XClose

Faculty of Social & Historical Sciences

Home
Menu

Student spotlight: Luna De La Llama Kempeneers

Luna, International Public Policy MSc student and Post Graduate Taught Faculty Rep for UCL Social & Historical Sciences, tells us about her time at UCL.

Luna De La Llama Kempeneers

14 August 2024

Tell us a bit about yourself, and your background

I am a Spanish-Belgian student with a lifelong interest in international affairs. I have never felt like I belonged to one country and always appreciated how my identity is forged from the combination of countries I have been able to call home. As a result, I have a strong desire to participate and be involved not on a domestic or partisan level, but on an international scale, working across borders to achieve good. 


What did you study, why were you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future?

Before starting my International Public Policy MSc at UCL, I had already achieved a BA in History and International Relations, and an MA in International Peace and Security, both from King's College London. I was interested specifically in IPP because I felt like it brought a really robust and practical angle to the theory I had learnt so far. I loved the combination of qualitative and quantitative study, and the fact that my classes were assessed in such a wide variety of ways, from reports, to mission briefs, to position papers. While I am still finishing up my degree and am working on my dissertation on the regulation of drone warfare, I have started working at the British Red Cross, for their Global Surge Team. Being able to see what I have studied for five years play out in real time is truly incredible, and so is the feeling of knowing that you are contributing to helping individuals affected by wars and natural disasters.


What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen, or got involved with while at UCL?

The most interesting thing I have done (outside of my degree) would be when I was team leader at 180 Degrees Consulting. 180DC is a student-led consultancy that has a chapter in UCL, whereby you get experience in teamwork, leadership, and organisation while working on an actual client's project. Leading a consultancy team was a great opportunity for me to get to know people in different parts of UCL that I would never have gotten to know otherwise. 


Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at UCL?

I can't say that its a hidden gem, but my favourite study (socialising) spot on campus would have to be the meeting room on the ground floor of the SPP Building, on Gordon Square. It is the perfect place to work on group projects, catch up with friends, and talk to people from other courses across Postgrad Political Science.


Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London

I am a massive arts and culture supporter. Two of my favourite places in London are the Royal Opera House for the Ballet (I did ballet for 7 years), the Wallace Collection (the have free tours daily at 2.30). My third favourite place is Elephant Park, just by Elephant & Castle. They have a gorgeous cafe called Little Louie, a retro arcade called four quarters, the best Indian Restaurant I know, called Kachori, and a beautiful green space for a picnic.


Who inspires you and why?

While I don't have one specific inspiration, I am inspired by my friends and family, and the ways in which they pursue their passion not because of money or status, but because they genuinely love it. 


What would it surprise people to know about you?

I am a licensed boat driver.

 


Faculty Representatives

Luna was elected as Post Graduate Taught Faculty Rep for UCL Social & Historical Sciences in the academic year 2023-24 and was a Faculty Rep Award winner at the 2024 UCL Education Awards.

Faculty Reps represent students across an entire UCL Faculty and are members of one of the Union's key decision-making bodies, Education Zone

Read about Luna's experience as a Faculty Rep