Inverness College UHI lecturer named Scotland’s most dedicated ambassador for STEM

An Inverness College UHI lecturer has been named Scotland’s most dedicated ambassador for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at the Scottish STEMNET Awards, hosted at the Scottish Parliament.

Inverness College UHI’s Dr Elizabeth Barron, from Nairn, was honoured at the event by Angela Constance MSP, Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning, for her commitment to enabling young people to access exciting STEM activities. Chaired by STEM Ambassador Heather Reid OBE, formerly BBC Scotland weather presenter, the event celebrates the dedication of individual Ambassadors, employers and teachers who enrich the curriculum for students.

Elizabeth, one of almost 500 STEM ambassadors in the Highlands and Islands, has consistently demonstrated her dedication to informing young people about the vast range of STEM careers available. Over the years she has delivered a number of career awareness sessions in local schools and currently mentors three school pupils in the local area, runs study skills sessions and delivers various evening STEMinars for local youngsters.

One of her biggest achievements to date has been her involvement in the Inverness Monster Science Festival (www.monsterfest.co.uk) which she founded last year. The event proved so successful that it will be run once again from June 10-19 this year, with a full programme for schools and the general public, encompassing big-name speakers, as well as a range of hands-on activities designed to bring science to life.

Elizabeth, who has been a science lecturer at Inverness College UHI for eight years, completed her PhD this year and is expecting her baby later in 2011, commented: “I got involved in the STEM Ambassadors project through Janice Wallace and the Bridge to Employment Programme and I have thoroughly enjoyed being involved in it.

“Science is a fun subject and those who work in the industry relish the opportunity to pass that on, particularly to young people. I think it is important to allow young people to hear and see how you can progress into a career in science and, indeed, any of the STEM subjects, and the STEM project allows us to give them a realistic impression of what to expect.”

Managed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) under the banner of STEM North of Scotland, the initiative aims to increase the number of young people taking qualifications in the subject, ensuring a skilled workforce for the region’s key sectors including life sciences, energy and food and drink.

STEM Ambassadors are a free resource to all UK schools and come from a wide variety of STEM-related backgrounds representing careers at all levels. They offer their time, enthusiasm and expertise to help schools inspire young people. Their job roles include marine biologists, mathematicians, engineering apprentices, medical physicists and industrial chemists.

For further information on all courses available at Inverness College UHI please call 01463 273000 or visit www.inverness.uhi.ac.uk.