Meet the Team

The core work of the project was carried out by the SAMHE team, led by Dr Henry Burridge and Professor Sarah West. It was supported by Steering Committee and Executive Board members, and an Engagement Panel of key stakeholders, who helped to shape the project's engagement and dissemination activities.


SAMHE Team

Henry Burridge

Project lead, Web App and data analysis development


Institution:

Imperial College London


Job Title:

Senior Lecturer in Fluid Mechanics

School Subjects:

Maths, Further Maths, Additonal Further Maths & Design Technology


What I studied at University:

Mechanical Engineering


What advice would I give?:

Learn to love your inner geek - science and maths helps to shape the world around us; if you happen to be good at these subjects be proud and enjoy it! Lastly, never be afraid to spend time doing something that you are not sure where or what it might lead to - these can be the most enjoyable avenues to explore...

Paul Linden

Principal Investigator


Institution:

University of Cambridge


Job Title:

Professor of Mathematics

School Subjects:

Maths, Physics, Chemistry


What I studied at University:

Mathematics


What advice would I give?:

Follow your dream

Sarah West

Leading schools engagement


Institution:

Stockholm Environment Institute, University of York


Job Title:

Director and Senior Research Fellow

School Subjects:

Geography, Biology, Maths, Chemistry


What I studied at University:

Geography (Physical and Human) (BA), Biodiversity and Conservation (MSc) and then Environmental Education (PhD)


What advice would I give?:

A 'portfolio career' is a thing - do what you love doing, take opportunities that excite you as they come up and don't worry too much about where you are heading. If you do take this advice though, practice saying No a lot - people will see your enthusiasm and ask you to do lots of things, say No to things you aren't that interested in or don't have time to do.

Lucy Way

Project Coordinator


Institution:

Stockholm Environment Institute, University of York


Job Title:

Project Coordinator

School Subjects:

English, French, History, Economics


What I studied at University:

BA Open Degree (Law, Environmental Policy, Sustainable Development)


Victoria Beale

Communications lead


Institution:

Stockholm Environment Institute, University of York


Job Title:

Communications Specialist

School Subjects:

Maths, Further Maths, Biology & Chemistry


What I studied at University:

Natural Sciences and then Wildlife Management


What advice would I give?:

You don't have to choose a career path and stick to it! I have worked as an ornithologist, environmental expert for churches, research network facilitator, ethics administrator... I picked up lots of transferable skills and am currently enjoying working in communications. What next? Who knows!

Rhys Archer

Citizen Science researcher/ Resources for Schools


Institution:

Stockholm Environment Institute, University of York


Job Title:

Research Fellow

School Subjects:

Maths, Physics, Textiles, English Literature


What I studied at University:

Materials Science and Engineering


What advice would I give?:

Don't ignore your side hustle, there are always ways to combine your day job and side hustle to do what suits your interests and skills

Sam Bland

Web App and data analysis development


Institution:

Stockholm Environment Institute, University of York


Job Title:

Software Developer

School Subjects:

Maths, Physics, Fine Art


What I studied at University:

Architecture & Urban Modelling


What advice would I give?:

Get stuck into open source projects as this is the easiest and most rewarding way to gain useful software experience. Also time to explore all your interests before focusing solely on coding.

Mike Simmons

Software Developer


Job Title:

Software Developer

Joshua Finneran

Web App and data analysis development


Institution:

University of Cambridge


Job Title:

Research Associate

School Subjects:

Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry


What I studied at University:

Mechanical Engineering


Samuel Wood

Web App and data analysis development


Institution:

Imperial College London


Job Title:

Research Associate

School Subjects:

Chemistry, biology, maths and english


What I studied at University:

Chemical engineering, and Mechanical engineering for my Phd


Carolanne Vouriot

Web App and data analysis tool development


Institution:

University of Sheffield


Job Title:

Lecturer in Building Physics

School Subjects:

Everything from Maths and Physics to Philosophy and French literature (I went to school in France!)


