Please note that all statements have been provided by the candidate for the position of UNA-UK Trustee. Please be advised that profiles have not been edited for factual accuracy or language, and that UNA-UK does not accept responsibility for any mis-statements of fact.
I am an experienced academic, researcher, and strategic leader with over two decades of international experience across higher education, innovation, and industry. My career has been dedicated to advancing sustainable development, equitable access to education, and responsible technological innovation — values that align closely with UNA-UK’s mission and the UN Charter.
As Provost of KAIST and a senior academic at De Montfort University, I have led interdisciplinary teams, secured over £1.5M in research funding, and supervised more than 35 PhD candidates and over 800 postgraduate projects. My work has focused on autonomous systems, lean engineering, and sustainable operations — all framed around global challenges like climate resilience, responsible consumption, and digital equity.
UNA-UK’s efforts to engage civil society with international cooperation resonate deeply with my belief that diplomacy must begin with knowledge, access, and local empowerment. I have held leadership roles in academic publishing, consultancy, and not-for-profit research, and I actively mentor women and underrepresented minorities in STEM.
This application is also deeply personal. I come from a family with a legacy of diplomatic service. My late uncle had hoped I would follow in his footsteps — and at a time when the world faces increasing division, injustice, and uncertainty, I feel more compelled than ever to give back through principled service.
As Trustee, I will bring strategic insight, academic depth, and global perspective to help UNA-UK reach wider audiences, strengthen its voice, and build bridges between communities, policymakers, and the UN system.