Who's Who

Master, Professor Ann MacLarnon, MA, PhD

Tel: +44 (0)191 334 2611 or Email: ann.m.maclarnon@durham.ac.uk.

Ann MacLarnon became Master of Hatfield College in September 2017, as well as Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology in the Anthropology Department at Durham. As Master, Ann is responsible for leading all aspects of college life, including ensuring an excellent student experience and academic engagement. Ann grew up in Leicestershire and went to Newnham College, Cambridge University, where, after one year studying Natural Sciences (Physical), she switched to Physical Anthropology (now known as Biological Anthropology) for the second and third years of her BA. Following this, Ann went to University College London, where she worked as a research assistant in the Anthropology Department, whilst studying for a PhD part-time. After a couple of years teaching at UCL, Ann moved to Roehampton University in London where she worked from 1989-2017, holding various roles, including Head of the School of Life Sciences, Head of the Graduate School and Deputy Provost Research, becoming Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology in 2003. Ann's research interests include physiological adaptations of primates and the evolution of human speech. She is active in her subject nationally including serving a period as President of the Primate Society of Great Britain, and two periods on the Anthropology panel for national assessments of research in UK universities (RAE and REF). She is currently Vice President (Biological) for the Royal Anthropological Institute. Aside from academic interests, Ann is a keen amateur violinist.  

Vice Master, James Armitage, BSc, MSc, PGCE, PhD

Tel: +44 (0)191 334 2636 or Email: hatfield.vicemaster@durham.ac.uk

James Armitage joined Hatfield College in June 2021 as Vice Master. James is responsible for Wider Student Experience, discipline, and the college mentor system, as well as contributing to student support. James originally studied Mathematics at Durham (St John’s College) before qualifying as a Maths teacher and working in a variety of schools and colleges around the North East, undertaking both pastoral and curricular management roles alongside contributing to a wide range of extra-curricular enterprises. Whilst an undergraduate, he represented Durham University at Cross-Country and Athletics as well as being a violinist in DUOS, and he still tries to keep up with both of these pursuits when time allows. More recently, James has been carrying out part-time doctoral research in music cognition at Durham, studying how psychoacoustic and emotional properties of music influence language perception.

 Assistant Master, Nic Kendall, BSc (Hons), MSc

Tel: +44 (0)191 334 2642 or Email: hatfield.asstmaster@durham.ac.uk

Nic joined Hatfield as Assistant Master in June 2024.

She has had a wide variety of roles including as Service Manager within learning disabilities services, as Adult Day Services Manager at the Percy Hedley Foundation and in a regional advocacy organisation. Her experience has been in local authority provision, the voluntary sector and within a specialist college.  Nic retrained in her mid-30’s and worked for over 11 years in primary care mental health services and so she brings a good understanding of health and wellbeing needs and ways to promote good mental health to the role. Before her PhD, Nic led a community dementia project at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham, where she wrote two books about dementia care.

Nic was recently a Durham University student for her PhD research, working on ways to improve dementia care and is now writing up that research.  She also mentored undergraduates for her college. Nic is passionate about equality, fairness and enabling students, both to fulfil their personal potential and to make a difference in their community.

Nic has a broad range of interests including mindfulness practice, travel, writing, gardening and enjoying complementary therapies. She is keen to see the students engaged in activities such as sport, volunteering, the arts, and campaigning to ensure their time at Durham is positive and enjoyable. Most of all, Nic is a Durham lass, born and bred and takes pride in welcoming students to her home city.

Chaplain, Julia Candy, BA, PhD

Tel: +44 (0)191 334 2636 or Email: hatfield.chaplain@durham.ac.uk

Julia Candy joined Hatfield College in January 2022 as Chaplain to Hatfield College and St Cuthbert’s Society. As Chaplain Julia’s role involves providing pastoral, spiritual and religious support for all Hatfield students and staff, regardless of whether they have a faith commitment or not.  Julia also leads services in Hatfield Chapel working alongside the chapel choir. Julia grew up in the North East of England and went to King’s College, Cambridge where she studied Psychology. Following this, Julia studied for a PhD in Psychology at Queen’s University of Belfast, exploring the impact political conflict and socio-economic status has upon children’s development of national identity and sectarian attitudes. After a couple of years teaching and researching at QUB, Durham University and Teesside University, Julia began training in the Church of England for Ordination to the Priesthood. During her training she studied Theology and Religious Studies at Jesus College, Cambridge. Julia was ordained in Durham Cathedral in 2010 and served her curacy in Durham. Subsequently Julia worked in London as a parish priest in Hendon and Cricklewood, and as a hospital chaplain at University College Chaplain. 

College Staff