew or had lived with. One of my tutors encouraged me to train as a primary school teacher, so I applied for Plymouth Marjon University and enjoyed it so much that I stayed on for a year as the Students' Union Deputy President.

After my sabbatical, I worked for 18 months as a supply teacher but wanted a change. Using the skills acquired whilst working for the Students' Union, I put them to best use and became an award-winning wedding and events manager in Cornwall. This is a position I would not have been able to apply for without a degree.

When I applied for my current role I knew instantly that it was the perfect balance between event planning and widening opportunities through education.

Why University of Brighton?
Pride is the one word that sums up my feelings at the University of Brighton. We are proud to represent the people behind the grades and embed our outreach activities in the wider community.

My hobbies
Outside work, I am a partner of the National Lottery Big Local Heart of Sidley, running community events all year round, something I am really passionate about. I recently joined the PTA of my son’s primary school and have just set up a community interest company to save two local nurseries from closure. In my spare time I love to sew and create personalised bunting for family and friends, and enjoy time with my two small children.

Ask me about

• Talks, workshops and university taster sessions for young people aged 10 to 18 across East Sussex
• Widening participation in the Hastings and Rother area
• Information, advice and guidance for parents and mature students.

Contact me
I am based at our Eastbourne campus. Contact me on n.t.collins@brighton.ac.uk.

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
• Saturday clubs

Get in touch
I am based at our Moulsecoomb campus in Brighton. Contact me on j.harris2@brighton.ac.uk.

James Barron 

My role
I am based at our city campus in Brighton. I have worked at the University for 4 years, initially as part of our enquiries team and on a number of projects including in-school based workshops, assemblies, campus visits and parents/carers evenings advising on university level study.

I have been in my current role since late 2019. A big part of my role is leading academic outreach activity within the university schools of art, architecture, media and humanities – focused on organising pre-16 Saturday Clubs and post-16 summer schools.

My background
I was born and raised in Brighton and attended school and college locally. I studied a BA in English and Drama at the University of Manchester. After graduating I returned home and worked for the local authority and then in language teaching before studying PGCE in Primary Education here at the University of Brighton.

I taught in a local primary school in Key Stage 2. After a career break working as cabin crew and travelling, I began working for the university. My background in education has made me passionate about working with young people and encouraging them to reach their full potential.

Why the University of Brighton?
The Brighton student experience is varied, innovative and prepares its graduates with the skills to succeed. We are a truly inclusive place and treat all current students and potential applicants as individuals. We are firmly committed to the principles of university outreach locally and nationally, and strongly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to study at higher level.

My interests
Outside work, I love British cinema, going to new exhibitions and galleries and travelling. I’m also a keen runner having completed three marathons and helped set up an LGBTQ+ running club in Brighton.

Ask me about

• Outreach support in schools and colleges
• Parents and carers events
• Campus visits
• Academic outreach for the arts and humanities
• Saturday Clubs and summer schools

Get in touch
I am based at Grand Parade on our City Campus in central Brighton. Email me on j.l.barron@brighton.ac.uk.

Suzi Lamb

My role
As student recruitment officer, I manage the student recruitment team and student ambassador team. My role includes planning and managing our attendance at recruitment events across the UK and identifying new recruitment opportunities. I manage and develop the university's outreach partnerships with schools and colleges outside Sussex, while also delivering and developing our programme of online and face-to-face activity. I'm also involved in planning and supporting our Clearing activities each summer.

My background
I grew up in Cornwall before gaining a degree in French Studies at the University of Birmingham, which included a year at the University of Grenoble in the French Alps. After graduating and travelling I moved to Brighton to work for a gap year volunteer organisation, which gave me experience of recruitment and marketing, as well as working closely with schools and colleges.

I have also spent two years working with a charity in Sussex, which included managing the local National Citizen Service programme for 16 and 17 year olds. I joined the recruitment and outreach team at the University of Brighton in 2018.

Why University of Brighton?
I enjoy working with many brilliant colleagues who all genuinely care about the students we work with. My role is also extremely varied and engaging.

My interests
I enjoy being active outdoors and try to make the most of having the South Downs on my doorstep by mountain biking, hiking and trail running in the hills close to home in the north of Brighton.

Ask me about

• Our work with schools and colleges outside Sussex
• School taster visits

Get in touch
I'm based at our Moulsecoomb site when on campus, but am often out of the office visiting schools and colleges and attending events. Email me on s.lamb@brighton.ac.uk 

Asher Foister 

My role
As student recruitment assistant, I focus on post-16 students interested in studying at the University of Brighton. I deliver talks and information and guidance support, in person and online, to schools and colleges outside Sussex. I also attend HE fairs and UCAS events around the country, and help to host school taster visits to the university.

My background
I grew up in Gloucestershire, and studied sciences and maths, intending to go into engineering. I took a couple of years out before university, and worked as a support worker and domiciliary carer. It was while in these roles I decided to change direction and go into healthcare. I started studying Public Health at Brighton in 2018, making the move from my home town and not knowing anyone in Brighton! During my second year, I decided I needed more experience in the workplace to develop my transferable skills, which led to a year's placement with the student recruitment team.

Why University of Brighton
I love the area! It is welcoming and I feel at home in the city and in the university. Brighton also offers a unique course and a range of opportunities.

My interests
I can usually be found cycling or reading on the beach.

Ask me about

• HE Fairs
• Student life

Get in touch
I'm based at our Moulsecoomb site when on campus, but am often out of the office visiting schools and colleges and attending events. Email me on a.foister@brigton.ac.uk