The Investigation Issue

Autumn/Winter 2019

THE INVESTIGATION ISSUE WELCOME WELCOME 04 08 ALUMNI OFFICE WELCOME TO INTOUCH AUTUMN/WINTER 2019 ALUMNI OFFICE IN THIS KING’S IMPACT INSIDE KING’S +44 (0)20 7848 3053 +44 (0)20 7848 3053 GETTING TO THE DNA: THE LIFE FORCE [email protected] – THE INVESTIGATION ISSUE [email protected] ISSUE HEART OF THE MATTER OF PLANET EARTH Autumn/Winter We investigate the pioneering We explore a number King’s College London 2019 work taking place in the of King’s research projects King’s College London Virginia Woolf Building cardiology units of two of the seeking to uncover some of Each and every student arrives at King’s with a curious22 Kingsway mind. Virginia Woolf Building Curiosity is well placed in the library and the lecture hall, and King’s Health Partners hospitals. the secrets held in our DNA. 22 Kingsway London, WC2B 6LE London, WC2B 6LE in many cases this inquisitive nature grows into a ©career King’s College that © King’s College changes lives. King’s has a history rich in discoveriesLondon that 2018 are London 2019 evidence of this. In the 1950s, a breakthrough, which was made possible by the work of Dr Rosalind Franklin at King’s,InTouch led is publishedto the by the university’s Fundraising InTouch is published by discovery of the structure of DNA. We continue to lead the way the university’s Department & Supporter Development of Fundraising & Supporter in all types of research, investigating the secrets department.that DNA can The opinions Development. The opinions hold. This research is helping to fight crime and improveexpressed healthin it are those expressed in it are those outcomes for people in all walks of life. You can exploreof the writers some and of not of the writers and not necessarily those of this work on page eight, where we go ‘Inside King’s’the and university. meet our necessarily those of cover star, alumnus and forensic researcher Dr David Ballard. 11 15 the university. EDITORIAL 12 EDITORIAL At some point in our lives, each one of us will undergo a medical investigation of one+44 kind (0)20 or 7848 3053 WHY I SUPPORT KING’S STUDENTS AT THE ADVICE FROM AN EXPERT THE GIFT OF HOPE HEART OF KING’S A THRIVING BRAND +44 (0)20 7848 3053 another. For some of us, these can be life-changing moments. In our ‘King’s Impact’[email protected] article [email protected] on page four, we look at the headline-grabbing highlights from the cardiology units of two of SETTING STUDENTS & BUSINESS EDITOR Dr Monica Malik our King’s Health Partner hospitals, seeing how their work is impacting patients’ lives. (Geography, 1992) ON THEIR PATH TO SUCCESS Gynelle Leon (Human EDITOR Rachelle Arthey shares how her passion Postgraduate student Sciences, 2006; MSc Rachelle Arthey Notable successes like these are what inspire so many of our students to apply toCONTRIBUTORS King’s. for education inspired Erin tells InTouch how Forensic Science, 2008) But, for some, coming to King’s presents financial challenges that cannot be overcome alone. her to support the academic tells us how her studies in CONTRIBUTORS Katherine Chinn, Gemma Few, the King’s global alumni In ‘Students at the Heart of King’s’ on page 12, we meet Erin, who was supported byColin the Brook, King’s James Horrocks, aspirations of refugees. community is supporting Forensic Science helped Katherine Chinn, James her academic dreams. shape her business ambitions. Horrocks, Martin Jones, Hardship Fund. Many of you in our global alumni community have chosen to donateMartin towards Jones, the Hollie Richardson, Billy Nichols, Janella Sillito, Fund, and you can hear from Erin how your donations have enabled her to pursueJanella a career Sillito, Siobhan Wakely, Bintou Sy, Siobhan Wakely in academia. Through the Fund, we seek to foster the curious minds of our studentsBilly and Nichols encourage them to investigate what the world has to offer them. PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY Michael Donald Michael Donald Putting together this ‘Investigation’ issue of InTouch has been another fantastic opportunity

DESIGN to explore some of the fascinating work taking place here at King’s. As we move towardsDESIGN pslondon the end of the year, we are looking forward to sharing more in-depth stories frompslondon King’s, +44 (0)20 7375 6450 and we are exploring new creative and digital ways of sharing these stories with you.+44 (0)20 7375 6450 17 Approved by Approved by 16 18 You can read more about our plans for the new online version of InTouch on page 24. [email protected] [email protected] WHAT I’VE LEARNED THE CHANGING FACE OF KING’S THEN & NOW And finally, as always, we welcome your feedback, so please do drop us an email A CHANGING EUROPE TRANSFORMING EDUCATION ESTABLISHING THE PRINCIPLES PRINT PRINT or comment on our social media accounts – we’d love to hear from you. AT KING’S Anand Menon (Professor of OF MARITIME STRATEGY W G Baird Ltd W G Baird Ltd European Politics & Foreign Professor Nicola Phillips (Hispanic Britain has a rich maritime FULFILMENT FULFILMENT Affairs at King’s) speaks to Studies, 1993), Vice President history that King’s has played a PR Fulfilment Ltd Best wishes, PR Fulfilment Ltd InTouch about the challenges & Vice Principal (Education), leading role in. We take a look at PRINT MANAGEMENT the UK faces as the Brexit shares exclusive insights into the how this has influenced past and PRINT MANAGEMENT deadline moves closer. future of education at King’s. present naval scholarship. Brooke-Leeming Project Brooke-Leeming Project Management Consultancy Ltd Management Consultancy Ltd

InTouch has been produced InTouch has been produced OTHER FEATURES RACHELLE ARTHEY using paper from sustainable using paper from sustainable EDITOR sources and bleached using sources and bleached using an elemental chlorine-free an elemental chlorine-free LATEST UPDATES 02 WE MET AT KING’S 21 CLASS NOTES 25 process. The paper is process. The paper is produced at a mill that meets produced at a mill that meets the ISO 14001 environmental LIVING ABROAD 07 PUZZLES 22 OBITUARIES 28 theJOIN ISO THE 14001 CONVERSATION environmental BY JOINING OUR ALUMNIJOIN THE COMMUNITIES: CONVERSATION BY JOINING OUR ALUMNI COMMUNITIES: management standard and management standard and the EMAS environmental the EMAS environmental management standard. The ENTREPRENEUR’S MARKET 14 NEW APPOINTMENTS 23 YOU RECOMMEND 32 management standard. The facebook.com/ alumni.kcl.ac.uk/ @KCLalumni magazine is fully recyclable. magazine is fully recyclable. & COMMENDATIONS KCLalumni LinkedIn SERVICE TO SOCIETY 20 @KCLalumni alumni.kcl.ac.uk/ EVENTS, BENEFITS 23 wechat & SERVICES LATEST UPDATES KING’S RANKED FIFTH IN THE WORLD FOR SOCIAL IMPACT history of serving the needs PARENT POWER WINS and aspirations of society and these results reassert GUARDIAN AWARD our commitment to service King’s has been ranked and social impact.’ fifth in the world in the One example of this 2019 Times Higher Education commitment is the recent University Impact Rankings, launch of King’s Civic a pioneering initiative that Challenge, a new annual recognises and celebrates competition that empowers KING’S LAUNCHES NEW the social and economic students, staff and alumni contribution of universities. AIR QUALITY SUPERSITE to work with our local The ranking recognises communities here in London King’s commitment to to come up with imaginative the service of society. solutions to local problems. Professor Jonathan Grant, Learn more and Vice President & Vice get involved at: Principal (Service), says: ‘King’s has a long and proud Last autumn’s InTouch featured kcl.ac.uk/London Parent Power, a King’s widening participation programme run in collaboration with Citizens UK. In it, we spoke to Kaela-May and her mother Miata Noah, who A BREAKTHROUGH IN told us how being involved in the scheme is helping them overcome PARKINSON’S SCREENING barriers to getting into university. The state-of-the-art air new instruments that detect Parent Power trains parents of quality supersite, located a variety of greenhouse students from under-represented in King’s Honor Oak Park gases and ozone-depleting backgrounds to work towards sports ground, allows chemicals. The site can improving university access in researchers to gather help the UK comply with the their local communities, helping long-term and intensive, legally binding targets set out reduce educational inequality. higher-quality data on the in the Climate Change Act. content of harmful urban Thanks to the brilliant work of Miata Dr David Green from the air pollution. It is part of and her fellow parents, the programme School of Population Health a £6m investment into has been a great success and was & Environmental Sciences three new air quality recently recognised in The Guardian at King’s says: ‘This new King’s researchers have The results suggest that supersites established by University Awards, winning in the social facility dramatically made a major breakthrough changes to the serotonin the Natural Environment and community impact category. improves our capacity in the early detection of system could act as a key Research Council. to understand the sources Parkinson’s. Professor early warning signal for the The site will help to and processes leading Marios Politis, Lily Safra disease, opening the way for improve our understanding to the build-up of these Professor of Neurology & the development of new of different sources of air harmful pollutants in our Neuroimaging, and his team screening tools for identifying LATEST pollution and determine atmosphere. This will help at the Institute of Psychiatry, people at greatest risk. whether they originate from further our understanding Psychology & Neuroscience Early detection is essential in emissions within London, of the current health have found the first evidence protecting people against the such as traffic or residential impacts and how effective of the central role that the worst effects of the disease, wood burning, or from present and future policies brain chemical serotonin so this research promises to further away. It also includes are at reducing these.’ plays in the earliest stages have significant benefits for UPDATES of Parkinson’s. treatment in the future.

