Spotlight on... Liz Mooney

What is your role and what does it involve?

I am a Senior Project Manager, part of the Digital Campus Experience team within Information Services Division (ISD), and my role is to successfully implement all IT deliverables on UCL Estates building projects.

I manage a budget of around £250k across 20 projects within the LMS and SLASH Small Works programmes, located in a variety of spaces across the UCL Estate. Each has a unique set of requirements which requires me to work in collaboration with my Estates and ISD colleagues, who all contribute towards making each project a success.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

This month I will celebrate my 15-year anniversary at UCL! For many years I was the Finance Divisional Manager where I enjoyed managing projects and building a team, leading a group of talented and dedicated individuals providing first-class support to the Division.

I moved to ISD in early 2020 to manage the HR and EA teams, and became the Transformation Lead for the ISD change programme in 2021. Having worked on many projects since joining UCL, it felt like a natural step to move into my current position in 2022.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

I am currently feeling a sense of achievement seeing the projects I have worked on from inception now delivering, and providing, enhanced facilities and learning environments for staff and students.

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list

I’m very pleased to be one of the Deputy Co-Chairs for UCL Astrea, UCL’s network for women in professional services, and have been leading on an exciting project to install ‘Happy to Chat’ benches in four UCL locations.

Voted as a winning bid at the PS Conference in 2022, these eye-catching benches are for the UCL community and are designed to combat loneliness by providing opportunities to connect with people. They are dedicated to five inspirational women with a personal connection to UCL, who have shaped our world and left a lasting legacy.

Join UCL Astrea on Monday 11 September at 2pm for the launch of our inaugural bench located in the Main Quad, with Aimie Chapple, Vice-President (Operations).

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

Misplaced Childhood by Marillion, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, and the Dark Tower series by Stephen King (each book is crucial to the overall saga so it’s impossible to choose one!).

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

C, E-flat and G walk into a bar. The bartender says, “Sorry, but we do not serve minors”.

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

I find Michelle Obama inspiring (I highly recommend her memoir ‘Becoming’); Stephen Hawking, as I’m intrigued by black holes and the stars, and Aldo Kane, who I would pitch my expedition ideas to and try and convince to let me tag along on his next adventure!

What advice would you give your younger self?

To believe in myself more and to have the courage to take a risk, even if it doesn’t end in success. Also, to not forget that while I’m busy doubting myself, someone else is admiring my strength.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I’m fascinated by volcanoes, and once spent the night on the crater of Erta Ale, a volcano with an active lava lake in the Danakil Depression, Ethiopia.

What is your favourite place?

Out of all the places I’ve visited in the world, I’ve fallen in love with the mountains and lochs of the Scottish Highlands. The landscape makes me feel free, fulfilled and happy (even in the rain!).