I joined the Oxford Trust in September 2019, as Science Oxford Centre Officer, just as the new Science Oxford Centre was officially opening to schools and families. I am now the Centre Operations Manager. Since 2019, I have been involved in coordinating the activities, logistics and delivery of both our school and family programmes at the Centre. During the week, I design and deliver shows, workshops and outdoor activities for schools, primarily for children between the ages of 3 and 11 from across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire (and maybe even further afield!). I also ensure teachers are fully supported before, during and after their visit to make sure they get the most out of their trip. On the weekends, I manage and deliver our Family Days at the Centre, with regular Saturday openings, as well as additional half-term and holiday activities. I also have an interest in making science learning both accessible and equitable for all, so I also coordinate visits for local groups with additional and/or sensory needs at the Centre.

This year, I hope to work on making our Centre more accessible and welcoming for children, families and schools with additional needs. Over the last two years, I have led a project with visually-impaired families and autistic children, and it would be great to continue these relationships and to engage with these families and children even further. This year, I am particularly interested in working with Special Schools to enable accessible visits to our Centre by schools that may require additional support.

The most rewarding aspect of my job is seeing the ‘lightbulb moments’ and the enjoyment of children and adults who visit us. Being able to spark an interest and curiosity in science at an early age is truly a wonderful thing to be part of. I am also very honoured to work in such a varied and experienced team – many of the team have worked as primary and secondary school teachers, in other science centres, industry, research and more. I love learning as much as I can from all of them! Finally, I also enjoy that we use and share evidence-based practices, such as ‘Thinking, Doing, Talking Science’. Having come from a research background, I think it’s important to be able to evaluate and clearly present the impact of what you do.

Before I joined Science Oxford, I obtained an MBiolSci degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology and a PhD in Infectious Medicine, both from the University of Sheffield. During my stint in research, I continually sought out science engagement activities, such as Pint of Science and PubhD, many of which are opportunities that have guided me to where I am now. After finishing in the lab, I worked at the Cambridge Science Centre as a Science Communicator and Events Coordinator. In this role, I toured schools of East Anglia as part of their outreach programme and organised events for family and adult audiences. I absolutely loved working in the informal learning sector, so when I saw the chance to join Science Oxford at such an exciting time in the development of the organisation, I just couldn’t resist.

Outside of work, I like to keep fit and I play badminton at a competitive club in Towcester, but I offset this exercise by baking (and eating the produce) whenever I get the chance. My partner and I are also keen board gamers, and we revel in the chances we still get to enjoy fancy dress!