3 KING’S IMPACT

Here at King’s, we are Professor Razavi says, ‘This work GETTING TO THE working to improve is already being translated into a clinical service at St Thomas’ Hospital. outcomes for cardiology It allows a firm diagnosis to be made and patients. One of the unique so provides clinical teams and parents features of King’s is the with the certainty to prepare for the partnership between the birth of the child, ensuring prompt treatment that improves outcomes.’ university and King’s Health Partners hospitals. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU PUT Dr Nilesh Pareek HEART CARDIOLOGY RESEARCHERS TOGETHER Our research translates WITH COSMOLOGISTS? OF THE MATTER world-leading science into A collaboration between King’s The decision-tree advances in clinical practice, Cardiology and the Institute of making a difference between Cosmology & Gravitation has model we have produced The average heart will beat over two billion times across its lifetime. received a grant from the Science life and death for many of the outperforms all previous But if this vital organ encounters difficulties, the results can be devastating; and Technology Facilities Council to patients our clinicians treat. undertake research into using artificial 180 people die of heart disease every day in the UK alone. methods. We are now This article highlights just a intelligence (AI) in diagnosing and looking to integrate this few of the important projects treating people with cardiac arrest. Drawing on the cosmologists’ into future trials at King’s currently being undertaken. expertise in this field, Specialist Registrar in Cardiology Nilesh to validate the model DETECTING HEART Pareek and his team, supervised by ABNORMALITIES IN BABIES Professor Ajay Shah, have developed further and improve our Some heart conditions require the a novel method of predicting culprit accuracy in predicting earliest possible intervention. When a lesions (blocked arteries) following heart problem is suspected in a baby cardiac arrest. Nilesh says, ‘The blocked arteries.

before birth, the mother will be referred to decision-tree model we have produced DR NILESH PAREEK a foetal cardiologist. The details of a baby’s outperforms all previous methods. We heart problem can be difficult to diagnose are now looking to integrate this into with ultrasound alone, but to date there future trials at King’s to validate the have been no other reliable alternatives. model further and improve our accuracy Our research team – including Dr in predicting blocked arteries.’ David Lloyd, Dr Kuberan Pushparajah King’s is continuing to build the and Professor John Simpson of Evelina cardiology team to look specifically London Children’s Hospital, and into AI research. We have also secured Professor Reza Razavi, Vice President & funding for a cardiology ‘hackathon’ Vice Principal (Research & Innovation) early next year. A hackathon, an event and Director of Research at King’s where a group of experts convenes to Health Partners – has developed new tackle a specific problem, is a concept techniques using MRI scans performed more common in data science and in pregnancy to produce high-resolution cosmology than in health sciences. 3D images of babies’ hearts in the womb. This one will bring together experts from both fields to try to produce a practical solution to a cardiology problem in just 24 hours.

4 5 KING’S IMPACT LIVING ABROAD

It allows a firm Professor Reza Razavi diagnosis to be made and so provides clinical teams and parents with the certainty to prepare for the birth of the child, ensuring SPOTLIGHT ON: prompt treatment that A NUCLEAR PAST improves outcomes. Ukraine is known for its nuclear history. In 1986, while under rule of PROFESSOR REZA RAZAVI the Soviet Union, it was the location of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster. Iryna told us, ‘Ukraine has never given up nuclear energy, even Ukraine after the Chernobyl disaster. This is partly because people saw the reason PATIENTS PARTICIPATING IN RESEARCH Technological advancements can SAVING LIVES Iryna Iarema (MA International Peace & Security, 2016) for the tragedy as the regime rather Our cardiac research team aims to offer also have significant impact on patient Heart disease is the leading is from Ukraine. She is an expert in environmental policy than nuclear energy itself. The disaster every patient the opportunity to take outcomes. Trials have now begun, for cause of death in the UK. Research rightfully provoked international part in research. The more patients we example, on TriCinch, a repair valve projects like those mentioned in this as well as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attention to the importance of ensuring can involve, the more we can build up that allows a percutaneous treatment article are making a real difference (CBRN) security and risk mitigation. the safe and secure operation of data, leading to more accurate prediction (access through the vein at the groin) to the outcomes of patients. nuclear installations. It also helped methods and more effective treatments. without the need for a potentially aving earned her BSc and develop a policy of transparency – One important example of this is dangerous surgical intervention when Thanks to the support of our alumni, MSc in natural sciences at something I started to explore at the ARREST study. Researchers are the tricuspid valve needs to be replaced. donors, and philanthropic organisations the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, H King’s. With the official handover to the examining whether those suffering In other cases, surgery is still required. like the William Frederick Haines Foundation, Iryna began her career at Ukraine’s Ukrainian authorities of the New Safe from cardiac arrest outside of a Surgery to repair the mitral valve we are closer than ever to discovering Ministry of Environment and later Confinement structure, which shields hospital setting are best served by is traditionally carried out through life-changing treatments and early detection joined the Organization for Security the destroyed reactor of the Chernobyl being transferred immediately to a the extremely invasive method of methods that can mean the difference and Co-operation in Europe. Iryna is now in her dream job, power plant, Ukraine can start clean- Heart Attack Centre or to the nearest sternotomy, where the sternum is cut between life and death. ‘I soon understood that, to advance working for the United Nations up works that were not possible Emergency Department, as per current completely from the collar bone to in my career, I needed knowledge in on its CBRN programme. before. It is also symbolic that the guidelines. This study could help us to the bottom of the breastbone. A team international studies, law or politics. construction project in Chernobyl establish whether early transfer to a led by Ranjit Deshpande (principal That’s when I decided to go to King’s.’ Iryna recently attended the first is the largest-ever international specialist centre with access to facilities investigator) and Abigail Knighton Iryna specialised in international King’s alumni event in Ukraine. cooperation in the field of nuclear to treat the cause of the arrest, including (lead research nurse) is trialling a law and conflict; CBRN terrorism; ‘I was happy to take part in our first safety. Today, Chernobyl is also a unblocking of the arteries, improves new, minimally invasive procedure and the science and security of event. The alumni community consists nature reserve, solar farm and site for survival compared to current standard that allows the valve to be repaired nuclear and biological weapons. of bright and friendly individuals, who prospective nuclear waste storage.’ treatment. All London hospitals have using a much smaller cut on the side After graduating, she moved to work in completely different fields: been invited to take part in this study, of the chest. This less invasive approach the US for a nuclear security research business, politics, education, etc. KING’S ALUMNI GROUPS CAN BE and it has now rolled out to 31 centres to heart surgery can drastically reduce internship at the Brookhaven National Finding true friends, and like minds FOUND AROUND THE WORLD. across London. surgical trauma on patients. Laboratory, before returning to for a joint initiative, or just getting relief CONNECT WITH LOCAL ALUMNI NOW: Kyiv to join the Delegation of the after a busy working day are reasons for European Union to Ukraine. joining a local alumni group. And, as alumni.kcl.ac.uk/branches we say, “Once King’s – Forever King’s!”.’