What I studied at University:

Aeronautical Engineering


What advice would I give?:

There's many 'perfect' jobs out there for you. If something doesn't work out, it doesn't mean that you'll never be able to find a career that you enjoy.


Institution:

Visiting researcher at the University of Leeds


Job Title:

Research Associate

School Subjects:

Everything (I went to a Colombian school)


What I studied at University:

Civil Engineering (BEng), and then Water, Sanitation and Health Engineering (MSc)


What advice would I give?:

To not be afraid of learning new things that interest you, even when they may not seem useful at the moment. Each one of us has a unique set of skills and every one of them will be useful in one way or another!

Dale Weston

Behavioural science


Institution:

UKHSA


Job Title:

Principal Behavioural Scientist

School Subjects:

Psychology, Sociology, English Literature, Business Studies


What I studied at University:

Psychology and Criminology


What advice would I give?:

Take time to explore all of psychology - it's such a broad and varied topic and can lead to so many different career opportunities. You don't necessarily need to be wedded to your choices in psychology at university - do what you think looks interesting and exciting and job opportunities will come!

Natalie Williams

Behavioural science


Institution:

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)


Job Title:

Research Fellow

School Subjects:

English, Maths, Chemistry, Psychology, Drama studies


What I studied at University:

Psychology BSc, Mental health and wellbeing MSc and a PhD in Hearing and quality of life


Holly Carter

Behavioural science


Institution:

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)


Job Title:

Research Fellow

Douglas Wang

Software developer


Institution:

Stockholm Environment Institute, University of York


Job Title:

Software developer

School Subjects:

Information Technology


Roderic Jones

Sensor network development and data analysis


Institution:

University of Cambridge


Job Title:

Professor of Atmospheric Science

Prashant Kumar

Insights from in-school deep-dive investigations, intervention case studies and data analysis


Institution:

University of Surrey


Job Title:

Associate Dean (International), Professor and Chair in Air Quality and Health; Founding Director, Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE)

School Subjects:

Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Science


What I studied at University:

Environmental Engineering (Air Pollution Modelling)


Lia Chatzidiakou

Measurements and analysis


Institution:

University of Cambridge


Job Title:

Research Associate

School Subjects:

Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Philosophy, Fine Art


What I studied at University:

Architectural Engineering (BSc, MSc) and Environmental Engineering (MSc), Indoor Air Quality (PhD)


Nidhi Rawat

Deep-dive school interventions


Institution:

University of Surrey

Ana Paula Mendis Emygdio

Lab and field experimental support


Institution:

University of Surrey

Mark Winterbottom

Chair of the Engagement Panel


Institution:

Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge


Job Title:

Professor of Education

School Subjects:

Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths


What I studied at University:

Biological Sciences


What advice would I give?:

Study the subject you enjoy at University, and then study for a PGCE in that subject before you become a teacher.

Hannah Edwards

Project administration


Institution:

University of Cambridge


Job Title:

Air Pollution Project Administrator

School Subjects:

Politics


What I studied at University:

International Development


Kat Roberts

Project administration


Institution:

Imperial College London/University of Cambridge


Job Title:

Research Associate

School Subjects:

Geography, Maths, Chemistry


What I studied at University:

Environmental Science


What advice would I give?:

I have always been interested in the environment but didn't specifically know what are I wanted to study after school. My A-levels didn't go as well as I'd hoped but I was very lucky to be accepted onto a course at the University of Leeds which opened up many doors to me. I would say making connections wherever you can is sometimes an important step in finding a career you love and study hard to get the qualifications you need. Sign up to as many of the professional networks out there to broaden your knowledge and keep up to date with the latest news.

Elizabeth Carper

Facilitating Schools Engagement


Institution:

Stockholm Environment Institute, University of York


Job Title:

Project Administrator

School Subjects:

Environmental Science and Policy, Geography, Human Geography


What I studied at University:

Environmental Science and Policy


What advice would I give?:

Find something you're passionate about and keep at it. We need passionate people in this field! And always keep learning

Sarkawt Hama

Deep-dive school interventions and data analysis


Institution:

University of Surrey


Job Title:

Research fellow

School Subjects:

Air pollution


What I studied at University:

Chemistry/Environmental chemistry


Alice Handy

Web App, data analysis development and champions work


Institution:

Imperial College London


Job Title:

Research fellow

School Subjects:

Maths, Physics, Geography, Chemistry


What I studied at University:

Engineering - a mix of fluid mechanics and environmental engineering


What advice would I give?:

Give things a go! Often the most enjoyable and interesting projects are the ones you least expect.



