Rate My Professor Sophie Pieters

Sophie Pieters is the Operations Officer at the Institute of Global Health Innovation (IGHI) at Imperial College London, affiliated with the School of Medicine. In this role, she leads the Julia Anderson Training Programme, which provides paid work experience to individuals with no or limited prior employment history, helping them build skills and access careers in global health and STEM fields. She has overseen multiple cohorts, supporting trainees in contributing to IGHI projects and overcoming barriers to professional opportunities. Pieters has also driven outreach efforts, co-applying for the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Seed Fund to organize the inaugural IGHI Global Health Summer School held from 5th to 9th August 2024 on the South Kensington campus. Targeting sixth-form students over 18 from non-fee-paying London state schools, with priority for those with caring responsibilities or declared disabilities, the week-long event received 41 applications and selected 20 participants (18 from ethnic minorities, including primary and secondary carers). Activities included workshops, a group project on global health topics presented in a 'Dragons' Den' format, guest speaker talks, networking sessions, career skills training, and a visit to the Science Museum. Outcomes included positive feedback on skill development and new connections, with 9 participants inquiring about work or volunteering at IGHI, 2 applying for Julia Anderson Training Programme roles, and 3 requesting further information on internships.