6 7 INSIDE KING’S

DNA: The life force of Detecting fingerprints on elephant tusks

Professor Denise Dr David Ballard Dr Leon Barron PLANET EARTH Syndercombe Court

In 1952, the inauspiciously Fingerprint laboratory; and the required for criminal investigations. FIGHTING CRIME Dr Ballard told us: ‘If you find a entitled ‘Photo 51’ was taken at DNA laboratory (also endorsed by MPS technology allows a greater The Forensic Genetics group is blood spot at a crime scene and you the Ministry of Justice). Forensic number of genetic markers to be developing a series of methods to don’t know who the perpetrator is, King’s by Dr Rosalind Franklin Genetics within King’s Forensics analysed and with that comes provide accurate chronological age the one thing we can tell you now is TAKING TECHNOLOGY INTO THE WILD and Raymond Gosling, a PhD has a wide scope, including family increased sensitivity and therefore from small blood samples. The group that, even though your DNA sequence A team led by Dr Leon Barron, student. ‘Photo 51’ is probably one identification, criminal intelligence enhanced credibility. working on this has established a doesn’t change across your life, there a forensic scientist within King’s of the best-known photographs and disaster identification. limited series of age-related markers are various modifications to it over the Forensics, has also developed new In recent times, the role of DNA leading to the development of an years. We now have an error rate of technology (in partnership with in the history of science, as it in forensic evidence-gathering has We now have an error artificial intelligence-driven model about three years, on average, of being the Metropolitan Police Service) provided confirmation of the become known through crime rate of about three years, that can identify the age of an able to predict how old someone was to detect fingerprints left by structure of deoxyribonucleic fiction in both books and on individual from blood samples left just from a spot of blood.’ poachers on elephant tusks. TV, but in science there is not on average, of being at a crime scene. The group is now Dr Barron told us: ‘Traditional acid (DNA) – the driving force ‘the world before DNA and researching other markers that could technology can already do this, but of all life on earth. the world after DNA’. The science able to predict how old make the process even more accurate. it has to be done within two days. is constantly improving, with King’s someone was just from By using microscale powders, much Following in the footsteps at the cutting edge. A team led by more comprehensive detail is possible of Franklin and Gosling, King’s Denise Syndercombe Court, who is a spot of blood. and, crucially, tests can be run up Professor of Forensic Genetics, and DR DAVID BALLARD to 28 days after tusks are recovered.’ continues to lead the way at the Dr David Ballard (MSc Forensic This breakthrough has been forefront of DNA research. Science, 2000), who is a postdoctoral successfully integrated with the researcher in the same research group DNA profiling work being led by KING’S FORENSICS at King’s, is developing the use of Professor Syndercombe Court as, King’s Forensics sits within massively parallel sequencing (MPS), using advanced techniques, DNA the Department of Analytical, which allows forensic scientists to can be extracted from the fingerprints Environmental & Forensic Sciences. bring even degraded or limited left on the tusks. Arrests have already Located in the Franklin-Wilkins DNA samples to the standards been made using these methods. The Building, it is now home to three fingerprint technology is now being internationally accredited forensic applied to pangolin scales and rhino laboratories, including laboratories horns and it is expected that, in the such as the Drug Control Centre future, it will be applied to tiger claws, (Anti-Doping); the City of London sperm whales and hippo teeth. The City of London Police is now working with wildlife crime units in Africa to develop fingerprint databases of those involved in, or believed to be involved in, wildlife crime.

8 9 INSIDE KING’S WHY I SUPPORT KING’S

THE NEXT BIG DISCOVERY Professor Syndercombe Court is clearly excited by the work being carried out at King’s: ‘We are doing things that most THE laboratories cannot do. Even today, there are many new developments in the DNA pipeline. One of those is looking at how to differentiate between primary and secondary DNA. If someone touches you, say by shaking GIFT hands, and they then go on to touch something at what becomes a crime scene, it could be that your DNA has been picked up by the other person and is then found at that crime scene even OF if you had never been there. Being able to identify and therefore eliminate secondary DNA from a crime scene Monica with would be immensely important.’ Professor Gerome Breen scholarship recipient HOPE Simon Ossai We are doing things GLAD TO INVESTIGATE Professor Breen told InTouch: ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION ‘Previous work has indicated that that most laboratories Depression and anxiety are the most about 30–40% of the risk for both Dr Monica Malik (Geography, I’ve always wanted to make a I’ve had a lot of cannot do. Even today, common mental health disorders across depression and anxiety is genetic, 1992) is an economist with an difference – to give back. I want to the world and estimates suggest one in with environment accounting for the help people who have experienced kindness in my life. there are many new three people in the UK will experience remainder. So, while genetics is not interest in development. We talk challenges, to give them the skills to her about the importance of I think it’s important developments in symptoms during their life. Worse, the biggest risk factor, it is important and tools to support themselves and current treatments are not effective and we investigate it alongside the education, her desire to give make improvements to their lives. to do the same the DNA pipeline. about 50% of those getting treatment environment. GLAD is designed to back and why she has set up Education can do that.’ will not recover. The Genetic Links to be the largest re-contactable study Driven by this vision, Monica for others. One of those is looking Anxiety and Depression (GLAD) study, group for mental health, aiming to a scholarship for refugees. contacted King’s to find out how DR MONICA MALIK funded by the National Institute for recruit 40,000 people to the study, she could help. ‘I knew I wanted to at how to differentiate Health Research and led by Professor and we hope to enable a new wave ducation and development have support refugees, initially from the To feel that they are not alone and between primary Gerome Breen and Professor Thalia of interconnected studies and clinical always been important to Monica Middle East, though the programme that there is someone to support them. Eley, at the Institute of Psychiatry, trials into anxiety and depression.’ EMalik. Now working as Chief has become wider. King’s helped me It has been so meaningful for me to and secondary DNA. Psychology & Neuroscience at Economist at Abu Dhabi Commercial find the best programme and my get to know the students that I’ve King’s, is a groundbreaking research PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER Bank, she is the author of several initial gift went towards Sanctuary helped and to hear their stories. It’s project. By studying both genes and The areas highlighted in this article are books and articles on economies and Scholarships to support undergraduates very moving to have that connection. environmental factors, the study just a small part of the innovative work development in the Arab Gulf Region. with refugee or forced migrant status. To anyone considering how they will produce novel results to help King’s is involved in. The understanding ‘The one thing I’ve really appreciated I then set up the Dr Monica Malik can help, I’d say, “Speak to King’s!” our understanding of the conditions of the uses of DNA in a wide variety throughout my life is my education,’ Sanctuary Bursary for postgraduate That’s what I did. Whatever you can and improve treatments. of fields will continue to develop and she says. ‘I loved every minute of my students from a refugee background give, do it – it’s really rewarding.’ Using psychological data (from King’s will remain a leading player time at King’s. It gave me a fantastic to study subjects such as Medicine, Reflecting on the value of giving, patients’ questionnaires) and biological in the race for ever-greater knowledge. foundation. If you have an education, Dentistry or Law. Monica says, ‘A lot of people have data (from their DNA samples), as whatever happens, you have some form On a simple level, I hope I can help supported me. I think this is why I well as linking data with patients’ of supporting yourself. Not everyone facilitate a dream for them, to achieve want to help. I’ve had a lot of kindness medical records (with their fully FIND OUT MORE: is lucky enough to have this access. a postgraduate degree,’ she explains. in my life. I think it’s important to informed consent), the study will be kcl.ac.uk/lsm/research/divisions/ ‘But I also want to give them hope. do the same for others.’ able to look at any patterns of severity aes/research/kings-forensics of conditions, recovery and whether genetics impacts them. gladstudy.org.uk

10 11 STUDENTS AT THE HEART OF KING’S

Thank you to all the alumni who KING’S GLOBAL have supported me to succeed. ALUMNI COMMUNITY: In my area, it is not often that students achieve as much as I have. I’m so grateful for alumni support. SETTING ERIN STUDENTS ON Erin and her father

MEETING THE CHALLENGE Thank you to all the alumni who Once again, I can only say thank THEIR PATH ‘I am from Lancaster and live with have supported me to succeed. In you to the alumni who are able to offer my father. My mother left the family my area, it is not often that students the much-needed help to the many home when I was 11 and then died achieve as much as I have. I’m so students such as myself. The Fund is when I was 13. My father and I have grateful for alumni support.’ much more than simply a pot of money. TO SUCCESS an excellent relationship and I know It’s a real chance at furthering one’s own that, if he were able, he would provide ONWARDS AND UPWARDS life and ambitions through education.’ more financial support. ‘To be the first member of my family When I received the money from to attend university is something that The generosity of the King’s global the Hardship Fund, I was so relieved. has made both myself and my father alumni community enables the Hardship Today’s students face financial I could cover my rent and the cost of exceptionally proud. I was able to Fund at King’s to help students like struggles that were unprecedented the books needed to access my course in graduate from King’s with an excellent Erin and Isobelle achieve their dreams. just a few years ago. While London the very best way. The Hardship Fund degree in the summer of 2018 and, since Thank you for your vital support. offers a truly unique student makes living in London a little bit easier. then, I have moved on to undertake It is still incredibly hard to afford to live an MA in Philosophy at King’s. Upon experience in terms of activity in such a city when you cannot be given graduating, it was such a relief to know and culture, the rising cost of living financial support from your parent, but that I had dedicated all of my time to means that many students are forced it encourages you to work as hard as studying and not having to work to WAYS TO GIVE to work multiple part-time jobs possible. If I hadn’t received the funding, afford living in London. alongside their studies just to afford I would have been unable to afford rent.’ As I embark upon my MA, I have essentials such as food and rent. recently become a recipient of the DONATIONS MAKING A DIFFERENCE Fund once again. Because of this, If you would like to make a donation ‘To get to university, hard work has I need not worry so much about to the Hardship Fund, you can find a been key and the financial support paying for things such as travel, rent gift form and Freepost envelope Those who can’t juggle working with The worry was constant, and has made this form of education and books. Now I am able to fully For students such as included in this pack. lectures risk being left behind in their my studies began to suffer. I even more accessible. For students such as dedicate myself to my course and studies or dropping out of university failed two assignments, which was myself, the King’s Hardship myself, the King’s Hardship Fund is to making King’s a better place, altogether. In the last issue of InTouch, devastating. I could feel everything not simply money to ease hardship; by taking up the role of Student YOU CAN DONATE ONLINE AT: we met Midwifery student Isobelle, I’d worked so hard for slipping away.’ Fund is not simply money it is a gesture that encourages you to Representative and Subject Ambassador. alumni.kcl.ac.uk/ who told us about the financial challenges Isobelle’s story moved many of you persevere, and stops you from feeling I am able to fully experience King’s to ease hardship; it is a intouch-appeal she faced while studying at King’s. in the King’s global alumni community unseen at university. The Fund is, in and my studies so that I can achieve to support the Hardship Fund with a gesture that encourages many cases, a lifeline. To come from a my goal of undertaking a PhD at King’s ‘I didn’t know how I could afford gift. Your generosity will enable the you to persevere, and single-parent, working-class background when the time is right for me. Without YOU CAN CALL: to eat, let alone pay my rent or Fund to support many more deserving and yet still be able to achieve just as the help of the Fund in both my BA +44 (0)20 7848 3053 fares. I started applying for jobs, students. Students like Erin, who, as stops you from feeling much as those who are more fortunate is and my MA, I would have been simply even though I had no idea how I a result of alumni support, has gone something that I am endlessly proud of. unable to carry on in education. could fit in working with my studies. on to fulfil her life’s ambitions. unseen at university.

