Colette was a dedicated member of the catering team at LJMU for 42 years, having joined Liverpool Polytechnic in 1981. Sadly, in October 2023, just four months before her retirement, Colette passed away after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia just a few months earlier. She was a much-loved colleague, developing life-long friendships while working for the polytechnic and university. Colette also had, and continues to have, many family ties to LJMU.
Robert is a lecturer in criminal justice with a research focus on organised crime groups, which was influenced by his own experiences growing up on an estate in Merseyside where many young people were drawn into criminality. He takes prides in helping students from a similar background to him and ensures that his teachings provide real world value.
In 2023, George was recognised for being LJMU’s longest serving member of staff, having worked at the university for some 51 years. He is a Reader in Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences and joined LJMU in 1972.
Meet the academic staff who are involved in teaching and research within anthropology, genetics, animal behaviour and geography.
Maureen is a member of staff with the Faculty of Business and Law, and part of the first cohort of employees with the Positive Action Programme. Described by her son as ‘half human, half cyborg’, she says that technology has changed her life since she lost her hearing after contracting malaria in 2010.
Gary is an inspirational alumnus of the Liverpool Polytechnic. Using his background and expertise in computing, teaching and business development, he is truly one of Liverpool’s leading citizens, determined to make positive changes for the people of the city. From his work as a councillor, as the former Lord Mayor, and now as a diversity and equality champion, and ‘pay it forward’ evangelist and major fundraiser, he continues to help people, day in and day out, to reach their potential.
Louisa Fitter is a Civil Engineering Senior Project Manager at the Environment Agency, and she was chosen as a Bicentenary year honorary fellow for her work as a STEM ambassador for women in engineering and being a role model to current LJMU students.
Avril is a graduate of the university, she spent 20 years teaching in primary schools on Merseyside before joining LJMU in 2014 where she is now a senior lecturer within our School of Education, working with both undergraduate and postgraduate students on our primary education programmes. She combines her passion for the outdoors with teaching, and has become our lead on outdoor learning, developing a new approach called the Natural Curriculum, and establishing two Forest School sites.
Jane was a student at the F.L. Calder College of Domestic Science, one of LJMU’s historic colleges, where she qualified as a teacher. She went on to teach at schools in Wales thanks to a personal reference from Fanny Calder herself. Records from her life help to tell the significant history of LJMU as an institution that supports the training of teachers, always placing importance on providing education for all. The records are held within LJMU’s Special Collections and Archives.
Olivia is a marketing executive and a degree apprenticeship graduate, having studied with us over four years before gaining her BSc in Digital Technology Solutions. She is passionate about STEM opportunities for all, uncovering data bias and championing diverse career pathways.