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 became Dean and Director in September 2010, and has overall responsibility for the Programme. He first joined ASE as a faculty member in 1995, whilst studying and teaching twentieth-century literature at the University of Oxford, and became a full-time staff member in 2004.
He oversees all marketing and recruiting, and frequently represents the ASE Programme on US campuses and at International Education conferences.
Dr Lucy Marten
Director of Studies and Deputy Dean
Lucy joined ASE in January 2012, having taught for many years in British universities. As the Director of Studies, Lucy has primary responsibility for the academic programme at ASE. In addition, Lucy is a Visiting Scholar in History at Franklin & Marshall College.
Her research specialism is early medieval history, specifically the Anglo-Saxons, the Vikings, the Norman Conquest and Domesday Book and she teaches on these subjects for ASE.
Kara Chambers-Grant
Administrative Manager
Kara joined ASE as Accommodation Manager in January 2019, before moving across to her current position in 2021.
Kara is a graduate of the Indiana University Maurer School of Law. She oversees student immigration, welfare and the running of Nelson House, ensuring that the study centre is a welcoming and safe place for everyone. Kara is also ASE’s Rainbow Mentor.
Emma Hurry
Student Affairs Manager
(On leave 2023/24)
Emma joined ASE in 2010, and is a graduate of The University of Exeter, where she studied History. She has oversight for the Social and Cultural Programme at ASE.
In conjunction with Georgina, she plans ASE’s trips and events, and encourages students to get involved with the local community, and facilitates the Certificate of Cultural Enrichment.
Rika Sterling
Admissions Manager and Media Officer
Rika joined ASE in May 2018. As Admissions Manager and Media Officer, she oversees the application process, and plays a leading role in video production and ASE’s social media presence.
Originally from Germany, Rika came to the UK in 2016 to join the University of Bath and complete a Master’s programme in International Education and Globalisation.
Imogen Nield
Student Affairs Coordinator
Imogen joined ASE in June 2023, as cover during Emma’s leave. After graduating from the University of Leeds in 2015, she worked in hospitality, event management and production, and business development.
At ASE, she oversees the organisation and delivery of course-related study trips, collaborates on whole-programme day trips and residential visits and facilitates the Certificate of Cultural Enrichment (CCE) for our semester students.
Simon Austin
Housing Manager
Simon joined ASE in July 2021 as Accommodation Manager. He has previously managed hotels both in Bath and the Caribbean.
Simon oversees ASE’s accommodation making sure things are running smoothly and that the students have all they require to make their Bath houses feel like homes.
Bill Badley
Placements Coordinator
Bill joined ASE at the start of 2022, coordinating our internship programme with companies and schools in and around Bath.
After studying at Exeter University, The Royal College of Music, and Bath Spa University, he has worked variously as a professional musician, television producer and, for the last 20 years, as a teacher in local schools.
Georgina Hayes
Communications and Student Affairs Administrator
Georgina joined ASE in 2022 after completing her Masters in Heritage Management at Bath Spa University. Georgina plans and promotes all Bath-based trips and events, encourages students to get involved with the local community, as well as helping out with ASE's social media.
Annie Leathes
Academic Administrator
Annie joined the programme in 2022. She supports Lucy, helping administer all aspects of the academic programme, from book buying and selling, to timetabling, and the production of transcripts.
Dr Robert Jones
Alumni Association Coordinator
Rob joined ASE in January 2013, following a number of years working at the Roman Baths Museum in Bath.
As Alumni Association Coordinator Rob is at the heart of ASE's Alumni Association, but he is also a historian, focusing on the cultural history of medieval warfare, and teaches courses in this area. He is a Visiting Scholar in History at Franklin and Marshall College.
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