ERIN, A CURRENT MA PHILOSOPHY STUDENT

12 13 ENTREPRENEUR’S MARKET ADVICE FROM AN EXPERT

A THRIVING BRAND & BUSINESS SECURING MALAWI’S 70% ‘The world needs to produce 70% Gynelle Leon (Human Sciences, 2006; MSc Forensic Science, 2008) had FUTURE more food in the ambitions to become a forensic scientist, but her hobby in floral design grew next 30 years to into something bigger. Gynelle talks to InTouch about how her time at King’s WORDS OF ADVICE feed our growing population.’ helped pave the way for a business that has blossomed beyond imagination. ONE SEED FEELING GREEN-FINGERED? A GROWING IDEA report. Science in general me in debt. I’m working hard I did a part-time teaches you to be highly to get my business back to • When it comes to AT A TIME contemporary floral design analytical, to fact check, to where it was. I have learnt so houseplants, choose Muhammad Altalib (R) in Malawi course while working a nine forever question and look for many important lessons, like plants to suit a location in to five and became an intern new discoveries. Forensic the ability to not let something your home instead of just in a florist. I had a growing science in particular teaches negative take over – I was able buying a plant and trying to make it work. Do research Business School. He applied and was cactus collection but found it you the definition of integrity, to enjoy day-to-day life and Malawi is a small, landlocked on light and temperature country half the size of England in accepted to the King’s Entrepreneurship hard to locate unusual, good- which is invaluable when not let it be at the front of before purchasing. Institute’s King’s20 Accelerator. quality succulents, so decided creating a strong brand. my consciousness. south-east Africa. The growing and • Learn the names Seedlink’s solution is modelled to build my dream cactus exporting of food and tobacco has of your plants and on a 1970s expansion in the futures the brightest minds and best ventures shop. I sold my flat to give me NAVIGATING CHALLENGES ENJOYING SUCCESS research their needs. allowed the sub-Saharan country to trading market, which was first used at from across King’s. At the end of his the capital to start the business, Despite doing all the due My biggest success has been • Choose a day of the week keep its head above water, but not the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. A year-long programme, Muhammad and the freedom to research diligence of trademarking my to create an incredible brand and make that your plant compete as a major food exporter. futures contract is a contract for assets, presented Seedlink to more than 100 and get everything up and name and making sure there and a shop that’s known care day for watering and commodities or shares, bought at agreed investors at King’s Entrepreneurship running. I had to dive feet first was no one in my industry around the world and brings checking their health. Enter Seedlink, a sustainable agriculture prices but delivered and paid for later. Institute’s annual Demo Day. into the cactus world and focus with that same name, I was so many people joy. I’ve start-up founded in 2018 to build supply Seedlink’s long-term goal is to introduce He shared: on learning everything about taken to high court for a written a best-selling plant chains by connecting rural farmers to futures contracts to small-scale farmers, ‘Food security has reached a crisis business and succulents. ‘passing off’ allegation that book called PRICK that helps KEEP UP TO DATE ON INSTAGRAM: urban markets. Its founder, Muhammad but the current market is too informal level, which requires significant change was completely unfounded. you choose, style and care @prickldn Altalib (Business Management, 2018) and contracts remain unenforceable. to our food systems. The world needs to A SCIENTIFIC APPROACH I won the case and was for your cacti and succulents. was raised in Malawi by his parents, Right now, Seedlink is focused on produce 70% more food in the next 30 My favourite part of my awarded the cost of my legal It is now sold worldwide who ran an NGO. He is trying to solve formalising the supply chain using years to feed our growing population… MSc was the expert witness fees; however, the plaintiff and is currently available two problems: first, how to help farmers mobile technology, allowing Malawi’s and we won’t achieve that unless we training. You learn how to declared bankruptcy, leaving in six languages. plan which crops to grow to combat rural farmers access to the formal work together.’ hold your nerve under cross- fluctuating crop prices and, second, how economy for the first time. Seedlink Currently, Seedlink is looking for examination. This has to provide access to finance so farmers will notify traders of available contracts partners to bring the services they offer endowed me with incredible My biggest success has been to create can improve and grow their businesses. via the mobile platform so they know to their farmer network. Seedlink’s value public speaking skills and I am Muhammad knew he could build a where to collect the crops. in Malawi is more than a smart business confident under questioning. an incredible brand and a shop that’s strong foundation for his company, King’s20 Accelerator is a 12-month idea: it is a personal response from Library reviews have taught known around the world and brings so he turned to his alma mater, King’s programme designed to support 20 of Muhammad to a country he calls home. me how to research and prepare a comprehensive so many people joy.

14 15 WHAT I’VE LEARNED THE CHANGING FACE OF KING’S

TRANSFORMING education at King’s Nicola Phillips (Hispanic Studies, 1993), Vice President & Vice Principal (Education) and Professor of Political Economy, A CHANGING shares her thoughts on the future of education at King’s.

I’m startled to say that it’s 30 years CHANGE FOR GOOD our curriculum comprehensively since I first arrived at King’s as Why change? Firstly, because our to make sure that our portfolio of EUROPE an undergraduate in Hispanic Studies. world-leading academics, drawing on programmes and modules is meeting Returning in 2017, as Vice President evidence and best practice in teaching students’ needs, offered to the highest & Vice Principal (Education), has and learning, know what a state-of-the-art standards. This strategic exercise – Anand Menon is Professor of European Politics & Foreign Affairs at given me the remarkable opportunity education should look like in their fields. ‘Portfolio Simplification’ – is undoubtedly King’s College London and Director of The UK in a Changing Europe. to work with committed and passionate But also, in the many years since I was an challenging, but an exciting opportunity The organisation is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, colleagues, alongside our students, to undergraduate, students’ (and society’s) to make space and time in our curriculum and supported by King’s, to disseminate high-quality independent research shape the future of education at King’s. expectations and needs have changed. for creativity and innovation, and At a critical time in the university’s Our graduates need to be flexible, to incorporate wonderful new into the relationship between the UK and the European Union. journey, it’s a privilege to lead an resilient, life-long learners, with the opportunities for our students. ambitious programme to transform skills to navigate the uncertain future, I loved my time as a King’s student how we teach, how and where our working in environments shaped in – the stimulation of my course, the students learn, and how we’ll support fundamental ways by technology and vibrancy of London – and I’ve no doubt them during their time with us. artificial intelligence. We must equip that our future students will enjoy this There are real similarities in how whether Boris Johnson wants to them with the multidisciplinary insight and so much more: an education truly these three campaigns were run, take us out with no deal, and InTouch A LEARNED STRATEGY and rounded leadership skills needed to to ‘inspire and improve’. and the messages they used. readers can make fun of me if I’m Our students already receive an contribute to shaping the future of society. wrong, but the gamble is, if there’s excellent education at King’s, in a DEAL OR NO DEAL disruption, who will people blame – world-leading university. But our I loved my time as Anand speaks to InTouch about We can’t leave the EU by 31 October the EU or the government? It might Education Strategy – developed with the challenges the UK faces as the with a deal, as there simply isn’t the time be that, by the time this issue is out, our community – promises even more. a King’s student – the Brexit deadline moves closer. This to put the necessary legislation through we are having a general election. Our aim is that, by 2029, our students interview took place on 25 July, parliament. If we’ve left by the time will benefit from the highest quality stimulation of my course, the day Boris Johnson became this issue has come out, we have almost IN THE SPOTLIGHT teaching and learning, enhanced by the vibrancy of London the UK’s 25th Prime Minister. certainly left with no deal. In this case, Doing media spots is part and parcel digital technology, in and out of the the challenges for the UK are huge. of the job, but I enjoy it. I get to take classroom, on and off campus. All – and I’ve no doubt that A QUESTION OF OPINION part in shows with all sorts of interesting students will be encouraged to learn our future students will If you talk to someone in my LOOKING FORWARD people. The standout moment for me, from more than one discipline, having hometown in West Yorkshire, It would be naïve to think there won’t partly because I was so nervous, was flexibility in the curriculum for enjoy this and so much their views on immigration might be significant disruption, and, in the doing Question Time. It’s not for the interdisciplinary study alongside their be very different to those of someone short term, we will probably see some faint-hearted, as even the most seasoned core subject. Students’ education will more: an education truly in London. But rather than look at shortages, travel will become harder and participants are nervous. To be invited be enriched by greater opportunities to ‘inspire and improve’. differences, the really interesting things it’s likely that the pound will fall. In the is a real triumph for the organisation for research, volunteering and service, NICOLA PHILLIPS to look for are similarities. For instance, medium term, our economy will suffer, – something we can be proud of. guided by outstanding personal tutoring, you can draw a dotted line between as decreasing trade with our nearest innovative assessment and high-quality Brexit and Trump, but also Narendra and largest trading partner is bad for our FIND OUT MORE: feedback. A King’s, education will take We are making excellent progress Modi, India’s Prime Minister. economy. We will find ways of adjusting, ukandeu.ac.uk advantage of all that London offers, towards achieving our vision for a King’s but it will take some time. It’s not clear shaped by our commitment to an education. We are currently reviewing internationalised university experience.

