Meet the Learning Lab team

Gemma Stansfield

Head of Learning Lab 

I’m the Head of Learning Lab, leading the unit and spearheading initiatives to enhance student learning and development at LSE. I have over 18 years’ experience working in Higher Education, holding leadership positions at LSE, London Business School and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. London based but globally minded!
My degrees are in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, and I’m a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. When I’m not working, you’ll find me hiking up a hill, going to gigs or spending time with my two senior cats.

As the Head of Learning Lab, I'm committed to making the Learning Lab a vibrant place where students can develop the skills needed for academic, personal and professional success. So, please feel free to contact me with suggestions about how the Learning Lab can best work with you.

Dr Giovanni Graglia

Study Adviser (Team Lead)

I have been at LSE since 2006, first as a student and later as a member of staff. Over the last 20 years at the School I’ve advised students on academic and administrative matters, taught, researched, studied, provided pastoral care (and also played basketball and ran for LSE’s clubs). Outside of academia, I spend most of my time playing with my daughters and reading (from Julia Donaldson’s books for my younger one, to 20th century global literature for myself) 

You’ll dictate the pace and direction of our sessions (though I’ll let you know if there is something that I can’t/won’t be able to do!). We can talk about your readings, ideas for an essay, plan exam revision, think about your approach to your dissertation or a plethora of other academic concerns you might have.  

Dr Jessica Kong

Study Adviser

I completed my PhD at LSE in Media & Communications with a focus on Sound Studies, based on qualitative approaches. As a pianist interested in psychology and social change, I love contemplating the relationships between art and society, and the role of agency in such dynamics.  

Additional to my academic advisory role, I also offer pastoral care, personal and professional support to students - which is another area that I am so passionate about.

We can discuss anything you wish to navigate while studying at LSE! This ranges from learning and study skills, such as essay and reading tips, note-taking, presentation skills, dissertation related questions, exam preparation and time-management; to everyday life and study wellness topics, including motivation, confidence, stress and wellbeing management, personal goal and social expectation...etc.  

If yours isn’t covered yet, please just come by and we will navigate with you! 

Dr Joanne Kalogeras 

Associate Study Adviser 

After a career in software development, I received my MSc and PhD from LSE’s Department of Gender Studies. My thesis, “Troubling Cosmopolitanism”, constructed a critical cosmopolitan theory with critical and normative theories. After several years of interdisciplinary teaching, I now specialise in advising and tutoring students on academic skills and practices. I really love the one-to-one sessions that allow us to work directly with students on exactly what their issues are.  

Whatever issues you’d like to talk to us about, we’re here for you. If we can’t help you, we can direct you to someone who can. When it comes to academic skills and practices, this is the place to go for advice. I can help you write essays, reports, dissertations – any number of assessments – or help you study for exams, or even just talk to you about handling the stresses of life at LSE.  

Clara Cirdan

Study Adviser

I completed my PhD in the Sociology Department at LSE, researching how museums engage with communities through ethnographic fieldwork across galleries and archives. Originally from Romania, I studied English and Norwegian Literature and have a longstanding love of exploring cultures and languages. I'm drawn to questions about writing, identity, knowledge production and art’s social role. When I'm not reading or writing, I enjoy hiking and dancing. 

As a Study Adviser, I support students with academic writing, dissertation planning, research design, and exam study planning,  from the early stages of finding your question to structuring and refining your argument. I enjoy working through ideas together and helping students find their own voice in their writing. Whatever stage you're at, I offer a supportive space to think things through and move forward with more confidence. 

Dr Michael Beaney 

Learning Developer 

I have been with the LSE for ten years, most recently joining the Learning Lab in 2022 after a period at the LSE’s Language Centre. I completed my doctorate at UCL in 2024, with my research interests spanning innovative assessment, educational quality, and migration and identity in higher education. Outside work, I enjoy running, travel and playing piano, and am a new dad navigating the early chaos of parenthood. 

As a Learning Developer, I design and deliver workshops across areas such as academic writing, reading strategies, oral assessments, and dissertation support for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. I bring particular expertise in academic writing and AI literacies, helping students engage critically with their course material and with AI tools. Whether you're looking to develop your academic skills, use feedback to improve on your next assignment, or think through your aspects of your dissertation, I can offer practical, research-informed support tailored to LSE's demands. 

