Meet the team

Amy Adams 

My role
I work remotely and 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

• The University of Brighton Outreach programme
• Parental engagement
• Advice and guidance for children in care who have not yet applied to university

Get in touch
I work remotely. Contact me on a.r.adams@brighton.ac.uk. I work Monday to Thursday. For queries relating to children in care email aboutuni@brighton.ac.uk.

Wendy Heasmer 

My role
I have been at the University of Brighton for 14 years. I oversee the evaluation work the team conducts for our outreach projects and I am currently working with the team to develop new programmes to help support school partners to raise attainment. 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 child 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 partnership work with schools and colleges in Sussex

Get in touch:
Email me on w.heasmer@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

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 have worked for the university since 2016 firstly within the course enquires team and then as part of the Outreach team. After the lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic, my role has evolved to lead on and develop, our online outreach projects. This includes organising numerous online live events, 1:1s, academic tasters and our yearly online summer schools programme. I also oversee our Unibuddy peer-to-peer events and Q+A platform. In addition, I spend time out on the road visiting our post-16 college partners to deliver talks and guidance workshops.

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 and 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, 90s pop music (!) 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.

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 C.Vs.

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 WeSpeak 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.

Ask me about
Applying to university hints and tips

Contact me
Contact me onJ.Donkin-Peters@brighton.ac.uk.

Jasmin Panayi  

My role
As Student Recruitment Coordinator, I plan and attend recruitment events across the UK, such as HE fairs and UCAS events. I also develop the university’s partnerships with schools and colleges outside of Sussex, delivering our programme of talks and information and guidance sessions, both online and face-to-face. Alongside this, I am also involved with planning and supporting our Clearing activities every summer.

My background
I am a born and bred Brightonian! After A Levels, I spent some time living in Cyprus, working in a hotel entertainment team and managing the kid’s club. When I returned, I worked as a Teaching Assistant. I then decided to pursue a career in teaching and complete a degree in Primary Education. There’s no city quite like Brighton, so studying at the University of Brighton was a no brainer!

After university, I spent time working as a primary school teacher, before moving into a recruitment role, where I was helping graduates to find their first job. I missed working more closely with young people though, so decided to return to the university in my current role.

Why University of Brighton
As the first person in my family to go to university, I was worried I’d struggle academically and find it hard to fit in. As soon as I joined the University of Brighton though, I felt welcomed and incredibly supported to meet my potential. The community here is so diverse and inclusive, with every individual celebrated. I feel super lucky to be back, supporting the next generation of Brighton students!

My interests
Whilst I was studying at the University of Brighton, I joined the cheerleading team and fell in love with the sport. I stayed on the team for 5 years, working my way up to Head Coach. I was also selected to represent Team England at the Cheerleading World Championships in Florida. I’m now sadly retired from competing, but still enjoy attending dance classes. I’m also a lifelong Brighton and Hove Albion fan.

Ask me about

• Our talks and information and guidance sessions for post-16 students
• HE fairs and UCAS events

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 j.panayi@brighton.ac.uk.

Niamh Smith

My role
My role as Student Recruitment Assistant involves encouraging post-16 students to come to the University of Brighton by attending higher education fairs outside the Brighton and Sussex area. I also deliver talks about student life using my first-hand experience. The role also includes attending larger scale events such as UCAS or UK University Search exhibitions.

My background
I grew up in Hertfordshire where I studied my GCSEs and went onto studying politics, history and psychology A-levels. I was unsure on which route to take when looking into university, however I knew that I wanted to further my studies in the direction of social sciences. I found the course International Events Management with Marketing at the University of Brighton, which really excited me due to it encapsulating both the aspects of social sciences I find fascinating whilst involving the vibrant and dynamic events industry. Now having completed two years of my course I am incredibly happy with the decision I made due to not only the course enabling a marriage of my interests but also being situated in the thriving cultural scene and diverse community of Brighton. When the option to partake in a placement year arose, I embraced the opportunity to work with the university's marketing and communications department in student recruitment. This role has proven the perfect fit as it has not only allowed me to gain key experience in working in marketing but also granted me a unique perspective on the events industry with the opportunity to attend various events.

Why University of Brighton?
Choosing to study at Brighton was an easy option for me, as soon as I had decided on my course, I knew that Brighton was where I wanted to be based. The course structure as well as the location being filled with countless opportunities and the city's inclusive ethos has really made Brighton feel like home.

My interests
I really enjoy going to the gym as well as long walks and hikes. I also love attending events with my friends especially festivals and other music events. Going to the beach is one of my favourite things to do whilst in Brighton whether it's for a walk or a BBQ and some drinks!

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 n.e.smith@brighton.ac.uk.