Seven Questions with... Sam Dexter

What are you studying, why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future?

I recently finished my MA in Special and Inclusive Education and have just started my PhD part-time here at UCL, where I am based in the Centre for Research in Autism Education (CRAE). I am particularly interested in working with autistic adults and young people to improve their experience of education. Last year, I ran a project with autistic students from UCL looking at the experiences they have with academic support. The project was sponsored by UCL ChangeMakers, which fund and support students and staff who want to work together to enhance the learning experience of students at UCL.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at UCL?

Having the opportunity to work with autistic students and staff on a project to improve their university experience has without doubt been the most interesting thing I’ve been involved with. I met and worked with some really interesting and inspiring people, which wouldn’t have been possible without the ChangeMakers funding we received for the project.

Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at UCL?

Whilst studying at UCL, I have spent many an afternoon at the Reading Room at the Wellcome Collection. It is such a relaxing and comfortable space to work in or to simply enjoy a quiet moment.

Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London:

1. Bouldering at the Castle Climbing Centre – since moving to London in 2016, I have taken up climbing which has helped me to destress and unwind after work and university – I would highly recommend giving it a go!
2. Stand-up comedy at the Moth Club – a Thursday night at this oxymoronic old working men’s club laden with a gold, glittery ceiling is a hilarious evening out.
3. Westminster Quaker Meeting House – a friend of mine took me to this ‘oasis of calm in central London’, the very same one as in series 2 of the brilliant TV series, Fleabag.

What’s one thing you’d like to see in a post-Covid world?

Ideally, no more COVID!

Who inspires you and why?

My dad, he is the most hard-working and kind person I know. He’s also overcome more than his fair share of challenges over the years, so whenever I’m finding something difficult, I think to myself, what would Rob do?

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I’m not proud of it, but I can relate any conversation back to a quote from Madagascar 2, by far the best film ever made.