The ASE team
Meet the UK team responsible for all aspects of your programme in Bath.
The ASE team, based at our Nelson House study centre, has an 'open door' policy.
We are readily available for advice and support throughout your time in Bath.
Jonathan Hope
Dean and Director
Jonathan oversees the running of the ASE Programme and is responsible for strategy, programme finances, and maintaining and developing ASE’s links with US institutions. He taught contemporary literature and film for many years and may encourage you to watch football or rugby, try yoga or callisthenics, or participate in ASE’s Write (Open Mic) Night.
Dr Lucy Marten
Director of Studies and Deputy Dean
Lucy has primary responsibility for the academic programme and for your academic welfare in Bath—and will be on hand if you have any concerns about courses, books, grades or study skills. Lucy is a mediaeval scholar and teaches courses in this area in our semester programme. In addition, Lucy is a Visiting Scholar in History at Franklin & Marshall College. She is also ASE’s Safeguarding Mentor.
Outside of ASE, Lucy has been involved with training Guide Dogs and has two lively Labradors at home.
Kara Chambers-Grant
Administrative Manager
A transplanted Texan with a love of cooking, camping, and learning about the UK, Kara oversees student immigration, welfare and the running of Nelson House, ensuring that the study centre is a welcoming and safe place for everyone. She's also our Rainbow Mentor.
Emma Hurry
Student Affairs Manager
Emma has oversight of all study trips, day trips and the Certificate of Cultural Enrichment (CCE). Along with Daphne, she will be encouraging you to get out and get involved with the local community.
Rika Sterling
Admissions and Marketing Manager
Rika has principal responsibility for the admissions process and ASE's marketing efforts. She also oversees the design and sale of ASE merchandise. As a graduate of the University of Bath's International Education MA, Rika is an enthusiastic traveller, linguist and knitter and you can find her selling her craft at local fairs and markets.
Bill Badley
Placements Coordinator
A talented musician and teacher, Bill will be working closely with students on the Education and Internship Programmes and attending several study and day trips.
Daphne Xulu
Student Affairs Assistant
A poet, short film maker, and recent graduate of Bath Spa University, Daphne joined ASE in August 2024. She plans and promotes all ASE’s Bath-based trips and events, and oversees our social and cultural IG page. Along with Emma, she will be encouraging you to get out and get involved with the local community.
Imogen Nield
Recruitment and Development Officer
Imogen works alongside Rob, Rika and Jonathan as part of our US recruitment team, and oversees alumni outreach and development. She also helps staff various study and day trips.
Dr Robert Jones
Alumni Association Coordinator
Rob oversees ASE’s Alumni Association and teaches courses on mediaeval history. He is also a member of the recruitment team, and supports our marketing and publicity efforts. Rob is a keen western martial artist, training with and teaching mediaeval longsword.
Annie Leathes
Academic Administrator
Annie supports Lucy, administering all aspects of the academic programme, from book buying and selling, to timetabling, and the production of transcripts.
Jay Wood
Housing Manager
Jay joined ASE in August 2024. He will be your first port of call for any housing questions and will be in touch with you regularly to discuss any issues that arise.
Juliana Varela
Marketing and Admissions Assistant
A keen writer, linguist, film scholar, and fan of live music, Juliana joined the ASE Team in August 2024. She assists Rika with all aspects of ASE’s admissions process, marketing and social media presence.
In the US
Sue Mennicke
Senior Advisor (USA)
Sue Mennicke is Associate Dean for International Programs at Franklin and Marshall College. In this role, she oversees international student services and off-campus study for the College. Sue is an active contributor in the field of international education, having served on a number of governance boards for education abroad organisations, and currently as chair of NAFSA's Teaching, Learning, Scholarship Knowledge Community. Sue completed her BA and MA at the University of Minnesota.
ASE Advisory Council
The ASE team could not operate effectively without the valuable and ongoing advice of many colleagues at our key partner institutions in the US. The Advisory Council, made up of faculty and study abroad professionals from among those institutions, meets formally to discuss the Programme’s development three times in every five-year cycle, both in the UK and at Franklin and Marshall College, PA.
“The ASE staff are lovely, considerate people who care about your well-being as much as your academics.”
— Anne Plummer, Amherst College