In this first episode, host Dr. Shirah Z. Mansaray, academic at UCL STEaPP, speaks with fellow alumna and former classmate Maria Jarquin about her career in science diplomacy since graduating from the MPA programme.

Maria reflects on how her time at STEaPP shaped her path into international policy and governance, leading to roles on the Governing Board of the International Science Council and as International Relations Manager at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.

Together, they explore the value of interdisciplinary training, the challenges of bridging science and policy, and how science diplomacy is shaping solutions to global challenges.

Science Diplomacy in Action with STEaPP Alumna Maria Jarquin

In this episode, host Dr. Shirah Z. Mansaray, speaks with alumnus Leah Friedlander, Head of Engagement at the Startup Coalition. In this role, Leah manages and connects with the organisation’s 3,500-strong community of startups, scaleups, venture capital firms, and policymakers, helping to strengthen collaboration across the UK’s innovation ecosystem.

Leah also serves on the Advisory Board of Capital Enterprise and brings a strong background in international affairs and digital policy, having earned an MPA in Digital Technologies and Policy with us at STEaPP and a BA in International Studies and Chinese from The Ohio State University.

Together, they reflect on Leah's journey from STEaPP to a career in the Tech Startup space at the intersection of venture capital, technology, and public affairs, the importance of engagement in shaping thriving startup communities, and how alumni can leverage interdisciplinary skills to drive global impact.

At the Intersection of Tech and Policy with STEaPP Alumnus Leah Friedlander

In this episode, host Dr. Shirah Z. Mansaray speaks with Telisha Matthews, Founder of Shiphrah Legal Services Ltd and The Guided Growth Network (C.I.C.). With a strong background in Employment, Commercial, and Housing Law, Telisha has built a client-focused consultancy making legal advice clear, practical, and accessible.

She also leads The Guided Growth Network, supporting the personal and professional development of young people and early years professionals. Together, they discuss the evolving relationship between law and technology and the importance of accessible legal expertise for startups, professionals, and other communities alike.

Making Law Work for People and Startups with Telisha Matthews

In this episode, host Dr. Shirah Z. Mansaray speaks with Aleyna Prokudina, Policy Advisor at UCL’s Policy Impact Unit. Aleyna leads on circular economy, net zero, and sustainability, working across UCL’s Faculty of Engineering Sciences to ensure research is translated into clear and actionable insights for policymakers. Drawing on her experience in government, consultancy, and academia, she reflects on the importance of translation, collaboration, and long-term strategy in shaping meaningful policy engagement.

Together, they discuss what makes for genuine, inclusive co-creation between researchers and decision makers, how to navigate moments when evidence isn’t immediately picked up in political processes, and why embedding policy engagement from the start of research projects can strengthen both impact and sustainability.

Translating Research into Policy Action with Policy Advisor Aleyna Prokudina

This episode host Dr. Shirah Z. Mansaray speaks with Rhiannon Van Vliet, Policy Advisor at UCL’s Policy Impact Unit. Rhiannon shares her journey from Melbourne to London and reflects on her diverse portfolio at STEaPP, spanning science diplomacy, local government engagement, space policy, and evidence synthesis for decision makers. She discusses her recent contribution to UCL STEaPP’s AI to Enhance Knowledge Exchange Toolkit and offers insights on balancing technological efficiency with the human-centered ethos essential to policy work.

Together, they explore the opportunities and risks of AI in policymaking, the importance of trust and transparency when working with communities, and how inclusion, access, and critical thinking can shape the future of public policy in an AI-driven world.

AI, Policy, and Inclusive Engagement with Policy Advisor Rhiannon Van Vliet

The podcast of the Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP) at University College London (UCL). Through this podcast we explore the interdisciplinarity at the heart of the Department through key themes of contemporary policy, engineering and technology and spotlight some of our fantastic staff, alumni, and some of the amazing research that takes place within our department.

UCL STEaPP

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