ALEX GRAY
M.Math (Oxon) – College Principal
Alex read for a Masters in Mathematics at Magdalen College, the University of Oxford (where he was a scholar) before going on to undertake research in Mathematical Physics, specialising, in particular, in the geometry of space-times that locally resemble doughnuts (known mathematically as *tori*). He has taught and tutored extensively at sixth form, undergraduate and Masters level. A passionate believer in the unique advantages of the Oxford tutorial method, he still tutors for the College whenever his schedule permits.
Alex’s educational research interests lie in the effective use of new and emerging technologies to support and enhance the learning process and he directs the development of Greene’s cutting edge, cloud-based student online learning resource, Greene’s Online. In his spare time Alex enjoys croquet, British polyphonic music of the early renaissance and hiking in the Alps.
GRANT CONNOR
M.A. (Oxon), M.Phil (Oxon) – Academic Director
Grant is the Academic Director of the College and is based at 45 Pembroke Street. He is a graduate of Magdalen College, the University of Oxford, where he studied Philosophy and Modern Languages (French). Grant’s academic interests are varied, but he specialises in the literature and thought of the early modern and modern periods, with especial focus on the development in French literary form (cultivated, in part, over his time at l’Université de Paris-Sorbonne). As a linguist he naturally has a strong interest in translation theory, linguistics and stylistics in a formal academic setting. An accomplished philosopher, Grant took his M.Phil. also from the University of Oxford specialising in pre- and post-structuralist French literary theory and criticism, during the 19th and 20th centuries.
KATJA BEHRENS
Ph.D. (Hertfordshire), B.A. Hons (Oxford Brookes) – Director of Marketing
Katja is the Director of Marketing of Greene’s College Oxford and is based at 45 Pembroke Street. Katja has worked and studied at the intersection of marketing communication, culture, philosophy and philosophy of education. Using media creatively, has not only been part of her professional work in Marketing and Online Marketing, but Katja’s B.A. (Hons) in Communication, Media, Culture & Philosophy, but also served as a main inspiration for her PhD thesis on social actions online (Title: Click – social actions in the 21st century) which was funded by Microsoft Research, Cambridge. Katja is interested in the philosophical implications of the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and publishes on the subject to date.
AGNIESZKA BALICKA
Ph.D. (Oxford Brookes) LL.M. (Oxford Brookes) M.A. (Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński) – Head of Centre and Director of Partnerships
Agnieszka is the College’s Director of Partnerships. Following her MA studies in Political Science and LLM in International Law she completed her PhD at Oxford Brookes University where she also worked as a lecturer. Her thesis, “Changes in International Law in response to terrorist attacks. A comparative study of Israeli and the U.S. state practice” was a combined study of International Law and International Relations. It was a culmination of her long interests in Middle East politics and international conflict and its aim was to contribute to the understanding of nature, status and determinants of international law in the aftermath of 9/11. She is a very experienced tutor, who taught Politics, International Relations and Law.
LAMINE DJELlALI
B.Sc. (Oxford Brookes) – Senior Mathematician
Lamine is a full-time tutor in Mathematics at Greene’s. He teaches students for a very wide range of levels and qualifications at our study centre 97a, St. Aldate’s Street.
Having studied in many different countries, Lamine has a wide international education and experience. He is a qualified teacher with a BSc qualification in Computer Science from Oxford Brookes and has been teaching Mathematics in the UK and at a range of levels for over 20 years. One of his many interests is Decision Mathematics and logical mathematical frameworks.
Lamine is a strong believer in a well structured academic programme for each of his students and takes a very careful, caring and systematic approach. He coordinates with other maths tutors to help ensure students receive the best education. He organises mathematical and computing competitions for students.
ILONA HARIZI
T.E. Diploma in Accounting and Finance – Bursar
Ilona is responsible for the day-to-day management of student accounts and has overall supervision of students who are taking supplementary tuition. She is also trained in first-aid and responsible for the health and safety provision at 45, Pembroke Street, where she works.
ROWENA FLETCHER-WOOD
CChem PhD MChem (Hons Oxon) – Academic Manager (Science)
Rowena read her Master’s degree in Chemistry at Somerville College, the University of Oxford, specialising in air sensitive superconducting materials. She obtained a First Class honours degree and a Distinction in additional History and Philosophy of Science. She undertook her doctoral studies at the University of Birmingham, and was awarded her PhD for research into environmental materials. An analytical chemist, she is one of a small number of specialists in Mössbauer spectroscopy. Since 2014, Rowena has worked as a research fellow into nuclear waste disposal at the University of Birmingham, Department of Metallurgy and Materials, a teaching fellow in Environmental Science at the University of Reading, and an engagement and evaluation expert at the University of Oxford. Rowena is the Chair of the Environmental Chemistry Group of the Royal Society of Chemistry, executive editor of their biannual Bulletin, and outreach lead. She has been teaching maths and science since 2007, and has worked at Greene’s since 2015.
charlie engelbretson
(BSc) Canterbury Christchurch University
Charlie is the admissions manager for Greene’s. He is responsible for the admissions process from the initial enquiry until the student joins the College, as well as directing enquiries towards the appropriate pathway (full-time A level or GCSE, supplementary, U.S. gap year students, or Academic Support Programmes). Before joining the Greene’s team in December 2022, Charlie worked in independent boarding schools with the responsibilities of managing student accommodation, welfare and student services departments. He also holds a Certificate in International Boarding with the Boarding Schools Association. Charlie is based in 45 Pembroke Street and you can contact him on (+44) (0) 1865 664440 or admissions@greenes.org.uk
Samira yaghoobi
BA English Translation (Tehran Central University)
Samira currently holds the position of college receptionist, where she also oversees facilities management. Her responsibilities include ensuring that the buildings are well-maintained and adhere to health, safety, and security standards. Samira holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Translation from Tehran Central University. One of her initial professional experiences was as a translator for National Geographic Iran magazine. Additionally, Samira is a qualified makeup artist and aesthetician. In her leisure time, Samira enjoys photography, traveling, and cooking.
jane hajny
BSc International Affairs (Florida State University), MA International Education (University of Bath)
Jane Hajny is the Deputy Principal at Greene’s College Oxford. She is responsible for monitoring students’ academic performance, behaviour, attendance, and wellbeing. She is also the Designated Safeguarding Lead at Greene’s and therefore, addresses any student concerns. The Leadership Programme at Greene’s is also one of Jane’s main areas of focus, given her passion for international mindedness and the fostering of young global citizens.
Jane has a BSc in International Affairs from Florida State University and a MA in International Education from the University of Bath, as well as prior experience working for humanitarian organisations and as a Tutor and Education Coordinator in the US, Latin America, and the UK.
