Luciano Rila

Dr Luciano Rila is a Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics, and one of the founders of the UCL LGBTQ+ STEM Network

Luciano joined UCL Mathematics 12 years ago, in which time his role has evolved from Outreach Coordinator to Senior Teaching Fellow, and now to Lecturer (Teaching).

Together with a small team of research students and staff across STEM departments, Luciano has just launched the LGBTQ+ STEM at UCL network for staff and research students. They aim to broaden perceptions of LGBTQ+ identities in STEM disciplines at UCL and to foster a supportive environment where queer expression is visible.

Their launch event at the end of October was well attended with around 50 people in total, and they look forward to seeing where this community will take them.

Luciano spends his time between teaching, coordinating school outreach in the department and working in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives across UCL. It is quite a unique role and he has always been grateful that his department has valued his contributions and supported his ideas. His favourite thing about his job is the collaborative work he does with PhD students on school outreach - "They are so brilliant and creative, and I learn a lot from them".

Dr Rila has lived in London for 27 years, and outside of work enjoys taking trapeze classes - see above.

You can find out more about Luciano from his IRIS profile on the UCL Maths page, or via twitter at @DrTrapezio or @LGBTQ_STEMatUCL.