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Dr Ayşe Lisa Allison, Behaviour Change MSc
Who did you find inspiring at UCL and why?
When I was an MSc student, I remember feeling particularly inspired by some of my lecturers- not just because of the brilliant and impactful work they were doing, but because of the way they engaged with me and made me feel like I belonged in the room. Many of them embodied a kind, empowering approach to leadership and pedagogy that left a lasting impression on me. Seeing those examples firsthand made me realise that I wanted to build a career in academia- not just as a researcher, but as someone who fosters that same kind of supportive and transformative learning and working environment.
What is your fondest memory of your time here?
The best moments were the ones spent in pubs, cafés, and the student centre with course mates, debating ideas we were learning, sharing camaraderie during the stress of assignments (intervention development portfolio, I’m looking at you!), and supporting one another through the challenge of balancing postgraduate study with everything else life throws at you. Some of those friendships have lasted well beyond UCL, and I still count them among my closest friends.
Tell us a bit about the work you're doing now...
I’m a Research Fellow on the interdisciplinary UKRI-funded Comfort Loop project, working on sustainable solutions for absorbent hygiene products like nappies, incontinence products, and period products. My research applies behavioural science to explore reduce-and-reuse strategies, identifying barriers and enablers to change while ensuring user health and comfort. I’m also passionate about citizen science- we recently launched Big Toilet Project, a global citizen science initiative! Beyond research, I teach at UCL, supervise student projects, and actively engage in public outreach, science communication, and consultancy.
How did your UCL degree help you get to where you are now?
In a very direct way! My MSc paved the way for me to pursue an interdisciplinary PhD with the Centre for Behaviour Change and the UCL Plastic Waste Innovation Hub, where I built expertise at the intersection of behavioural science and circular economy. That foundation has shaped my career, and now, as a Research Fellow, I continue to work on applied interdisciplinary research.
What have been your career highlights?
A career highlight has been working in interdisciplinary spaces, tackling complex problems from multiple angles. It has broadened the way I think and approach challenges, with spillover effects into other areas of my life. I’ve also been lucky enough to collaborate with truly brilliant people in these spaces. Anyone who knows me knows that good vibes are a top priority, and that’s exactly what happens when you’re working with the coolest, smartest, and kindest people.
What would be your advice for current students?
I don’t really like to give advice- everyone’s on a different path, with their own pressures and priorities. But if I had to say something, in line with my own, it would be: show up, be open and prioritise having a good time, whatever that looks like for you.