16 17 THEN & NOW

THEN & NOW Establishing the principles I learned that the art of being a historian of maritime strategy centres on the science of making historical trends relevant in the Britain is an island nation, College in Newport, Rhode Island, The Laughton Naval Unit works so it is no surprise then that on the eastern seaboard of the USA, closely with other research groups contemporary context. as a centre for the study of the higher both in and outside academia. One key Britain has a rich maritime DR DAVID KOHNEN direction of war and the development partner in its work is alumnus Dr David Dr David Kohnen (R) discusses the rich history of the United States Naval War history, and fitting that King’s of strategic thought. Kohnen (PhD War Studies, 2013). College with Her Royal Imperial Japanese Highness, Princess Akiko of Mikasa (L), has played a leading role in the The Laughton Naval Unit was set up As a US naval intelligence officer, as Professor John B Hattendorf and Captain Yamamoto Katsuya follow from centre. development of an academic in 2001 under the direction of the first he supported coalition operations Laughton Professor of Naval History, during multiple deployments in naval history for these shores. Professor Andrew Lambert. It operates Middle Eastern waters and also KING’S AND THE NAVAL WAR COLLEGE protection and future global within the Department of War Studies ashore in Afghanistan and Iraq. There has been a strong relationship strategy. There will be a host of n the 19th century, Professor Sir and the School of Security Studies. Dr Kohnen studied for a master’s between King’s and the Naval War special publications and events John Laughton from the Royal Naval Professor Lambert was keen to reflect at the Naval War College in 2007 College for over 100 years but, in May to bring all these issues together. ICollege at Greenwich became the the development of naval strategy before coming to King’s to complete 2019, a formal memorandum was signed James WE Smith told us, ‘Corbett Professor of Modern History at King’s. over the years, drawing on the work his PhD in 2013. He now serves as between King’s and the College to 100 presents an opportunity for current Here, he fused the educational needs of Laughton himself, but also other Director of the Hattendorf Historical establish Corbett 100, codirected by and future scholarship on the past of the Royal Navy with the emerging respected historians of the period, Center at the Naval War College. Dr Kohnen and PhD student James to spark contemporary strategic academic discipline of history. including Laughton’s most important WE Smith on the King’s side. Corbett discussions about the practical Laughton also encouraged his follower, the British historian Sir 100 is being organised to coincide with application of the study of history in American contemporaries, who helped Julian Corbett. Now well established, the centenary of the First World War framing future naval strategy, joint establish the United States Naval War researchers, strategic thinkers and and the centenary of the death of Sir service operations, and the fundamental historians from the Laughton Naval Julian Corbett. It will reflect on the objective in war – the attainment of a Unit have influenced organisations, Professor Sir John Laughton influence of Sir Julian Corbett upon sustainable peace. Corbett 100 renews governments, industry and armed global naval strategy right up to the King’s and the Laughton Naval Unit’s forces, while engaging in a wide present day. Corbett himself understood heritage at the heart of the creation, range of debates around the world. the critical importance of analysing the development and ongoing study for Dr Kohnen described his time past in order to identify and publicise naval history, maritime strategy and at King’s as, ‘the basic foundation long-term trends in national security. as the global home of war studies.’ for everything that I am doing now The scholarly connections between at the Hattendorf Center. Under CORBETT 100 King’s College London and the Naval Professor Lambert, I learned that the Corbett 100 will run from 2019 to War College are deeply entwined and art of being a historian centres on the 2023. As well as giving prominence to Corbett 100 is just the next step in a science of making historical trends the thinking of Corbett, the project will long-standing relationship that has relevant in the contemporary context. also explore contemporary questions done much to shape the academic around maritime strategy, defence landscape and further the policy, naval theory, seapower, trade development of naval scholarship.

18 19 SERVICE TO SOCIETY WE MET AT KING’S

King’s Strategic Vision 2029, launched in 2017, leads us towards our 200th anniversary in 2029 and builds upon our history of making a positive contribution to society. Here, Dr Barrie Morgan FKC, Chair, THE START OF King’s College London Alumni Association (KCLA), shares his thoughts on King’s history of service. SOMETHING SPECIAL A HISTORY Dr Paul Scott Collinson and Monica Deacy

of service Dr Paul Scott Collinson (Geography, 1990) and Monica Deacy (Geography, 2002) met at our annual Geographers’ Walk at Alumni Weekend in 2009, and have just celebrated their 10th anniversary together.

ur vision is to make the world Polytechnics were more focused The book develops the backstory, PAUL: We both did Geography I always tease Paul about Geographer’s Walk finished My brother and one of a better place (King’s Strategic on vocational disciplines and celebrating the achievements of at King’s but 12 years apart the fact that I had to ask and I plucked up the courage my best friends were both OVision 2029). The explicit applied research. outstanding staff and alumni who have – I graduated in 1990 and for his number, but I was to ask for Paul’s number. The married in the King’s chapel, focus on serving society dates from the improved and enriched humankind. Monica in 2002. The walk really delighted when he South Bank is where we had so those days are full of first mission statement in 1993: King’s UNIVERSITY POSITIONING A selection of their pictures and stories was very long – almost three sent me a text the next our first kiss and have been special memories. And of College London is dedicated to the Richard Claas, Director of Student are exhibited in the windows of some hours, so there was plenty day asking me out. on many dates since. We course it will always be special advancement of knowledge, learning and Recruitment (we couldn’t use terms of our buildings. A new visual identity, of time to get to know each have always enjoyed going for Monica and I because understanding in the service of society. such as ‘marketing’ and ‘branding’ then), created by Pentagram in the early 1990s, other. It was clear that we PAUL: For our first date, we for walks together and it brought us together. and I came to the view that King’s was introduced the first version of the current had loads in common. met in the bar at the British making the most of life in RESEARCH ASSESSMENT poorly placed to compete purely on logotype, which was initially accompanied Film Institute. We then London, so it is a special MONICA: Studying at King’s A university wouldn’t have dreamed excellence. We advised King’s, given its by the strapline ‘Founded 1829’, MONICA: Paul was wearing walked across the river and place for both of us. has been a life-changing of defining its purpose with a mission ethos, to position itself in this new world emphasising our proud history. sunglasses so I couldn’t tell went to the National Portrait experience for me. Not only statement prior to the beginning of the of higher education as an outstanding if he was looking directly at Gallery, and then to a local PAUL: King’s has had a did I get to study a subject marketisation of higher education, and research-led university committed to A TRIBUTE TO KING’S me or not but I was really pub. It was a great night. fundamental impact on that I love in a great location, it is important to appreciate its context. serving society. Professor Barry Ife, It is a great tribute to King’s staff hoping that he’d noticed me. Monica texted me afterwards my life. I now help run but I ended up meeting The first research assessment exercises the Vice Principal, condensed the and students that a position born The walks were divided into to say that she’d had a really the Geography Alumni Paul and we now have in 1986, 1989 and 1992, which prompted essence of King’s and its aspirations out of relative weakness has been separate groups and initially nice time, which I was Society and help lead the two beautiful children. university league tables, saw King’s at a to a single mission sentence. so thoroughly embraced and I was in a different group obviously very pleased about. Geographers’ Walk during low ebb compared with our traditional Christine Kenyon Jones, Research embedded to the point that it from Paul so I thought I had Alumni Weekend each year. DID YOU MEET SOMEONE SPECIAL London rivals – LSE, UCL and Fellow in the Department of English, is now a significant strength. missed my opportunity. MONICA: So much of My Dad studied geography AT KING’S? WHETHER YOUR Imperial College. Competition for wrote a lavishly illustrated book However, after about 10 our relationship has been at King’s in the early 1950s, PARTNER OR BEST FRIEND, students was increased by polytechnics for the 175th anniversary – King’s Dr Barrie Morgan FKC minutes, I spotted Paul again, associated with King’s and and my brother went there WE’D LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT IT. being granted university status in 1992. College London: In the Service of Society. Director of External Relations so I quickly joined his group London that they both hold too to read history in the SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US AT: King’s College London, 1992–2002 and the rest is history. very special memories. There 1990s, so it’s very much [email protected] KCLA Chair is the fountain by Regent’s in the family. Park where the annual

