Class Notes
Class note shorts
John Pennell (PhD Defence Studies Research, 2023)
A US diplomat and Senior Foreign Service Officer, John Pennell’s (DSD PhD 2023) work has taken him across the world. Among other positions, career highlights include serving as the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Regional Mission Director for the Caucasus, based in Tbilisi, Georgia; the Mission Director for Libya; and the Deputy Mission Director for Ukraine and Belarus. John’s book, based on his PhD thesis, Assessing Russia’s Actions Ukraine and Syria, 2014-2022, was published by Rowman & Littlefield in September this year. The book compares the Russian government’s current approach to warfare in Syria and Ukraine to its approach during the Soviet Union era, and what this tells us about modern conflict around the world.
Class note shorts
Dr Phoebe-Anne Mainland (MA Medical Ethics and Law, 2002)
Dr Phoebe-Anne Mainland is a celebrated consultant anaesthesiologist, Vice President (Academic) of the Australasian College of Legal Medicine, and the first and only Australian to be awarded a Fellowship of The Academy of Experts. Last year, she was named in the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists' list of female innovators and pioneers, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to medical law and legal medicine. A proud King’s alum, Phoebe credits her time on our campus for inspiring her to delve deeper into these interests.
Class note shorts
Christiano Scaturro (MSc Marketing, 2021)
Since graduating, Christiano Scaturro’s marketing career has gone from strength to strength. He runs his own remote business consultancy, specialising in digital marketing and website development. A keen traveller, Christiano regularly lends his digital expertise to clients across Europe and South-East Asia.
Class note shorts
Dr Oliver Mader (MA EU Law, 2016)
Dr Oliver Mader is a European Union law expert and winner of The Dickson Poon School of Law Prize for 'Best Dissertation on the Master of Arts in EU Law 2017-18'. Oliver's talents have earned him several prestigious roles throughout the years, acting in and for European Union institutions, and in EU external cooperation. Oliver’s latest book, EU Civil Service Law: A Practitioner’s Guide, is now available from Hart/Bloomsbury Publishing. Plans are already in place to put the publication forward for a scientific book prize award.
Class note shorts
Josephine Ambalada (MSc Applied Neuroscience, 2022)
Josephine Ambalada is a cognitive neuroscientist in training. She founded the Winged Wonder Institute of Education, a Philippines-based school for children and young people with special educational needs and neurodivergent conditions, including ADHD and autism. In February 2024, Josephine won a Study UK Alumni Award for her exceptional contribution to education, neuroscience, and mental health.
Class note shorts
Errollyn Wallen CBE (MMus Music Composition, 1983)
Errollyn Wallen made history as the first Black woman to become Master of the King’s Music in August this year. Presented by His Majesty the King, the post celebrates ‘a musician of distinction who has added to the musical life of the UK and the Commonwealth’. An award-winning pianist and composer, Errollyn’s musical credits include the opening ceremony of the 2012 Paralympic Games, Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden and Diamond Jubilees, and the COP26 climate change summit. In 2020 her career hit another high note, when she received a CBE for services to music.
WRITERS
Emily Barton
Paul Brooks
Hermione Cameron
Ruthy Stevenson
Ellie Stone
DESIGN
Principal design by Jonathan Vickers
Illustration work by Caroline Tomlinson
Additional design support from psLondon
Approved by brand@kcl.ac.uk
WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO
Katherine Chinn
Abbie Coburn
JH Norris
Carly Yung
ALUMNI & EDITORIAL OFFICE
King’s College London
Virginia Woolf Building
22 Kingsway
London, WC2B 6LE
King’s College London 2024 ©
InTouch is published by the University’s Department of Fundraising & Supporter Development. The opinions expressed in it are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the University.
If you have a story for our Spring 2025 issue, email us at forever@kcl.ac.uk
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Accessibility Statement
ALUMNI & EDITORIAL OFFICE
King’s College London
Virginia Woolf Building
22 Kingsway
London, WC2B 6LE
King’s College London 2024 ©
InTouch is published by the University’s Department of Fundraising & Supporter Development. The opinions expressed in it are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the University.
If you have a story for our Spring 2025 issue, email us at forever@kcl.ac.uk
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Accessibility Statement
WRITERS
Emily Barton
Paul Brooks
Hermione Cameron
Ruthy Stevenson
Ellie Stone
DESIGN
Principal design by Jonathan Vickers
Illustration work by Caroline Tomlinson
Additional design support from psLondon
Approved by brand@kcl.ac.uk
WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO
Katherine Chinn
JH Norris
Carly Yung
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