Meet your Mentors
Real‑world insight. Professional experience. Meaningful guidance.
Our 2026 Mentor team brings together industry professionals, faculty, and early‑career experts who understand what it takes to succeed in today’s world. Through personalised support and practical, real‑life insight, they help Participants explore future pathways with clarity and confidence.
Soumya
Dr Manna is Principal Lecturer and Course Director in Design and Biomedical Engineering at Canterbury Christ Church University.
With a PhD in Medical Robotics and 30+ peer‑reviewed publications, his research spans wearable exoskeletons, sensor technologies, and AI‑enabled medical devices.
A long‑standing STEM ambassador, he has led over 50 outreach activities inspiring young people to see engineering differently.
Engineering
Thom
Thom is an international educator and speaker who has worked in more than 70 countries.
After an unpromising start at school, he built a dynamic career through teaching, senior leadership, and global operations, including executive roles in major education groups and serving as Director of Operations USA. Most recently, he led programmes at Cambridge University.
A passionate advocate for access to education and experiential learning, Thom brings humour and humanity to every session. He once cycled from the U.K. to Türkiye. He is not very good at Maths. His mother loves him anyway.
Programme Leader
The Arts
Victoria
Victoria is a Performing Arts teacher and private tutor who founded her own company in 2019, driven by a passion for supporting learners in both their academic and creative development.
Victoria holds a First‑Class degree in Teaching Musical Theatre from the University of Chichester, is a registered teacher with the Independent Society of Musicians, and a member of the Association of Teachers of Singing.
Drawing on her own academic success, Victoria tutors students through exams, university applications, and preparation for professional pathways in the arts.
Business
Robert
Robert is an educator and finance professional with a broad international background.
He holds a PGCE and an MSc in Management and Finance, and previously worked in Financial Advisory Services at Deloitte and KPMG China, supporting multinational clients on major M&A projects.
He also brings industry insight from his work with global firms through the Shanghai British Chamber of Commerce
Law
James
James holds an LLB (Hons) from the University of East Anglia and completed the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law, Guildford.
He trained with Macfarlanes before practising as a commercial and banking litigator at Denton Wilde Sapte, later joining TLT Solicitors where he was appointed Partner. Most recently, he served as Legal Adviser at the British Red Cross Society.
A passionate advocate for legal education, James is also a qualified teacher and delivered law workshops to more than 1,000 young people last year.
Programme Leader
Hannah
Hannah is a senior leader in education and safeguarding, with extensive experience delivering large programmes for thousands of young people across the UK.
A qualified Science and Outdoor Education teacher, she has worked across operations, programme leadership and pupil welfare - leading teams and shaping systems to ensure high‑quality experiences at scale. She now works with organisations on safeguarding, delivery, and impact.
Passionate about widening access to opportunity, Hannah brings clarity to complex challenges and has a soft spot for impeccably organised spreadsheets. She works from her kitchen table in Cumbria and enjoys walking the dog at lunchtime.
Medicine
Annie
Annie is reading a MBChB at postgraduate level at the University of Bristol. She is an experienced Mentor, supporting medical students through exams, applications, and the transition into healthcare training.
Before entering medicine, Annie completed a History degree at the University of Bristol and later a Diploma in Access to Medicine.
As a mature student, she draws on her professional background in the charity and healthcare sectors. Her work with the British Heart Foundation and St John Ambulance has involved national projects in community development, health innovation, and emergency response initiatives.
Law
Gabriel
Gabriel is reading Law at Durham University, pursuing an LLB with First‑class results in core modules including Contract, Tort, and EU Law. Prior to specialising in Law, he also read Criminology at Durham, giving him a strong understanding of the wider context in which the law operates.
He has gained broad exposure to the legal profession through mini‑pupillages at 33 Bedford Row in London and Parkside Chambers in Hong Kong, as well as insight schemes with leading City firms including Slaughter and May.
Gabriel actively mentors within the Durham Law Society, supporting students with career pathways and advocacy skills development.
Medicine
Annie
Annie is reading a MBChB at postgraduate level at the University of Bristol. She is an experienced Mentor, supporting medical students through exams, applications, and the transition into healthcare training.
Before entering medicine, Annie completed a History degree at the University of Bristol and later a Diploma in Access to Medicine.
As a mature student, she draws on her professional background in the charity and healthcare sectors. Her work with the British Heart Foundation and St John Ambulance has involved national projects in community development, health innovation, and emergency response initiatives.
Medicine
Hanan
Hanan is reading Medicine (MBBS) at the University of Southampton, with clinical research in neurology and patient‑centred care. She has significant experience Mentoring aspiring medical students through roles with BrightMedics and more recently, as a peer‑support facilitator with the We Speak Organisation.
Hanan holds leadership and advocacy roles including Neurodiversity Chair on the EDI Committee of her medical school and Wellbeing Panel Member for the Awarding Gap Project. With clinical experience across primary and secondary care, Hanan brings an informed perspective on medical training and careers. She is committed to creating inclusive, supportive environments where students can thrive.