Faces of UCL: Making it happen

This month, we're recognising those who protect, support and guide staff, students and visitors; maintain key spaces and vital university functions; build new services that improve our work and wellbeing; and develop innovative tools and systems that prepare us for the future.

They represent the thousands of staff who make things possible, often behind the scenes, and enable UCL to deliver world-leading teaching, research and innovation.

Here, we make it happen

• Denise Long, Director of Student Support and Wellbeing. Building services that support generations of students to thrive and seek help without fear of judgement.
• 'Chef Jeff' Mullings, Head Chef at UCL's east campus. From his family kitchen in Jamaica and London's top restaurants to UCL East, Jeff leads a diverse catering team committed to sustainability.
• Nick Burt, Head of Operations at the Institute of Ophthalmology. Nick has steered the Institute through 25 years of change, shaping the department through calm leadership, strategic thinking and a solution-oriented approach.
• Thalia Anagnostopoulou, Organisational Development Partner (People, Culture and HR). Strengthening inclusive leadership and learning, and building confidence and connection across UCL. 
• Ola Owolabi, Pensions Advisor. Helping staff to better understand their pension options, navigate life challenges and make informed decisions for their future. 
• Richard 'Dickie' Thomas, plumber (Estates). Keeping UCL running for four decades and giving students a hands-on experience of real plumbing work.
• Audrey Fenwick, Head of Financial Planning. Plays a leading role in making sure UCL can deliver on its strategic priorities, and remains financially resilient so it continues to deliver positive impact.
• Simon Cooke, Senior Fire Safety Manager (Estates). Transformed fire safety at UCL to the gold standard in the sector, from Bloomsbury’s 19th-century buildings to its newly built east campus.
• Alexis Nelson, Senior Technical Lead. Developing innovative tools and training to empower colleagues in technical spaces and prepare UCL for the challenges and opportunities ahead. 
• Maria Do Rosario Camarinha, Cleaning Supervisor (LCCOS). Leading a fundamental cleaning team, responsible for keeping the UCL Science Library’s spaces and collections clean and tidy for 28 years
• Juan Galeano, Waste, Recycling and Portering Manager (Estates). Supporting a more environmentally sustainable UCL and ensuring Bloomsbury's 200+ buildings running smoothly for over a decade.

Browse through 'Making it happen' Faces. 

All of these stories and more are celebrated in our Faces of UCL campaign, which is running throughout 2026. 

Meet the Faces of UCL

The campaign includes a purpose-built search page. You can use the free-text search or browse Faces by category, faculty and department, and theme. You can also see some of our Faces at the UCL200 exhibition, Two Centuries Here. 

More stories to come, watch this space!