What inspires you or enthuses you about your work, and / or about STEM?
For my own STEM activities, I gain inspiration from a number of sources. Never underestimate experiencing how other ambassadors go about their craft; seeing how they breakdown and demonstrate the fundamental and often complex aspects of our universe. Other inspiration comes to me from the vast history we have available to draw on. I love how simple the early forays into experimentation were conducted, often from the romantic period and that of the enlightenment. It often makes me wonder why it took us so long to grasp these elegant and beautiful fundamental principles as I demonstrate their simplicity.
Why did you decide to become an Ambassador?
I became an ambassador for two real reasons. Firstly, it is easier to work alongside a huge network of like-minded people who understand the importance of the work they do.
Secondly, it is about the opportunity pupils have to experience science for themselves. I feel fortunate in how my pathway has unfolded and it all starts with something simple that made me go ‘wow’ but I never thought I would get to experience the things I have done in my career. If someone had come into my school and said, “I’m going to show you something cool” then my life might have taken a different path. If I could be an inspiration to one mind then who could want more?