20 21 PUZZLES NEW APPOINTMENTS & COMMENDATIONS EVENTS, BENEFITS & SERVICES

NEW APPOINTMENTS A KING’S BRAIN TEASERS & COMMENDATIONS EXCLUSIVE

Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent OBE Professor Paul Gilroy (Doctorate in Health Care, 2012) Paul Gilroy, Professor of American and 1 2 3 4 5 Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, Visiting English Literature, is 2019’s recipient of QUICK CROSSWORD Professor in Midwifery, has been the prestigious Holberg Prize. Awarded 6 7 Across Down appointed as Chief Midwifery Officer, by the University of Bergen on behalf 3. Rankin’s inspector (5) 1. Penetrating rays (5) NHS England. This is a new role that of the Norwegian Ministry of Education 8 makes Professor Dunkley-Bent the and Research, it is one of the largest prizes 6.  Somewhere a 2. Sniffing out the clues (4) Frenchman keeps most senior midwife in England. awarded annually to an outstanding 3. Weighing up the facts (6) 9 his guns (7) researcher in the arts and humanities. 4. Crowd-sourced 8.  Negligence rather than investigators (10) 10 deliberate fraud (5) Our latest discount is 5. Densely crowded (5) 9. Past error (7) 7. She solved a murder 11 from Chatham House, 10.  Sherlock’s at the vicarage (4,6) the Royal Institute of weakness (5) 11. Beyond hunger (6) 12 13 International Affairs, 11. Against divine law (3) 12. Alternative spelling of a world-leading policy 12. Undercover agent (5) 14 15 laboratory dropper (5) institute based in London. 14. An end to authority (7) 13. A travelling person (5) 16 Anna Lowe (MA Culture & 16. The kind of trail Dr Katherine Sleeman 15. A subject of Creative Industries, 2014) Membership includes investigative journalists Dr Sleeman (centre, above) has non-scientific 17 might take (5) Anna Lowe (above) has been appointed been awarded the inaugural European access to high-profile events investigations (4) as the Youth Engagement Trustee of Association for Palliative Care Award featuring leading policymakers 17. Truth (7) 18 Tate. The appointment, made by the for women in palliative care. The award and commentators, and 18. Ours is ‘Investigation’ (5) Prime Minister, makes Anna the is in recognition of her work as part of access to the Institute’s youngest serving Board Member the Cicely Saunders Institute Athena library and archives. at a UK national museum or gallery. SWAN team. Use the exclusive LOGIC PUZZLE discount code JFOFFKLC to waive the £50 joining fee, A scientist is researching a recently discovered where applicable. bacterium. She is growing a colony of the bacteria QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS in a petri dish. Once a minute, each bacterium FIND FULL DETAILS OF THIS divides in two. If the colony was founded at Dr Shubulade Smith (Medicine, 1991) Graeme Biggar (MA International AND OTHER BENEFITS HERE: exactly midday and the petri dish is half full Dr Smith has been awarded a CBE for Security & Strategy, 2012) at 12:32, at what time will the dish be full? services to forensic psychiatric intensive Graeme Biggar, currently the alumni.kcl.ac.uk/alumni- care. Alumna of Guy’s Hospital Medical Director General of the National benefits/local-and-online- School (which became part of King’s Economic Crime Centre, has discounts Health Partners in 1998) and now staff been awarded a CBE for services member, Dr Smith is a Visiting Senior to national security. This award SOLUTIONS Reggie pin badge giveaway Lecturer in the Department of Forensic is recognition for work in his previous Solutions are now available on the website for last We have 50 Reggie pin badges to give away. & Neurodevelopmental Sciences at role as Director of National Security issue’s crossword. The solutions for the puzzles To be in with a chance of winning one, just contact the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology in the Home Office, where he worked on this page will be available from 30 January. us with your solutions by 30 June 2019. Email your & Neuroscience and a Consultant on countering terrorism and hostile solutions with ‘InTouch puzzle’ in the subject line. Psychiatrist at the South London and state activity. alumni.kcl.ac.uk/puzzles Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. [email protected] +44 (0)20 7848 3053

FIND THE FULL LIST OF ALUMNI RECOGNISED IN THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS HERE: alumni.kcl.ac.uk/news-features/queens-birthday-honours-2019

22 23 CLASS NOTES

MENTAL INTOUCH HEALTH MATTERS

ONLINE DR ALEXANDRA PENTARAKI (PhD, Psychological Medicine & Psychiatry, 2008)

Alexandra at the British Council UK Alumni Dr Alexandra Pentaraki has dedicated her career to Awards 2019, in Greece, with the British helping vulnerable people with mental health issues. She Ambassador, Kate Smith. studied psychology in Greece before taking a master’s in I try to implement Cognitive Psychology at the University of Essex and a PhD in Psychological Medicine at King’s Institute of Psychiatry. She what I have learned at is now a practising clinical psychologist, a research associate King’s for the benefit of and a university lecturer. She was recently nominated for a society. I want to make a British Council alumni award in recognition of her work. difference in this world. DR ALEXANDRA PENTARAKI

‘It was my love of knowledge that helped them overcome their issues.’ the founder and director of the Brain first sparked my interest in psychology,’ Alexandra also works as an expert Matters Institute, a body dedicated to As you are a valued member of the King’s global Alexandra tells us. Driven by a desire witness in Greek courts and the the practice, learning and promotion of Visuals shown are for illustrative purposes only and are are and only purposes illustrative for are shown Visuals

alumni community, we are delighted to offer you a We would love to email you when InTouch final the of representative not ‘to make a difference’, she honed International Criminal Court in The psychological science for the benefit of diverse programme of exclusive benefits. One such InTouch Online launches, ensuring her clinical and research skills, Hague. Here, her expertise helps with society. She attributes her work ethic that you are among the first to benefit is InTouch, your dedicated alumni magazine, specialising in clinical psychology, psychological profiling, detecting child and skills to the high-quality education see our brand-new magazine. neuropsychology and psychotherapy. abuse and neglect and assisting those she received at King’s. Do we have your email address? which we have been bringing to you for over 30 years. ‘I wanted to research the psychological who have been subjected to violence ‘If I could see one big change in the Opt in for emails by contacting us on the details below. factors relating to mental health and trauma. She testifies in criminal world, I would find ways for everyone We are making some changes to InTouch, expanding our conditions to find possible treatments. cases and assists with witness preparation. to live peacefully and with no abuse. reach so that we can give you more of the stories you love. We hope that you are as excited I now specialise in treating people ‘I am particularly proud that my Love, hope and action are the only In Spring 2020, we will launch InTouch Online, a dedicated as we are about this next step who suffer from depression and panic work has helped protect many children solutions. I believe that this motto digital magazine. In addition to that, we will continue to for InTouch and, as always, attacks. I feel most proud and inspired from further maltreatment,’ she says. is the only way forward in life.’ would welcome your feedback, Online when my clients tell me that I have In addition to this, Alexandra is send out InTouch in print each winter. This annual issue which you can send to will be a bumper edition, featuring some of our InTouch product. [email protected] Online highlights and print-only exclusives.

