Each member brings unique expertise and a shared commitment to fostering innovation, diversity, and collaboration across disciplines. We’re excited to introduce the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support and inspire our global community of students.
Executive Director
Dr. Garret Maher is the Executive Director of the Global Undergraduate Awards, joining the team in summer 2018, and is responsible for the overall management of the Awards and Annual Summit.
He has worked in the higher education sector for more than a decade in a number of roles.
Most recently, Garret worked at the University of Exeter, as a key member of the Global Partnerships team, focused on strengthening Exeter’s ties with key universities in Europe.
Prior to that, Garret worked at the University of Warwick to advance international links in Central Asia; as a lecturer at the National University of Ireland, Galway; and as Assistant Professor of Geography at Gulf University for Sciences and Technology in Kuwait.
He has also worked as a private Research Consultant for the British Council and Brown-Forman; and led research operations in Brazil, Ireland, USA, the UAE, Kuwait, and Lebanon, and has published in a number of highly ranked international journals.
He received his PhD in Geography, and BA, from the National University of Ireland, Galway, and his Master’s Degree from University College Dublin.
Head of Development
Andrew Trotter is Head of Development for the Global Undergraduate Awards, joining the team late Summer 2025, and is responsible for the commercial direction for the business.
Andrew began his academic journey with Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology and thereafter completed a MSc in International Business with Dublin Institute of Technology. I focused my thesis on levels of power in the workplace with a dissertation that aligned the Dark Knight ’08 with game theory and power.
Andrew has over 13 years experience working across a number of sectors, but the majority of time has been spent working in the education sector and for nearly seven years in one role helped students to fulfil career ambitions.
Andrew lives with his wife and two cats in Co. Meath and enjoys the outdoors, cooking and meeting people.
If you have any questions related to commercial aspect, feel free to reach out—happy to connect.
Judging Executive
Helen is our Judging Executive here at GUA, her role involves managing the judging process, keeping our library of papers up to date and supporting/recruiting our esteemed judges each cycle.
Originally from Dublin, Helen obtained her BA History at Trinity College Dublin and later completed a Masters in African Studies at Leiden University and a Diploma in Law from The Law Society of Ireland.
She is currently in the process of completing her MSc in Library and Information Management and is especially interested in researching topics which merge the perspectives of Information Science and Environmental Humanities.
She loves music, books, all things Whitney Houston and is slowly trying to improve her cooking skills with the help of Youtube and her enthusiastic daughters!
If you have any questions regarding the GUA and the judging process find out more here, or…
Office Manager/ GUA Swiss Army Knife
Our Office Manager’s journey from Marseille, France, to Dublin, Ireland, has been one of adventure, growth, and determination. In 2021, she embraced the opportunity to volunteer with an association supporting elderly people through the French “Service Civique” programme. This experience allowed her to develop strong organisational and interpersonal skills, alongside a deep sense of empathy, all of which are vital in her role at GUA.
Serving part-time on administration roles and as photographer at our Summit in 2023 she officially joined the team in February 2024. Bringing her passion for art, photography, and travel into her work, adding creativity and a fresh perspective to everything she does. Her adaptability and dedication make her an invaluable part of the team, helping to ensure the smooth operation of the office and contributing to the organisation’s vibrant and supportive culture.
Summit Coordinator
With over 20 years of experience in Event Management, I bring a wealth of knowledge, creativity and precision to the Global Undergraduate Summit and events complementing the Awards. My approach is defined by meticulous attention to detail, a passion for attendee satisfaction and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional results.
Outside of work, I channel my drive and discipline into marathon swimming—continually pushing my physical and mental boundaries.
Head of Communications
Diane is our Head of Communications, leading the global promotion of the Global Undergraduate Awards Programme. Originally from the UK, she began her academic journey with a bold combination of a BA in Fine Art and a BSc in Computer Programming—at a time when few could see the connection between the two. When the web arrived everything changed. Seizing the opportunity, she immersed herself in the emerging fields of interactive media, web programming and graphic design, working with corporate clients to explore the potential of these exciting new platforms.
Driven by a passion for sharing the dynamic ever-evolving world of digital media, Diane began guest lecturing on interactive media in the evenings. This enthusiasm eventually led her back into academia, where her research focused on the emerging impact of social platform development and mobile gaming techniques.
Over the years, Diane has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, travelling extensively and collaborating with international clients, government agencies, universities and schools across Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, the UK and the USA. Her lectures, presentations, writing and consultancy have empowered thousands of students to pursue meaningful careers in the creative and digital industries.
Diane’s love of travel, meeting new people, learning languages and embracing life’s adventures brought her to Ireland, where she now lives with her husband, three sons and two rescue Chihuahuas. If you have any questions related to media or communications, feel free to reach out—she’s always happy to connect.
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