Meet the team

Teaching and learning

James Ford

Programme Director

James joined the team in 2024, having previously spent 10 years in UCL’s Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (CEGE) department. Before UCL, he worked as a practising engineer in industry where he was involved in recruiting and training graduates; he quickly developed an understanding of the importance of diversity of backgrounds on engineering projects and the role that widening participation schemes can play in enabling this. As undergraduate admissions tutor at CEGE, he developed a good understanding of the barriers to widening participation in engineering and the role universities can play in removing these barriers.

James’ teaching interests are in engineering design and professional skills, topics he has taught throughout his time at UCL and continues to lead on the EFY programme. He maintains strong links with industry and holds multiple roles within the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Ashley Clayton

Lecturer (Teaching)

Dr Ashley Clayton is a lecturer within the Faculty of Engineering Sciences and the Centre for Engineering Education, leading the Mathematics for Engineering module for the Engineering Foundation Year. He has a PhD in Mathematics from the University of St Andrews, and is an active researcher with interests in Semigroup theory and other areas of Abstract and Universal Algebra.

He joined UCL working as a module leader within the Integrated Engineering Programme, and is interested in widening access to a broader teaching perspective of mathematics (whether pure, applied or statistical) within engineering programmes, to expand the language and expertise available to practical problem-solvers. Prior to joining UCL, he has held a number of academic and contracted roles at institutions including the University of St Andrews, University of Lisbon, and the University of Manchester. In this time, he has worked to develop and deliver on accessible introductory level mathematics modules for students on STEM degrees, as well as modules at all levels within Mathematics.

Sam Fishlock

Lecturer (Teaching)

Dr. Sam Fishlock is a Lecturer in the Centre for Engineering Education within UCL Engineering. His teaching focuses on engineering design and project-based learning. As an educator, Sam is committed to showing students that a radical shift in how we design and engineer the world is both necessary and possible, empowering them to lead that change. He fosters creative and critical thinkers who question the underlying “why” of engineering projects while developing the technical skills required to make a global impact.

Before joining UCL, Sam was an Associate Professor at ASU-London, where he helped pioneer the design-focused curriculum for the Global Design Engineering programme. He holds a PhD in Engineering, with a technical research background spanning materials engineering and user-centred design.

Fawaz Saket

Lecturer (Teaching)

Dr Fawaz Saket is a Lecturer within the Faculty of Engineering Sciences and the Centre for Engineering Education. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and has published research in the field of engineering dynamics and control.

Fawaz has held a variety of teaching and academic roles across several institutions, contributing to engineering programmes at multiple levels. His experience includes work within engineering foundation year programmes, where he has supported students from diverse backgrounds in pursuing engineering careers.

He currently leads the Applied Science and Experimentation module and teaches on the Engineering Projects and Skills module, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary project‑based learning and real‑world problem‑solving.

Fran Bowen-Watts

Senior Teaching and Learning Administrator

With a strong administrative background in Higher Education and Engineering, Fran is passionate about helping and aiding aspiring engineers with their studies.

Fran has previously worked with the Education team at the Institution of Civil Engineers where she deepened her understanding and knowledge for the amazing work engineers do! 

Costas Constantinou

Teaching and Learning Administrator

Costas has a passion for education in general, and has a diverse experience in higher education.

Previously he has worked for an international higher education institution in London offering front-desk support to international students and more recently worked as a Teaching and Learning Administrator for the PGCE Secondary teaching training at the UCL Institute of Education.

Martin H.

Student Support and Wellbeing Coordinator (sabbatical leave cover)

Martin provides support to students with physical, mobility, sensory, neurological, or mental health-related disabilities. He offers guidance on reasonable adjustments, applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) and developing positive wellbeing habits, as well as signposting students to support services within and outside of UCL.

He has experience working in both Further and Higher Education, undertaking subject specialist roles, and providing pastoral support to a diverse range of students. He recognises the importance of managing one’s “stress container” to navigate the pressures of study, work, finances, and relationships, all of which can significantly affect overall wellbeing.

Vanessa K.

Student Support and Wellbeing Coordinator (on sabbatical leave)

Vanessa provides support to students with physical, mobility, sensory, neurological, or mental health-related disabilities. She offers guidance on reasonable adjustments and signposts students to support services within and outside of UCL. She has a keen interest in widening participation, equality, diversity and inclusion. An advocate for lifelong learning, she believes it is never too late to improve yourself. She’s worked in Higher Education since 2015 and also did an engineering degree! 

Contributors

John Mitchell

Founder of the Engineering Foundation Year

A globally recognised expert in engineering education, Professor Mitchell is the founder of the Engineering Foundation Year course and a firm believer of driving equal access to opportunities in engineering. He gained his degree and PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from UCL, as well as a Master’s in Teaching and Learning in Higher and Professional Education. He’s received awards for teaching and led the introduction of the Integrated Engineering Programme to UCL. He is particularly well known for his work on optical and wireless access systems, and is Head of Department for UCL Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Co-Director of the UCL Centre for Engineering Education.  

Outreach and marketing

Kate Wilson

Outreach and Marketing Manager

Kate started her post in August 2023. Before then, she worked in a similar role at UCL Chemical Engineering, in projects with schools at the UCL Institute of Education, in course administration, and as a teaching assistant in East London.

Kate works with her EFY colleagues (and occasionally, students), Admissions and other central teams to ensure the information about the Engineering Foundation Year is clear and engaging, and arranges outreach activities with schools and community groups interested in the Engineering Foundation Year. She also organises more general STEM education engagement activities with schools and the general public.