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.
Communications and Marketing Executive
Roisin is our Communications and Marketing Executive, supporting the global promotion of the Undergraduate Awards and combining creativity with strategy to share our story with audiences around the world.
Roisin studied International Social Science and Cultural Innovation with a specialisation in media. After graduating, she gained hands-on experience in the drinks industry and later agency-side in the events sector, before earning a qualification in Digital Marketing and making the natural transition into communications where her passion for storytelling shines.
Creative by nature and always eager to take on new challenges. Roisin thrives in dynamic environments and enjoys collaborating with people from all over the world, something that was sparked during her Erasmus study in Prague, Czech Republic.
Outside of work, Roisin can be found on her pilates mat, lost in a good book or planning her next adventure abroad.
If you have any questions about The Global Undergraduate awards or anything media related- please feel free to reach out. I would love to hear from you!
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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