25 CLASS NOTES

Reunion lunch – Medicine, FINDING A THIRTEEN Class of 69 CURE FOR My aim is to cure HUNDRED MOTOR MND and related YEARS OF conditions such NEURONE as frontotemporal MEDICAL DISEASE dementia. I always EXPERIENCE In May 2019, a 50-year reunion lunch One of us had been a senior student say, “Think big, and was held in Portsmouth. Twenty-six locum and had helped at the first IN ONE ROOM attended, all in top spirits and still full ever UK liver transplant. We had almost then think bigger”. of the same sparkle as on freshers’ day. forgotten that hospitals relied on Recollections flowed freely, taking in student labour for all the blood-letting DR JEMEEN SREEDHARAN the irreverent humour of the dissecting and surgical shaves, let alone postpartum CLIVE ROBERTS (Medicine, 1969) room, the imposed professional code of stitching and casualty work. DR JEMEEN SREEDHARAN Sixty-eight people qualified as doctors dress (tie, shirt and jacket – not leather), What experiences we have had. (Neuroscience with Basic from King’s College Hospital in 1969 the medical school’s London to Brighton Medical Sciences, 1998) and there have been several reunion walk, the overnight queue stretching parties since. Ten years ago, a call up and down the embankment for TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOSTING for updates revealed the group had Churchill’s lying in state and our A REUNION, CONTACT US ON: It was while studying medicine It was while studying for his PhD one knight, four civic honours, four first freshers’ evening. We reminded [email protected] in Clinical Neuroscience at King’s that at King’s that Jemeen Sreedharan professors, 41 consultants, 19 GPs ourselves, with affection, of the austere Jemeen made a major breakthrough. +44 (0)20 7848 3053 first developed an interest in and 12 who settled abroad. and sometimes frightening personalities He discovered a gene mutation that of some consultant surgeons. research. Today, he is a neurologist causes MND. Jemeen went on to work and his research is focused on motor at the University of Massachusetts and neurone disease (MND). MND the Babraham Institute in Cambridge, (also known as amyotrophic lateral where he modelled this gene mutation, We arrived the next morning for sclerosis or ALS) is a devastating a change in a protein called TDP-43, Jemeen receiving his Early Career the AKC lecture and spent a frozen in fruit flies and mice. Clinical Investigator of the Year Award WAR-TIME hour in the Great Hall. disease with no cure. Six people Today, Jemeen is back at King’s, I graduated in 1947 and stayed are diagnosed with the condition leading a dynamic research group MEMORIES on in the Education Department, in the UK every day and it kills at the Maurice Wohl Clinical Progress at the Sreedharan Lab is where I met my future husband, around 2,200 people per year. Neuroscience Institute. His lab has dependent on philanthropy. ‘Research Theodore David Morgan.’ developed stem cell models to help is an expensive and risky enterprise MARGARET MORGAN Margaret and David married ‘I was in my second year when I find ways to correct imbalances in and we need visionaries with financial (NÉE STOKES) AKC in 1953 and both became teachers, decided I wanted to do more than the brain and stop neurodegeneration. resources and the ability to “spread (Geography, 1947) eventually living in Wakefield. work as a doctor,’ says Jemeen. ‘My aim is to cure MND and related the word” to support us.’ An active At 93, Margaret Morgan is one ‘I spent time exploring the Strand conditions such as frontotemporal fundraiser himself, Jemeen recently of King’s oldest alumni. Here, Campus library, reading about artificial dementia,’ says Jemeen. ‘My work cycled from London to Geneva to raise she shares her memories of King’s Margaret recalls there was already a To see all the latest class intelligence and had learned some so far has been incredibly exciting. money for the MND Association. during the Second World War. large hole in the quad courtyard from notes and find out which coding, and so decided to take an It has led to many discoveries that ‘I came to King’s to study a bomb strike. ‘We became used to the intercalated degree in neuroscience. will advance the field significantly.’ geography in 1944. Teaching had menacing sound of V-1 flying bombs or of your classmates have It was while working on a neural TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT been performing on stage, Jemeen’s research was recognised JEMEEN’S WORK, VISIT: only recently resumed in London, “doodlebugs” launched from Germany. network modelling project with when he won the David Hague Early following evacuation during the blitz. Then came the V-2 rockets, a new and writing books and planning the Maths and Pharmacology Career Clinical Investigator of the @JemeenSreed The college was a very female place, terrifying type of weapon that crashed reunions, visit our website: departments that I realised the Year Award. This internationally as most men were away in the services. and exploded without warning. One importance of creativity and began recognised award is presented each FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT Our department had only one man winter night in January 1945, a V-2 fell alumni.kcl.ac.uk/ to understand what experimentation year to the most outstanding early HOW TO SUPPORT JEMEEN’S who was unfit for military service into the river outside King’s and blew in classnotes really means. After graduating, career researcher in the field of RESEARCH, CONTACT US ON: and a few war-wounded returnees.’ all the windows on that side of the building. during my junior medical training, biomedical dementia research. [email protected] IF YOU HAVE A MEMORY OF I became interested in MND.’ KING’S YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE, CONTACT US ON: [email protected]

26 27 OBITUARIES

FOR FULL DETAILS, VISIT US AT: OBITUARIES alumni.kcl.ac.uk/obituaries

ANGLICAN PRIEST AND CENTENARIAN, ENGLISH TEACHER, MUSICIAN AND PRISONER OF WAR PAUSE FOR THOUGHT RADIO STAR Alan Bolt, prisoner of war, English They rehearsed in a prison hut so cold teacher and musician has died aged 100. that some of the instruments froze. Alan Alan joined the army soon after also narrowly escaped death when bullets REVEREND RUTH SCOTT graduating and was dispatched to rained down on the table he was sat at, (MA Systemic Theology, 1999) Cairo, where his unit was attacked and while working on a musical score. Reverend Ruth Scott, Anglican priest captured by the Germans. After some After the war, Alan returned to the and radio broadcaster, has died aged 60. time imprisoned in a cage in the desert, UK, trained as a teacher and became Ruth trained as a nurse at St Thomas’ he found himself in a prisoner of war head of the English Department and Hospital, where she met her husband, camp in Italy. subsequently Director of Curriculum Chris, a vicar. She left nursing and, Alan had grown up with music and at Surbiton County Grammar School. after a period as a journalist and radio it was here that his passion reemerged. His love of music remained and he was broadcaster, she later returned to He formed a camp choir that sang at Musical Director of Claygate Choral university, studying Religious Studies church services and even with a jazz Society, conducted the Phoenix String and then Theology at King’s. In 1992, she band. His arrangement of an Italian song Orchestra and later, in Cumbria, directed became a deacon in Richmond, London ALAN BOLT was such a hit he earnt extra rations for the Cumbria Recorder Society and the and, two years later, was ordained as one (English, 1940) every prisoner. Alan was later transported Furness Bach Choir. Alan was also a of the first female priests in the Church to Stalag IV-B in Germany, one of the keen rider and hunter and held the of England. Around this time, she began largest and most brutal camps. Here, post of Master of the North Lonsdale contributing to Prayer for the Day on She was considered a liberal by Her insights and reflections were he set up a choir and an orchestra with Foxhounds for over 20 years. Radio 4 and Pause for Thought on many and devoted much of her time enjoyed by millions of listeners fellow prisoners, bartering cigarettes with Radio 2, first with Terry Wogan to bringing together communities in and she was an inspiration and the guards in exchange for instruments. and later Chris Evans. conflict, from Belfast to Palestine. comfort to many.

PIONEERING PSYCHIATRIST WHO LINKED SEROTONIN TO DEPRESSION WOMEN’S RIGHTS DR LOTTE NEWMAN CBE OBE Lotte was born in Frankfurt (Medicine, 1957) and came to London as a Jewish ADVOCATE AT THE TOP Lotte Newman, a GP and the refugee in the 1930s. She spent Dr Alec Coppen, a biological psychiatrist, serotonin with clinical depression. second female president of the Royal many years working as a GP with has died aged 96. He was known for He carried out the first trial that OF HER PROFESSION College of General Practitioners her own North London practice. introducing serotonin therapy for showed that lithium was effective in (RCGP), has died aged 90. Lotte championed women’s roles depression and was considered a pioneer. the treatment of bipolar depression. and rights, promoting the status and After serving in the army in World This was something that had previously professional development of female War Two, Alec studied medicine at been questioned by the profession. doctors, as President of the RCGP Bristol University and psychological Following these positive results, he and President of the Medical Women’s medicine at the Institute of Psychiatry became an international advocate Federation. Her son described her in London. Later, he was appointed to for the benefits of lithium therapy. as ‘a great role model and a feminist the UK Medical Research Council’s Alec was widely published and almost before feminism.’ Neuropsychiatric Research Unit. received numerous awards, including She was also Vice President of In the early 1960s, there were few the Pioneer Award in 2000 from the World Organization of Family biological psychiatrists, and studying the the Collegium Internationale Doctors, and Medical Director of St

Photograph courtesy of The Daily Telegraph effects of drugs on the mind was often Neuropsychopharmacologicum (CINP). John Ambulance. She was awarded regarded with suspicion. Alec’s work He was President of the CINP from 1988 an OBE in 1991 and a CBE in 1998. DR ALEC COPPEN focused on mood disorders and he was to 1990 and President of the British (Psychological Medicine, 1957) one of the first to link low levels of Association for Psychopharmacology. Photograph courtesy of Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

