Careers in... panel event

Panel members

Buna Priya Bhaskar - Identity and Access Management Analyst, University of York

Banu has a range of experience working as a systems engineer and in technology analyst roles. She completed her undergraduate degree in India, followed by a Masters in Cyber Security in the UK. In her current role, she manages day-to-day IAM operations, supports secure onboarding of applications, liaises with business and technical stakeholders to support IAM best practice, and reviews access and re-certification processes. 

Cat Cadenhead - Threat Intelligence Analyst and Communications Officer, Tech Against Terrorism

Following a History degree at York, Cat completed a Masters in Global Crime, Justice and Security, where she researched terrorism and counter-violent extremism. These two research-focused degrees gave her experience in compiling and prioritising information, and utilising open-source intelligence - important skills in the sector.

Maria Usseglio Brancard - Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst, Ministry of Justice

Following a varied career in emergency response and planning with healthcare providers and international response organisations, Maria took a change in career direction and completed a Masters in Computer Science with Cyber Security at the University of York. In her current role, she is responsible for evaluating the security of technical services and external suppliers against regulatory standards. 

Rob Hurt - Head of Cyber Security, University of York

Rob has a range of experience in the cyber security sphere including roles leading security projects, technical security, risk assessment and overall security management. He now works as the Head of Cyber Security at the University of York where he directs the institution's information security strategy, protecting sensitive research, student data, and infrastructure. 

Suzy Yoh - Director of Analysis, Darktrace

Suzy is a Physics graduate from the University of York turned Cyber Security professional, working at the world leading cyber AI company, Darktrace. Spanning 8 years, her roles have included cyber analysis, cyber defence education, curriculum development and leadership. She is experienced in scientific and technical outreach and is a passionate advocate for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in STEM.

Tom O'Neil - Postgraduate Researcher, University of York

Tom is an AI safety researcher as part of the SAINTS Centre for Doctoral Training at the University of York, studying human-AI teams and the user experience considerations for implementing safe autonomous systems. His previous career spanned UK government technical roles and, later, consulting advisory roles across cyber security and digital transformation, working on strategy and delivery of large IT system implementations for major international organisations.

Book your place for the Cyber Security panel

Listen to our podcast, What do you actually do? for digital, IT and cyber security-related episodes.

With recent high-profile thefts from some of the world’s most prestigious museums, the impact of global conflict on cultural heritage and the strong impetus to address decolonising collections, how we protect our Arts and heritage has never been a more important issue.

Join our panel Q&A to hear fascinating insights from professionals working in the sector and find out if this is the career for you!

Panel members

Emma Cunliffe - Secretariat, Blue Shield International and Senior Research Associate, Cultural Property Protection and Peace at Newcastle University

Emma is the acting Head of Operations in part of the Secretariat for the Blue Shield International, an independent, neutral, international organisation that protects cultural heritage (tangible and intangible), in the event of conflict and disaster.  She is also a Senior Research Associate in the UNESCO Chair Cultural Property Protection (CPP) and Peace team at Newcastle University. Emma has a PhD in satellite imagery assessment of peacetime damage to archaeological sites in Syria from Durham University. 

Francesca Knight - Fine Art and Specie Underwriter, Hiscox

Francesca graduated from the University of York with a degree in History of Art.  She works for Hiscox UK as a Fine Art and Specie Underwriter where she underwrites insurance for many private collectors, museums, galleries, auction houses and art dealers. 

Kimberly Day - Head of Numismatics, RWB Auctions

Following a degree in History and Philosophy at York, Kimberly completed a Masters in Heritage Studies at the University of Newcastle. Kimberly is Head of Numismatics at RWB Auctions in Royal Wootton Bassett, where she leads the specialist coins and banknotes department. With expertise in coin identification, valuation and auction cataloguing.

Olivia Morrill - Heritage Consultant, Purcell UK

Olivia is a heritage professional working on a wide range of heritage and conservation projects for Purcell, a practice of conservation architects, heritage consultants and masterplanners. Olivia has experience in both the private and public sectors, including Historic England. Olivia completed a Master’s Degree in Cultural Heritage Management and an Undergraduate Degree in Heritage Studies both from the University of York. 

Rachel Tranter MBE - Director, Group for Education in Museums (GEM)

Rachel studied Art History and History at York and then went on to study an MA in Art Museum Studies at the Courtauld Institute. She spent two decades at Orleans House Gallery, rising from Assistant Curator to Head of Arts. There, she led major restoration projects, secured nearly £5 million in funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and championed inclusive programming for underrepresented communities.

Rachel currently serves as Director of GEM (Group for Education in Museums), a membership organisation that supports people who deliver learning in museums and heritage settings. She is dedicated to making arts and culture accessible, inclusive, and transformative for all. 

Book your place for the Protecting Arts and Heritage panel

Listen to our podcast, What do you actually do? for museums and heritage-related episodes.

Panel members

Ashleigh Huddart - Advocacy Manager, Mines Advisory Group

Ashleigh is an Advocacy Manager at the Mines Advisory Group where she leads UK advocacy to strengthen political support and funding for humanitarian mine action (HMA) and weapons and ammunition management (WAM), and to rebuild momentum behind international disarmament norms, including the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. Ashleigh graduated from UCL with a Masters in Security Studies after completing a BA in Politics with International Relations at the University of York.

Hannah Boyle - Fundraising Manager, Behind Closed Doors

Hannah is the Fundraising Manager for Behind Closed Doors, a Leeds based charity supporting men and women experiencing, or at risk of, domestic abuse. She is responsible for income generation from corporate, community, and individual donors, as well as strategic development of the charities fundraising direction to ensure it has sustainable and diverse income streams. Hannah graduated from the University of York with a BA in Politics with International Relations.

Kashish Raj - Comms and Engagement Coordinator, National Wealth Fund

Kashish is a Comms and Engagement Coordinator, National Wealth Fund where she manages stakeholder relationships and communications to support the UK’s green growth mission and how investment in net zero projects is communicated to the public. Kashish graduated from the University of York with an MSc in International Business and Strategic Management.

Lauren Peel - Senior Partner,  Inclusive Outcomes

Lauren is the Senior Partner at Inclusive Outcomes, a consultancy that helps organisations to design, deliver and monitor good outcomes for customers in vulnerable circumstances. Previously Lauren was Director of Consumer Insights and Propositions at Fair4All Finance, a publicly funded non-profit working in financial inclusion, and she started her career at Aviva. Lauren has also been involved in diversity and inclusion initiatives for over a decade, and is a Trustee for Citizens Advice York. Lauren graduated from the University of Sheffield with a BA in Journalism Studies in 2013.

Louise Dawtry - Founder, What’s the Chari-tea? Podcast and People & Culture Lead, Leeds Mind

Louise is the founder and host of the ‘What’s the Chari-tea?’ podcast aimed at all nonprofit (paid employees, volunteers and trustees, and anyone who wants to know more about the third sector) which provides connection and support throughout the highs and lows of nonprofit life. She also is the People & Culture Lead at Leeds Mind where she fosters a positive, inclusive work environment and promotes employee wellbeing. Louise graduated from Northumbria University with a BA in Human Resource Management.

Book your place for the Social Impact panel

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