Spotlight on... Sara Shafiei

What is your role and what does it involve?

I’m the Vice Dean of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) at the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, and I’m also an Associate Professor at the Bartlett School of Architecture. My roles are quite varied, which keeps things constantly busy and exciting. I am currently working on several EDI initiatives, including The Bartlett Promise Scholarships, the Bartlett Disability Collective, and Bartlett Alternative (which is an online hub focused on amplifying underrepresented voices), to name a few...

I’m also deeply involved in outreach work because I’m passionate about opening up higher education to a diverse range of people. 

Until recently, I was the Programme Director for the Architecture MSci Programme, which I developed and launched in 2020. It is an integrated five-year architecture master’s degree and marks the most significant shift in architectural education at UCL in nearly 50 years. I’m incredibly proud of the students and staff who embarked on that journey with me. Given that we launched it during a global pandemic, amidst a hiring freeze and an A-level fiasco, the achievement feels even more significant. I am confident will continue to achieve great things in the years to come, thanks to the dedicated team leading it. 

But honestly, the most rewarding part of my job is the people I get to collaborate with. None of this happens in isolation, and I’m continually inspired by the colleagues and students I have the privilege of working with and for.

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

I’ve been at UCL since 2011, so it’s been quite the journey. My roles have varied over the years, including everything from curriculum reform to staff and student support. I have been Programme Director for several programmes, as well as Module Coordinator, Departmental Tutor, Admissions Tutor, and Outreach Director. Currently, I also chair the Board of Examiners and serve as Vice Dean of EDI.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

This is a tough question, as each role and initiative has been incredibly fulfilling in different ways. I genuinely believe that I have learned something valuable from every position I’ve held. However, what stands out the most is the opportunity to work alongside amazing colleagues and students; their influence has had a huge impact on me. It is those collaborations and relationships that I value most, and I believe they have made the biggest difference in everything I’ve been involved with.

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

We have just run our Bartlett Annual Senior Promotions Workshops, which support colleagues from underrepresented groups in their future promotion applications. It is incredibly rewarding to hear that participants have benefited from these initiatives. I collaborate closely with my wonderful colleague, Brent Carnell, on these workshops, and this marks our third year running them.

In addition, I am working with another fantastic colleague, Teresa Dawkins, on the launch of the exhibition 100 UCL Employees: How You See Us. This travelling exhibition shines a spotlight on the African and Caribbean heritage of UCL employees across the institution. It is a very special project that is close to our hearts, and we have been working tirelessly towards the launch, which coincided with the final day of Black History Month. We specifically chose to launch on 31 October as a reminder that the acknowledgment and celebration of these individuals should extend beyond a single moment in time and be woven into the fabric of our everyday life at UCL.

I recently returned from outreach visits with our student ambassadors and faculty team to Durham, Birmingham, Milton Keynes, and Wembley, with many more planned in the coming months.

We have also just launched the Bartlett Disability Collective, which is an exciting development for both the faculty and UCL as a whole. We’ve planted the seeds of the collective, and now it’s all about making sure I’m supporting it as much as possible. Sometimes it’s about raising awareness, but other times it’s really about ensuring that the infrastructure and support are in place for real, lasting change to come about.

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

My favourite album is probably The Wall by Pink Floyd. Growing up, their music was always playing in our house, and I can listen to it anytime and still appreciate the depth and creativity in their work.

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

I’m afraid I can’t remember a joke to save my life. If I did share one, it would probably be something I found online, so I might as well be honest about it.

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

Without a doubt, my son. He’s seven and absolutely the most precious part of my life. I treasure every moment with him, which can sometimes feel all too brief when you’re a working mum. Although he tells me I give him far too many hugs, I’m soaking it all up while I can! He was sitting next to me when I was reading these questions, and without hesitation said, "Well, you have to say David Attenborough!" Then he paused and added, "I just hope he really likes good food!"

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self that every experience can shape and influence what you go on to do. Over the years, through the various roles I’ve held, I’ve come to appreciate how much those diverse experiences outside my core field, along with the people I’ve met and the communities I’ve interacted with, have made me better at what I do. They’ve shaped my thinking and allowed me to be innovative while recognising opportunities for personal growth.

The built environment is, after all, about the spaces where we live, how we coexist with others, and how we relate to one another. I truly believe that education is a lifelong journey  – not just in the formal sense, but through every experience and interaction. To truly innovate, we must stay open and committed to growth in all aspects of life.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

It might surprise people to know that I'm terrible at spelling, despite all the writing I do. On a brighter note, I love to cook – it's one of the ways I find joy in sharing my culture and heritage with others. While it might not come as a surprise, I'm definitely a bit of a perfectionist at work (even though I rely on spellcheck quite a bit!).

What is your favourite place?

My favourite place is anywhere I'm with friends and family. It's less about the location and more about the people – although food often takes centre stage at any gathering! Being surrounded by the people you love makes any place feel special. If I could go back in time, I'd love to return to my grandparents' house, have one last moment with them, and let them see my son as he is now.