Dr Sarah Taylor 

Learning Developer 

I’ve worked at LSE since 2015, first in the Language Centre, before joining the Learning Lab in 2019. I’ve studied Journalism, English Literature, Applied Linguistics and Education! My doctoral thesis examined professional identity through a sociological lens. My current research interests include identity and effective learning, including how AI can support learning. I’m mad about horses, so I spend a lot of time riding! I also enjoy hiking and reading, and I’m always keen to see pictures of your cat! 

As a Learning Developer, I design and teach workshops to help you reach your academic goals, be they writing a great essay, managing your reading, or doing well in your exams. Teaching writing is my passion, I love talking about dissertation research, and I’ve recently been working on ways to maximise the learning opportunities created by AI tools. I also created the Prepare to learn at LSE Moodle course, which helps students hit the ground running when they begin their studies.  

Philip Rauber

 Learning Developer

How should we educate the next generation of decision-makers for a democratic world without poverty? This is the question I ask myself every day. Originally from Switzerland, I hold an MSc in Economic History from LSE, a BA in Economics, and a PGCert in Higher Education. I'm also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and in 2025 I won LSE's Award for Personal and Professional Development and in 2026 an LSE Award for Excellent Manager. 

Are you ready to think about the impact you want to make in this world? Studying at LSE may sometimes be challenging, but eventually it's a transformational experience. On this journey, I can be your partner to talk about your leadership development and your studies; to craft plans for the future; and to find sources of motivation and strengthen your resilience. In this spirit I like to remember Samuel Beckett’s quote: 

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. 

Dr. Mariia Burmistrova 

AI Learning Developer/Quantitative Study Adviser 

I have studied internationally, completing my undergraduate degree in Bulgaria, Masters in Russia and Germany, and PhD in the UK. My doctoral research is in applied macroeconometrics, focusing on uncertainty, macroeconomic volatility, and unemployment. I previously worked in finance and audit and have been teaching since 2018, delivering a range of economics and finance modules and providing study advice. Outside of work, I love a cosy train journey with a good book or walking my dog in the forest. 

As a Quantitative Study Adviser, I can support you in building confidence with quantitative study skills, from learning how to approach core concepts to tackling assignments, dissertations and exam preparation effectively. I develop workshops and resources, including maths-focused materials for the Prepare to Learn module, designed as a refresher to support students across disciplines. I can also guide you in using AI as a study tool - helping to engage critically, improve efficiency, and maintain strong academic practices. 

Kelly Zerrouk

LSE Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme Manager

I have a diverse career history encompassing all sectors. I have experienced higher education as a mature student, completing my BA in Education Studies in 2018 and my MA in Human Rights in 2023.  I am passionate about social justice, particularly surrounding disability, education and crime. My main and current interests include psychology and relationships, leadership, music, languages, SEND (I am SEND governor in a secondary school), and politics. 

The LSE Laidlaw Scholars Programme is the perfect place to hone my interests and skills in a way that can serve our future leaders. Leadership to me is about taking a compassion-first approach and seeking to understand the whole of something, not just what is in front of us. I aim to provide a safe space where you can be authentic, and together we can map out your unique journey that encompasses professional and personal goals, as well as wellbeing. 

Zoe Stevens (currently on leave)

Activities and Programmes Manager 

I’m activities and programmes manager at the Learning Lab. My role focuses on managing and organising our activities and programmes that aim to enhance student learning and development at LSE. I have been at LSE since 2023 and have previous experience managing projects and programmes in the education and not for profit sector - focusing on my passion for personal and professional development. Outside of work, you’ll find me chasing after my toddler, playing netball and enjoying the great outdoors.  

Molly Acheson

Activities and Programmes Manager (Maternity Cover)

I joined the team from the Department of Government to fill the role of Activities and Programmes Manager. I have worked at LSE since 2025, having previously worked at the University of Oxford and the University of Exeter.

I hold an MSc from Department of Anthropology at LSE, so I have experience of being both a member of staff and a student here! Ask me any questions about what we do in the Learning Lab, how we can support students, and how we can work with departments.