Let's Meet ... Ulriche Prempeh-Tawiah

Tell us a little bit about your current role at Queen Mary

In my current role, I am part of the Digital Learning team, where I support three schools in the Faculty of Science and Engineering: SEMS, SBBS and the Foundation courses. My main responsibility is to ensure that both students and staff have the best possible online teaching and learning experience. This includes overseeing the structure, accessibility and overall quality of QMplus module areas. 

I work to make sure that module pages are clearly organised, easy to navigate and fully accessible, so that students can engage with their learning effectively. I also support staff in using digital tools confidently, helping them create a consistent and well-designed online environment for their teaching.

What did you do before joining this team?

I joined Queen Mary in December 2023. When I first started, I worked in the Education Services team in SBBS. Then, when the restructure took place in September 2025, I realised that I had a set of transferable skills that aligned closely with the Digital Learning team. 

Before joining Queen Mary, I worked at St Mary’s University Twickenham and at Metanoia Institute; a private higher education provider. In both roles I worked extensively with Moodle, and that experience gave me a strong foundation in supporting digital learning environments. 

Because of that background, I felt confident that I could bring relevant experience to a new role. When the restructure happened, I applied for the Digital Learning position, interviewed, and was successful. Before my current role, my work was centred in the Education Services team, but my previous experience with virtual learning environments made the transition possible.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

One of the key parts of my role is ensuring that students have the best possible learning environment. I remember from my own time at university how difficult it could be when virtual learning environments were not well organised or easy to navigate. That experience has stayed with me, and it influences how I approach my work now. 

My aim is to make everything streamlined, consistent and easy for staff and students to use. After the restructure, we noticed that each school had its own way of organising their module pages on QMplus, which meant layouts could vary significantly. This sometimes made it difficult for students to find what they needed. 

What I enjoy most about my role now—especially working across three schools—is ensuring that everything is aligned and consistent. Each module should follow the same structure so that students know exactly where to find information, resources and activities. 

It also makes a big difference to staff. Well-structured and easy-to-use pages online teaching environment enables staff to upload and manage content more effectively, without unnecessary complexity. Improving the experience for staff ultimately improves the experience for students as well.

Are there any interesting projects or activities that you are currently working on?

Now, our team is focusing on streamlining exam procedures across the Science and Engineering faculty. As earlier mentioned, before the restructure each school had its own approach to exams, which created inconsistencies and sometimes made the process difficult for both staff and students. 

Our aim now is to bring all schools in the faculty into one consistent way of working. We are standardising exam processes so that each school follows the same steps. This creates a clearer experience for students and makes operations more efficient for the team. 

One key benefit is flexibility: if any of us needs to cover work for a different school, we can do so easily because the processes are aligned. It reduces confusion, saves time and creates a more joined up service. 

It’s an exciting project because it supports our wider goal of creating streamlined, student-focused systems and workflows.

Outside of QMUL, what are your hobbies and interests?

Outside of work, I’m a big Manchester United fan. I know the team isn’t performing at the level we would have hoped, but I’ve supported them for a long time and still really enjoy following their journey. More broadly, I’m very passionate about sport—football, athletics, golf and boxing. 

Beyond sport, I am also a DJ. I play at parties, weddings and a wide range of events, and I also work as an MC. It’s something I enjoy because it allows me to be creative and connect with people in a different way. 

I also run a charity in Ghana, which supports underprivileged children and children with disabilities. It’s a project that is very close to my heart, and we are continuing to develop our work in this area. Over the past seven years, we have reached out supported over 2000 underprivileged children and children with disabilities. 
(https://www.instagram.com/golden.eaglesfoundation)  

In addition to that, I have a clothing line (www.prempehofficial.com). Its aim is to fuse African culture and heritage with modern streetwear, creating designs that celebrate identity while appealing to contemporary fashion trends. 

Quick‑Fire Questions

Song that boosts your productivity?

I have many songs that I love, so it’s always difficult to choose just one. But as a Christian, a song that really resonates with me is Peace by Lionel Peterson. Whenever I’m feeling low or going through a difficult moment, that song lifts me up. It helps me reset, encourages me and gets me going again. It’s one I always return to.

Dream holiday destination?

Bora Bora.

Preferred way to learn: video, podcast, article, or hands‑on?

I’d say I’m a bit of everything when it comes to learning or problem solving—I like to combine different approaches. But if I’m honest, I tend to try the hands-on approach first, especially with anything related to DIY. I’ll try it myself, test things out and figure it out practically. If I get stuck, that’s when I go back to the manual or instructions. I start independently and seek guidance when I need it.

A skill you’d love to learn next?

I’ve always wanted to learn to play either the saxophone or the guitar. They’re both instruments I really admire, and I’d love to learn properly. So, if anyone out there can teach me, I’d be interested. 

Book, podcast or YouTube channel you’d recommend?

Aside from the Bible, the book I would recommend is How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. It was incredibly helpful for me. It supported me in building my confidence and improving the way I approach and speak to people. 
When I was younger, I was quite shy but reading that book helped me develop my communication skills and feel more comfortable engaging with others. It’s had a lasting impact, and it’s a book I would recommend. 

Final comments 

Thank you, Ulriche, for taking part in this month’s edition of Let’s Meet. It was interesting, inspiring and genuinely lovely to speak with you.