A Warm Welcome to New Team Members AJ, Olivia and Ki On

AJ, Olivia and Ki On introduce themselves:

Ajithan Thambithurai (AJ)
EPSRC Project Officer and Research Finance Administrator

Before stepping into the world of UCL Biochemical Engineering, I accumulated 6 years at the University of Greenwich in various roles including Senior Finance Officer, Moodle Support and Business Data Analyst. Now at UCL, I work in the finance and procurement team, where my primary role is to support the department’s amazing research activities. This includes working closely with academics on preparing a budget report to increase their chances of winning funds to support their research. I work with project managers to provide budgetary support and assist with legal and contractual negotiations with collaborators. The energy here is fantastic and I'm really excited about all the amazing opportunities ahead!

Olivia Festy
Strategic Alliance Manager

I am here to help UCL Biochemical Engineering academics translate their research to help communities and businesses through industry collaborations. I did my Biophysics PhD with Kings College London and have supported partnership and programmes for over the last 15 years with Queen Mary University, National Institute for Health Research, Digital Health London, Genomics England and Nesta. If you have any ideas for industry collaborations, please reach out to me on o.festy@ucl.ac.uk

Ki On Chan
CPD Programme Manager

Before joining UCL Biochemical Engineering, I was working in the City University of Hong Kong at their Global Engagement Office to support international students and campus internationalisation. I have also worked at their PR & Events team at the Vice President Office (Research & Technology) to promote entrepreneurship and research commercialisation. I am now working for the Strategic Alliance Team, focus on managing the department’s signature Continuing Professional Development courses, namely the Modular Training for the Bioprocess Industries (MBI) and VISION Leadership Programme.