I am passionate about learning. Having qualified in my early careers as a primary teacher, I worked in Greater Manchester where my desire to make a difference to children's education in science flourished. The rewards of a PhD in my early twenties, started my creative journey in research and curriculum development with national organisations such as the Northern Ireland Council Curriculum & Assessment and the Qualifications & Curriculum Authority England.  Primary science education is what I have gained national and international credibility for, publishing and authoring academic and professional publications towards a vision that every child should have experiences that inform their choices and decisions about STEM. My commitment to influencing the influencers means I have provided thought leadership around teacher professional learning and modelled creative and reflective practice. I believe that by fascinating teachers and supporting them to gain confidence in science teaching so they can fascinate those they teach. Long term partnerships with organisations, including The Primary Science Teaching Trust and The Comino Foundation, has resulted in a sustained profile of impact in realising this mission.

In 2014, I founded the Science & Engineering Education Research and Innovation Hub to take my approach across the dynamic and large City of Greater Manchester. This offered challenge and has honed my leadership and management skills and experience. The integration of a unit within large and complex Russell Group University has been invigorating and focused strategy and operations to successfully close the opportunity gap for young people in areas of high economic social disadvantage. The Great Science Share for Schools has created a culture of collaboration across the sector and impacted on over 450K young people.

I am passionate to keep pushing the boundaries of mainstream STEM education, valuing partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering. The relevance and resonance of adopting real-world, project-based learning approaches within the framework of the National Curriculum for England means we are closer to empowering young people to be innovators in curious about improving their world.

I am a people-focused leader modelling a connected leadership style. I am a strategic and creative thinker with excellent interpersonal skills.  I am evidence-informed and evidence-informing, with a proven record in influencing educational practice.

Outside of work, I enjoy the rewards of a large family, a passion for music and nature.