OVERVIEW
I am an award-winning engagement professional specialising in impact narratives and evaluation. Working across dozens of institutions and subject areas I have improved the reach, profile and impact of research engagement in almost every academic discipline.
I have been involved in public engagement with research for over a decade. I have experience as both a central engagement lead for a research-intensive university and as an independent consultant and trainer.
I'm also a science communicator, delivering interactive shows around the world. I have written a pop sci chemistry book and been featured on TV and radio.
Awards and achievements
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Winner: Outstanding Collaboration award, ARMA
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Shortlisted: Outstanding Support for Early Career Researchers, THE Awards
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One of the “100 Leading Practising Scientists” (The Science Council)
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One of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s “175 Faces of Chemistry”
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Winner: International 3 Minute Thesis, Universitas 21
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Delivered over 250 training workshops
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Over 300,000 video views
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Winner: Scottish Famelab Final. Runner Up: UK Famelab Final
Education
PhD in Chemistry and Electrical Engineering, University of Glasgow
BSc (Hon) in Chemical Physics, University of Glasgow
Engagement Background
During my PhD in Chemistry and Electrical Engineering I would go to the local science centre to host a stall sharing what I did and why. Gradually my skills, along with the audience size, grew. Soon I was delivering self-developed science shows across the UK.
When I finished my PhD, the path was clear and I became the University of Glasgow’s first central engagement lead. In my four years there I helped the institution grow its quality and quality of engagement by investing in researcher development, reward processes and strategic leadership.
Since October 2017 I have been freelance, working to improve the engagement sector across the UK with bespoke training and consultancy.
Appearances
I have spoken live to 100s of thousands or people around the world through science festivals, conferences and events. I have have also appeared on numerous TV shows and Radio.
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Scientists Telling Jokes (BBC4)
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Weird Earth (Weather Channel)
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Katowice Science Festial Poland
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UK Science Festivals: British, Cheltenham, Orkney, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow and more
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Article in Courrier International (French)
Just for fun
I love science fiction and fantasy, especially Star Trek. I've been to lots of conventions and have dabbled in cos play.
I'm a big dance fan and I've taught cuban salsa in Glasgow for 10 years.
I've designed a few enamel pin badges, you can find them here.
I spent too long on twitter, come say hello.
