Our Resident Tutors for 2026-27

We’re delighted to introduce the Resident Tutor team for the 2026–27 academic year. Resident Tutors are an important part of life at St John’s, responding to overnight incidents and emergencies, organising events and helping build our community. This year, George and Leanna join returning Resident Tutors Aurelia and Felipe. We’ve asked each of them to introduce themselves so you can get to know them before the start of term.

Aurelia Eburne

I’m currently working towards a PhD in Garden History with the Centre for Catholic Studies, focusing on devotional space in the early modern period, and having joined the Resident Tutor team in September, I am excited to be continuing the role next academic year! After taking some time out of academia, it has been wonderful living back in the John’s community this year; everybody has been so welcoming and I have really enjoyed getting to know people at college seminars, Resident Tutor events, formals, and over coffee or lunch in the dining hall! Next year, I’m particularly looking forward to the continuing work on Principal’s Walk – the almost secret garden path! – and exploring some of St John’s horticultural heritage.

Felipe Zaráte

I am in my third year of my PhD in Philosophy, specialising in Philosophy of Fiction. I have been a Resident Tutor since July 2024, and I am very excited about the year ahead, especially as St John’s begins to see some of its renovation projects come to fruition. I cannot wait for the opening of the new Banks Hall and to see how this space becomes part of the daily life of the college community. New people will arrive this year, and they will witness how Johns is flourishing with all the changes happening, including the new Chaplain, the (mostly voluntary) work being undertaken on Principal’s Walk, and even our new web page! It feels like a special moment for St John’s, and I am really glad to be part of it.

Lenna Lyons

I am an archaeology PhD student studying ancient Egyptian goldsmiths. I am from West Virginia in the USA, and I came to Durham in 2024 to get my masters in Archaeology. It was then that I joined St John’s College and fell in love with our community. I am excited to join the Resident Tutor team for the 2026-2027 year and to welcome in new students, and old ones, from across the world! I hope to be able to help throw new (and recurring) events with the SJCR, MCR, and CCR. I cannot wait to help foster a safe and caring community with the rest of the John’s team!

George Weston

I’m a third year PhD student in the Department of Biosciences researching prediction models for carbon dioxide binding proteins. Johns is practically a second home to me as I previously completed my undergraduate studies here. I’ve been involved in many different sports teams, societies and events over the years, though you can always find me down the at boathouse most days! I’m really excited to become a Resident Tutor next year and I’m looking forward to continuing to support college life in a new, challenging capacity, particularly overnight!

Looking forward to a fantastic year!