Steering Committee and Executive Board members

Ben Barratt

Chair of the Executive Board


Institution:

Imperial College London


Job Title:

Reader in Environmental Exposures and Public Health

School Subjects:

Maths, Physics, Chemistry


What I studied at University:

Physics and Meteorology (I wanted to be a weatherman, but the Met Office didn't agree!)


Christopher Pain

Executive Board


Institution:

Imperial College London


Job Title:

Professor of Engineering

Marco-Felipe King

Executive Board


Institution:

University of Leeds


Job Title:

Research Fellow

Mark Mon-Williams

Executive Board


Institution:

University of Leeds; Wolfson Centre of Applied Education Research


Job Title:

Professor of Psychology

Cath Noakes

Steering Committee


Institution:

University of Leeds


Job Title:

Professor of Environmental Engineering for Buildings

School Subjects:

Physics, Maths, Chemistry & Music. I never studied biology (even at GCSE) which is ironic as most of my research focuses on engineering control of infection!


What I studied at University:

Mathematical Engineering (which is Mechanical Engineering with a bit of extra maths). I did my PhD in computational fluid dynamics modelling industrial coating processes.


What advice would I give?:

Be open to opportunities and ideas, and listen to the perspectives of different people. I went into engineering thinking that I would end up working in a mechanical engineering design role in industry. But a chance opportunity to work on a project on using UV light to disinfect microorganisms in air got me working in a totally new area and interacting with people from lots of different disciplines. I really enjoy working on problems that need input from a range of different perspectives and it makes me think about my own expertise in a different way.

Heather King

Steering Committee


Institution:

Kings College London


Job Title:

Professor in Science Education

School Subjects:

Biology, Chemistry, Geography


What I studied at University:

Human Sciences, and then Science Communication


Katie Daniel

Steering Committee


Institution:

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)


Job Title:

Deputy Director, Partnerships

School Subjects:

Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics


What I studied at University:

Chemistry


What advice would I give?:

Working at UKRI, and the constituent Councils, is perfect for anyone who loves science but wants to move away from undertaking research themselves.  You can continue to learn about really exciting research and make the case for funding new research programmes.  My only advice would be to do what you love and gain qualifications in those fields, then apply to work at UKRI!  As we cover everything from arts and humanities, through to engineering and physical sciences, as well as working with business, there are many opportunities to contribute to making the UK a great place to do science.

Mariam Orme

Steering Committee


Institution:

Department for Education


Job Title:

Head of Science Team

School Subjects:

Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics


What I studied at University:

Natural sciences, focusing on Molecular Biology


What advice would I give?:

Don’t ever worry that you have to choose a single career path and stick to it for the rest of your life: it’s never too late to change careers! And if you decide to join the Civil Service, it gives great opportunities to experience lots of different areas of work.

Owen Connick

Steering Committee


Institution:

Carrier Corporation


Job Title:

Strategic Leader, Building Sustainability

Pia Hardelid

Steering Committee


Institution:

University College London


Job Title:

Associate Professor

Sani Dimitroulopoulou

Steering Committee


Institution:

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)


Job Title:

Principal Environmental Public Health Scientist – Indoor Environments

Verity Cook

Steering Committee


Institution:

Department for Education


Job Title:

Scientific Evidence Advisor

What I studied at University:

Biological Sciences (BSc) and then Molecular Haematology (PhD)


What advice would I give?:

I worked in industry in pharmaceutical development before coming to work in the government. Academia, Industry and Government have very different routes of entry, progression, and opportunities. The civil service offers great training and support for those interested in a career in the civil service.



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