Spotlight on... Atalanta Hersey

What is your role and what does it involve? What impact do you hope to make?

I’ve just joined the Faculty of Laws as Education Manager for Postgraduate Taught Programmes, where I support the planning and operational delivery of postgraduate education. My role involves working closely with academic colleagues and professional services teams across UCL to ensure everything runs smoothly from admissions through to assessment and award, while maintaining high academic standards and a positive student experience.

I’m particularly interested in improving consistency and transparency in education administration, using data and operational insight to support decision-making and help teams work more efficiently. Ultimately, I hope to create an environment where both colleagues and students feel informed, confident, and able to succeed.

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

I’ve been at UCL since 2019 and have worked in both the Faculty of Medical Sciences and the Faculty of Life Sciences. I started as a Teaching Administrator in the Division of Surgery and Interventional Sciences before progressing to Deputy Education Manager in the Division of Biosciences. In this role, I worked to support programme delivery, assessment processes, and student experience initiatives across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

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

I’m part of the working group developing the new EASE Induction Hub SharePoint, which launched recently. The project was created to address a long-standing challenge at UCL: there has never been a centralised induction for Education Administration and Student Experience staff, meaning onboarding and training historically varied across departments and faculties.

We’ve developed a shared induction hub that brings together guidance, training resources, and practical information to help colleagues understand roles, processes, and expectations from day one. The aim is to provide clarity and reassurance, while also creating a consistent experience for staff across the university.

What excites me most about the launch is that it will provide a shared central resource for EASE teams across UCL. A positive and supportive start can make a huge difference, and I hope the programme helps new staff feel confident, connected, and well-equipped as they begin their roles.

What makes you most proud of your work so far?

I was incredibly proud to be nominated by my team for, and to receive, the Faculty of Life Sciences Manager of the Year award in 2025. It was particularly meaningful because it came after a period of significant structural change, where much of our focus was on rebuilding stability, confidence, and team morale.

For me, it reinforced how important people-centred leadership is, especially during change. Supporting colleagues, creating a collaborative environment, and helping teams feel valued and supported are things I care deeply about, so the recognition meant a great deal.

What are you most excited about in 2026, UCL's bicentennial year?

UCL’s bicentennial feels like an opportunity to reflect on how the university continues to evolve while staying true to its values of openness and inclusion. I’m particularly excited to see how education administration continues to adapt to changing student needs and the demands of an evolving higher education landscape.

I hope my work contributes, in a small way, to building systems and support structures that enable both staff and students to thrive – helping ensure UCL continues to innovate and lead in higher education for the next 200 years.

What’s a small habit or ritual that helps you stay grounded at work? 

Walking always helps me reset – ideally a longer walk after a busy day, but even a short lunchtime break outside makes a difference.

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

David Attenborough, Rosalind Franklin, Maggie Smith, Ilona Maher, Dorothy Miles, and my grandmothers. I think it would be a fascinating mix of science, storytelling, humour, and good conversation.

What advice would you give your younger self?  

Things rarely follow the exact path you expect, and that’s often where the most interesting opportunities come from – so trust the process a little more.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about your life outside of work?

I’m a keen oboist and run my university’s alumni orchestra. I’m also a trustee of two East London music organisations that aim to improve access to music and create more opportunities for people in the local community.

Where do you go (physically or mentally) when you need to recharge? What's your favourite place?

The Isle of Wight, where I grew up. Being by the sea always helps me properly switch off – walking along the coast is my favourite way to reset away from London.