TechFest has appointed Aberdeen University PhD graduates to deliver its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) programmes across the North-east, as it prepares for the 25th anniversary of the popular TechFest festival.
The charity recently relocated to the University of Aberdeen campus in Old Aberdeen and is based at the Butchart Recreation Centre on University Road.
Through its annual festival in September and a year-round programme of science engagement events, TechFest engages young people in STEM subjects and encourages them to follow a career which utilises these skills.
Newly appointed Martha Gavan (27) who completed her PhD in conservation genetics at the University of Aberdeen and Roseanne Miller (34), who also graduated from the university and has a PhD in evolutionary biology, will share the role of STEM lead.
They will be supported by Laura McHardie (34), who will continue to study for her PhD in paleoecology while taking on the full-time position of STEM co-ordinator.
Alies Bartelds, acting managing director of TechFest, said: “It’s a real coup for us to recruit these three new team members who each bring such a diverse knowledge, expertise and passion for STEM, making them perfect ambassadors for TechFest.
“Martha, Roseanne and Laura will play a vital role in creating and delivering the materials we use to inspire, educate and inform young people and the wider community about STEM, and they join us at an exciting time as we prepare for our 25th festival.
“I look forward to sharing some of their ideas shortly when we launch the 2018 TechFest programme, and would like to congratulate each of them on their new roles at the charity.”
Dr Jen Scott from the University of Aberdeen’s Public Engagement with Research Unit said: “The University is proud to be a supporter of TechFest and the important role it plays in encouraging young people to get excited about activities related to STEM subjects.
“Our academic community has always played a key role in supporting the charity and so it is great to see Martha, Roseanne and Laura joining their team as ambassadors where I’m sure they will bring new ideas and innovation.”
TechFest’s 2018 Activity Weekend will run from, August 25-26, the Early Years and Primary Programme takes place from, August 27 - 31, with the Public Programme running from, September 8-22.
For more information, visit www.techfest.org.uk
