Deborah Peat

Deborah is acting Assistant Director Widening Access and Success Services (WASS). This means she is responsible for the department supporting disabled students, students in prisons and secure units; and students attending residential schools. WASS are at the heart of the OU’s mission to be open to ‘people, places, methods and ideas’, and this is something that Deborah is passionate about.
She says the best part about working at the OU, and especially in WASS, is the chance to meet so many inspirational students. Deborah holds a degree in biochemistry and a PhD in cell and molecular biology, and is also an Associate Lecturer on a Level One science module. This, along with working at residential schools each year, not only gives her a great deal of pleasure but also vital experience to get back into her ‘day job’. When not working Deborah is a keen rugby union fan and Wasps season ticket holder and enjoys rambling and gardening.

"I love working at the OU because colleagues across the university share this passion for the mission and work with us to increase participation of non traditional students and where necessary to provide the appropriate adjustments required to help students succeed."