People
Contacting UCL RDR staff
For general enquiries, please use the following email addresses:
- Taught undergraduate and postgraduate programmes: irdr-education@ucl.ac.uk
- PhD programmes: irdr-pgr@ucl.ac.uk
- General enquiries about the department: irdr-enquiries@ucl.ac.uk
Using the emails above means your query can be handled quickly if individual staff members are not available.
Professional Services staff
Managerial and administrative staff and roles.
![]() | Professor Joanna Faure WalkerRole: Professor in Earthquake Geology and Disaster Risk Reduction, Head of Department Earthquake geology and seismic hazard are my main research themes. I study faults in the Earth's continental crust to better understand the physical processes controlling earthquake locations, timing and generation. I am also interested in disaster resilience, especially topics such as risk perception, warning and shelter. I am motivated to tackle scientific problems that have potential to improve quality of life. My teaching encompasses earthquakes and other natural hazards, disaster-related vulnerability and risk, and integrating science into decision-making. I have industry experience working for the catastrophe modelling firm RMS and academic consultancy practice for clients such as the World Bank. |
Mumtaz Abdul GhafoorRole: Senior Teaching and Learning Administrator Mumtaz is responsible for UCL RDR postgraduate teaching and learning academic administration, and providing teaching and learning administration guidance to the rest of the Department. | |
![]() | Jose DelgadoRole: Senior Education Administrator Jose is part of UCL RDR's Education team and is responsible for the smooth running of the department's academic programmes. |
![]() | Sarah JealRole: Communications and Digital Content Manager (on career break) Sarah is responsible for developing, delivering and reviewing the institute’s student recruitment and external communications strategy, and their contingent elements, especially marketing, events, and building networks and partnerships. She manages the department's digital channels, including the UCL RDR website and social media channels. |
![]() | Nicola JordanRole: Work Placements Manager Nicola is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with partners and managing employer/host engagement with UCL RDR and its students, especially to secure summer placements for BSc Global Humanitarian Studies students. |
Paula KtoridesRole: Senior Education Administrator (on secondment) Paula is part of RDR's Education team and is responsible for the smooth running of the department's academic programmes. | |
![]() | Kamariyah MbambaRole: Senior Research and Finance Officer Kamariyah is responsible for the financial side of supporting grant applications, finance reporting, and procurement. |
Claire MeadeRole: Engagement, Networks and Partnerships Manager Claire is responsible for engagement strategy, event management and alternative funding streams. | |
Harpreet MullayRole: Education Administrator Harpreet is part of RDR's Education team and supports students and staff with BSc, MSc and MRes administration. | |
Yossie OlaleyeRole: Communications and Digital Content Manager (secondment cover) Yossie is responsible for developing, delivering and reviewing the institute’s student recruitment and external communications strategy. She is covering Sarah Jeal's role until May 2025. | |
Dhash RamanathanRole: Operations Administrator Dhash is responsible for RDR departmental staffing and HR administration, operational support, events administration and assistance with some finance administration. | |
Nidhi RathodRole: Department Manager Nidhi is responsible for managing the professional services team, administrative procedures, estates, finance, HR, and non-teaching departmental operations. |