28 29 OBITUARIES

FOR FULL DETAILS, VISIT US AT: OBITUARIES alumni.kcl.ac.uk/obituaries

DENTIST AND AMBASSADOR FOR MALTA DR AJ GOSSAGE PROFESSOR JACK ROWE PROFESSOR

huge contribution to both the dental and Dr John Gossage, a member Professor Jack Rowe, Dean of the Dental via research work. In 1967, he was KEN YOUNG medical professions, as President of the of staff in the Department of School from 1985 to 1991, has died aged 93. appointed Head of the Department Malta College of Dental Surgeons, as a Classics, has died. Jack studied at Guy’s and, despite of Conservative Dental Surgery and member of the Maltese Medical Council John taught at King’s for over the interruptions of war, including then promoted to professor in 1971. and as a committee member of the 30 years, joining as a lecturer living in an air raid shelter, qualified in In 1985, his colleagues elected him European Dental Society. in 1951 and rising to become a 1948. He was appointed house surgeon Dean of the Dental School and he took Herbert also found time to work in Reader. He enjoyed a wide range to Mr Kelsey Fry before being called office on the day Guy’s Dental School sports and local politics. He became Vice of interests, including Greek up to do National Service, where merged with the Royal Dental Hospital President of the Maltese FA, introduced philosophy and Latin epic poetry. he spent time in the Dental Corps. of London School of Dental Surgery. women’s football to the country and met Together with WS Maguinness In 1965, he was awarded the Master His distinguished services to dentistry Pelé in the process. He was a local (Head of the Department and of Dental Surgery Degree of the were recognised in 1993 when he was councillor for the Nationalist Party and Professor of Latin at King’s), University of London and was the first awarded the Collyer Gold Medal of the campaigned for better dental health and he was an active member of the Guy’s graduate to gain this degree College of Surgeons. improved welfare for senior citizens. Virgil Society (founded in 1943 Professor Ken Young, He regularly appeared in the media by TS Eliot and friends), where he the founding Head of the and was well known amongst diplomatic, was Treasurer and then Secretary, Department of Political HERBERT MESSINA FERRANTE political and celebrity circles. He was also leading a very successful campaign Economy (2010–2013), has died. (Dentistry, 1966) a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the to increase membership. He was Ken joined King’s as Professor Herbert Messina Ferrante, dentist, Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. known for his encouragement of Public Policy in 2005. He was sports administrator, politician and His friend Keith McGlynn and good humour and was very instrumental in the creation of Knight of Malta, has died aged 80. (Dentistry, 1966) said his ‘flamboyant popular with his students, some the Institute for the Study of After graduating from Guy’s, persona belied his humanitarian values of whom were still in touch Public Policy, out of which the Herbert returned to his home in Malta and ability to just get things done and with him into his nineties. new department developed, and to work as a dentist. There, he made a to make a difference.’ he founded the MA in the subject. His research focused on urban politics and local government and he was widely published. In his later years, he was better-known for his work on the history of the Cold War MUCH-LOVED COMMUNITY GP AND AUSTIN ENTHUSIAST EXTRAORDINAIRE Oliver Black, a Visiting Research and Britain’s relationship with OLIVER BLACK Professor with the Department of the US in the nuclear age. In MICHAEL RICHARD HOWELL to become a GP, mostly on the Philosophy, has died aged 62. 2014, he won the Moncado (Medicine, 1965) Isle of Wight. His extraordinary Oliver read Philosophy at Cambridge Prize for Military History. Michael Richard Howell, known to all as concern for patients, and his cheerful and received his PhD from the University He taught at many universities, Mike, died in early 2019 at the age of 77. and open manner, meant that he of London. After a brief spell in academia, including Cambridge, Bristol, He is remembered by his medical was trusted and respected by so teaching at Cambridge University and Birmingham and Queen Mary and dentistry student friends as a many in the community. as a fellow at the University of California, University of London, where he most assiduous student, with an Mike was also a keen enthusiast Berkeley, he joined the law firm Linklaters, was Vice Principal. He worked encyclopaedic knowledge of clinical and restorer of Austin motorcars where he was head of the UK procurement at the Policy Studies Institute, medicine that he retained for his entire from the 1920s and 1930s and well law practice. He kept in touch with academic was an advisor to the House of career. Many expected him to become known on the national rally scene. life and published regularly on academic Commons Select Committee on a surgeon, but his interest in people (Contributions from Roger Stevens topics. Oliver was also an accomplished Environment, and was a fellow of and natural empathy led him instead and Mike Flynn (both Medicine, 1965).) comic writer. He was appointed a Visiting the Royal Historical Society and Research Professor in Philosophy at King’s the Academy of Social Sciences. in 2000 and participated vigorously in the life of the department.

30 31 YOU RECOMMEND

RECOGNISING Anna OUTSTANDING Pastukhova Nominations for the King’s -Petrenko KING’SALUMNI DISTINGUISHED Distinguished Alumni Awards RECOMMENDS 2019 are now open, and this is your chance to nominate.

We are searching for the Anna Pastukhova-Petrenko ALUMNI next group of outstanding (MA Bioethics and Society, 2016) alumni who have demonstrated Your nominee could be is a science and medical journalist, one of our 2019 winners professional achievement, physiologist and bioethicist. Pictured below are our 2018 civic leadership, or service She has written for Forbes, the King’s Distinguished Alumni to King’s and society. AWARDSwith President & Principal BBC, PopMech and many other You can nominate for awards publications, and is a writer and Ed Byrne AC and other King’s staff who presented in our Aspiring Alumni Leaders Top 10 editor for popular science portal awards on the night. under 40, which recognises 10 alumni Biomolecula. In 2019, she was Maughan under the age of 40 who are leading in shortlisted by Rusnano as a Library 2020 their fields or making a real impact on society in the following categories: Russian Science Writer of the Year. King’s award-winner Shereen Mashhadi Ahvazi In her free time, Anna runs the (Midwifery, 2018) (L) and guest Honour your fellow alumni for King’s Future Alumnus/a Award travel blog purpurpurpur.co.uk. King’s in Service Award King’s Transformation Award Best advice you have received? their professional achievement, King’s Entrepreneur Award Favourite piece of music? I’m old-fashioned and prefer to outstanding civic leadership or Barcarolle from Jacques Offenbach’s take advice from books rather King’s Emerging Leader Award The Tales of Hoffmann. It’s one of the than from people – hence the best service to King’s and society. King’s Arts and Culture Alumni Award most celestial melodies I’ve ever heard bits of advice were given to me by King’s International Alumni Award – and it even inspires me to sweep authors long gone – and one that King’s STEM Alumni Award the dust from my piano (but not keeps me balanced whatever Standout memory of King’s? King’s Global Health Alumni Award too often unfortunately). happens, good or bad, comes NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR I have so many memories of King’s King’s Alumni Impact Award from Solomon’s Seal by Edward RECOGNITION IN ONE OF 10 CATEGORIES: King’s Future Alumnus winner James Frater (Medicine, 2021) Fitzgerald: ‘This too shall pass.’ that it’s very hard to choose. But, the with host Rory Bremner FKC (French and German, 1984) and How to nominate Treasured childhood memory? most emotional ones were my first visit King’s Future Alumnus or Alumna Award Professor Sir Robert Lechler Find out more about the categories, It’s a very early memory – and I to the Maughan Library, an astonishing King’s in Service Award criteria and how to nominate on our believe it might’ve been modified Biggest achievement? neo-gothic building, and my graduation HOWwebsite TO NOMINATE: here: by my brain a bit over the years, I believe that the age of 27 is a bit at the Barbican. At King’s, you feel like King’s Local Communities Award but I remember being around one too early to talk about the biggest you belong to something bigger than King’s Entrepreneur Award Find out alumni.kcl.ac.uk/ more about the yourself – and that feeling accompanied year old and walking wobbly around achievements – moreover, the King’s Emerging Leader Award categories,alumni-award-nominations criteria and how the room, holding onto the sofa with majority of my projects are not me from the first to last days of my to nominate on our website here: one hand. Nothing very special in finished yet. But, so far, I can master’s programme and is still King’s It was Arts a and big Culture surprise Alumni when Award I found The deadline for entries is 18 November. The winners will be chosen from the it – but I remember feeling proud confidently say that I make with me as an alumna. King’s International Alumni Award alumni.kcl.ac.uk/awards2020 the perfect apple cakes – out I’d won an award. It was very shortlist by a selection committee made of being able to explore on my own. King’s STEM Alumni Award at least my husband says so! Nominationsup of King’s will close representatives on 31 December 2019. and Winnersalumni. KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ANNA ON INSTAGRAM: humblingKing’s Global and Health a massive Alumni Award honour. will be chosen from a shortlist by a selection committee @purpurpurpur ONYINYE UDOKPORO, THE 2018 WINNER madeThe up of awards King’s representatives will be presented and alumni. at a King’sOF THE STUDENT Alumni OF THE YEARImpact AWARD Award ceremony on Thursday 6 June 2019, with further details to follow.

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