Meet the people who make up STEM Faculty.
I am the Public Engagement Manager for AstrobiologyOU at The Open University, with over 14 years' experience in science communication, education and public engagement.
My work focuses on making interdisciplinary astrobiology research accessible and engaging to a wide range of audiences. I lead and support communications and public engagement across AstrobiologyOU, working with researchers from planetary science, microbiology and other STEM disciplines alongside colleagues in law, governance, ethics and the social sciences.
My role spans strategic communications, research communications, social media, digital content, brand management, events and public engagement activities. I work with researchers to communicate their work to non-specialist audiences and support the development and delivery of engagement around externally funded research projects, including work funded by UKRI, the UK Space Agency and ESA.
I develop and deliver activities ranging from school engagement and science festivals to public talks, conferences, digital resources and large-scale events. I also work with external organisations including schools, museums, professional bodies, industry, academic institutions and space-sector partners.
Alongside delivering engagement directly, a key part of my role is supporting researchers to develop their own engagement and communication skills and helping to embed public engagement within research activity.
Before joining The Open University, I worked for the Field Studies Council, teaching students from primary to undergraduate level in classroom and field environments. That experience continues to inform my approach to creating accessible, audience-centred science engagement.
