“Botolph Court is one of my favourite parts of College and epitomises the challenge of being a Domus Bursar – it’s a beautiful historic building but not how we’d design modern student accommodation. It brings a smile to me because in my first few weeks at Corpus I visited the courtyard with two different members of the College – one suggesting it needed to be converted entirely to fit for purpose bicycle storage, and one suggesting all bikes should be removed and the space dedicated to a garden. Both were right! 

My objects represent my life outside of Corpus – some have been part of my life since childhood and some more recent – I’m someone who values commitment to a shared endeavour and sustaining a community, but also likes to keep trying new things – the most recent is rowing.

 It’s probably testament to how far the College has come in 40 years – I feel incredibly privileged to be a Fellow of Corpus but I don’t especially consider being a female Fellow to be a subset of the Fellowship. Gender doesn’t feel like a differentiating characteristic in this setting and I feel proud to say that.”

Gemma joined the Corpus community as Domus Bursar in January 2021 having previously held the role of Faculty Operating Officer at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Whilst at the School Gemma was also a trustee and elected member of Council. Her career to date includes university management positions at Imperial College London and Queen Mary University of London. Gemma read History at Magdalene. 

Outside of College, Gemma is an active volunteer with Girlguiding and perseveres with learning to play the piano.