I have been working at the Science Oxford Centre since August 2021, leading thought-provoking workshops, delivering exciting shows and facilitating the use of our interactive exhibits. I arrange school visits to the centre, run family days on Saturdays, and manage bespoke events for primary school-aged children and their families. I serve as a point of contact for any visitors to the centre, and I am always learning new and interesting ways to experiment and think scientifically, from even our youngest guests.

This year, we have continued to make new adaptations to the ever-popular Water Lab, and have developed a workshop for school groups that makes use of this wet and wonderful exhibit. Perhaps even more exciting is the new Planetarium show we have developed for early years and KS1 school groups, taking our youngest visitors on a whistle-stop tour of the solar system. It’s the experience I wish I could have had as a child, because I have been obsessed with Space since I first learned about the Moon.

I find working at the Science Oxford Centre incredibly rewarding because the ethos of Thinking, Doing, Talking Science is embedded in everything we do, and this approach really encourages children to have a go themselves, to consider new perspectives, and to share their discoveries with others. The centre provides a safe space for everyone to experiment, explore and innovate. Science is for everyone. There are misconceptions surrounding that, so it deserves repeating. Science is for everyone. Enabling the next generation to take ownership of the skills and knowledge so vital for scientific development – helping them realise that it belongs to them – is a privilege. Seeing young people find the scientist within themselves is the most rewarding part of my day, every day.

Although originally from Derbyshire, I also spent time living in Cornwall and London before moving to Oxford. In 2010, I graduated from University of Exeter with a BA (Hons) in English and, in 2021, I attained a PCGE with QTS from Oxford Brookes University. In the decade between my studies, I have acquired a variety of experiences: volunteering to help build a school in Ghana, leading Front of House theatre teams on the West End and filming a supermarket Christmas advert at Pinewood Studios. I’ve worked in an actual chocolate factory, been a Game Guru at a board game café, a Teaching Assistant in a primary school and so much more besides. Many of my experiences have inadvertently prepared me for my role here, even though they may not appear particularly scientific on the surface. It is never too late to rediscover your inner scientist – nor is it ever too early to find them in the first place.

Outside of work, I like to socialise by playing board games, video games and Dungeons and Dragons with my partner, friends and family. I am enthralled by all things theatrical and love musicals, plays and visits to the Globe. I also enjoy comedy nights, concerts and gigs, especially improv, classical and folk-rock-pop-punk. I keep active by cycling and hiking, and I am always looking forward to my next skiing holiday.