Current Interns

Patricia Keegan has just finished her PhD in Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at Cambridge. Patricia's undergraduate degree was in Physics, where she focused on Biophysics and finally branched into Physiology. Aside from her studies, Patricia spends much of her spare time training. She rowed in the Boatrace and is currently planning a trip to cycle to base camp Everest. Following her internship, Patricia hopes to embark on a career in Healthcare policy. At the Young Foundation Patricia is working with the Health Launchpad team.

Theo Hessing graduated in 2008 with a 1^st in Philosophy and Politics from the University of Bristol. His dissertation looked at the effects of privatization on the political freedoms of impoverished communities and the rights of the marginalized in the wake of disasters. He will be starting an MA in Conflict, Security and Development at King's College London in September. In 2006 he studied and spent time with community-based social initiatives in Los Angeles, focussing on the reintegration and employment of ex-gang members and developing alternative violence-prevention interventions. He is currently working as a research intern on the Innovation, Justice and Youth program.

Athina Ioannidis is currently pursuing an MSc in Public Policy and Philosophy at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her undergraduate degree was in Philosophy and Economics, which she obtained from University College London. Athina has previous research and public policy work experience, including work with the Director of Public Health in Wales and an internship position in India. She is also part of the Widening Participation Scheme, volunteering in inner city schools in the London Borough of Camden. Her role at The Young Foundation is in the Local Innovation team, where she will be working on the Wellbeing Project.

Rachel Sturrock has recently completed a degree in Social Anthropology at Cambridge University.  Her dissertation focused on multiculturalism and planning policy in Stamford Hill, North London, using an ethnographic method to work with local community groups.  Rachel has previously worked for the Digital Media Company Illumina helping create an innovative website supporting 9-11 year olds in Citizenship lessons, and would like to take these interests forward with her work at the Young Foundation.  She is currently working on the Local Wellbeing project and the Innovation Catalyst in the Local Innovation team.

Reema Mehta has just finished her second year reading English Language and Literature at Oxford. For her course she has recently been researching the spread, and some of its effects, of English as a language and a nationality. She is co-editor of a student publication, The Owl Journal, which publishes articles by undergraduates, graduates and experts on a wide span of topics, ranging from political graffiti in China to the paintings of Goya. Reema is also interested in photography, and has recently tried a spot of trampolining. At the Young Foundation she is working within the Research team and is currently looking at methods for social innovation.

Monica Kovats received her MSc in Psychiatric and Psychological Anthropology at Brunel University, where she worked on the topic of identity construction in ritual activity and body techniques with specific focus on Japanese martial arts. Her area of interest includes both Psychology and Anthropology, and she has completed a BSc in Educational Psychology at Universitatea de Vest, Romania and a BA in Social Anthropology in Bergen University, Norway. Monica also has a special interest in languages and speaks five European languages. At the Young Foundation Monica is part of the Research Team, working on exploring the social needs of night workers.

Caspar Le Fanu will soon be entering his final year at the University of Oxford, where he is studying for a BA in Psychology and Philosophy. His academic interests include the Psychology of Education and the Philosophy of Science. Alongside his curricular activities he is a keen sportsman and violinist, and has a weekly DJ slot on Oxford's student radio station. He has also travelled widely, last year completing a solo trip from Nairobi to Cape Town. His previous work includes an internship at the Royal Geographical Society and a stint with Earthwatch (Europe). At the Young Foundation he is carrying out research for the Mapping Britain's Needs, focusing on mental health issues in the UK population.

Ebrahim Ali is currently pursuing a degree in BA Digital Media at London Metropolitan University.   Ebrahim enjoys working with people and making a variety of short films from comedies to documentaries.  He is passionate about working in the film industry in the future, creating work both to entertain and to address social issues.  At the Young Foundation Ebrahim is working on the Maslaha project creating films on a range of issues affecting young people in Muslim communities. He has also been filming and editing for a health pilot focusing on diabetes in Tower Hamlets.