On Monday we’re faced with the daunting task of selecting 30 scientists out of over 200, to take part in the March 2011 event. Whilst looking through the list of scientists this morning I was struck by how many volcanologists have registered, given my background in Geography and Natural Hazards. I also realised that I’ve been working here at I’m a Scientist for a whole month now and, despite regular reminders from Shane, I still haven’t introduced myself.

So, here goes! I’m Rosie and I’ve joined the team as ‘Project Executive’ so I’m dealing with the day-to-day running and admin of I’m a Scientist. Sophia is still producing I’m a Scientist but she’s now working part-time, giving her time to get involved with other exciting projects. I’ll be taking over as the main point of contact for the event, so you’ll be hearing a lot more from me! Sophia and I will both be keeping you updated through the I’m a Scientist twitter account, and to distinguish who’s who I’ll be ending all my tweets with RS. Sophia will continue tweeting as normal from @imascientist, with the luxury of not losing any precious characters through signing her initials at the end!

Santiaguito volcano erupting

I’m fresh out of university, having studied the Science of Natural Hazards at Bristol following a BSc in Geography at Durham. As part of my degree I went on a fieldtrip to Guatemala to see how local residents adapt to the volcanoes, earthquakes and landslides that disrupt their everyday lives. This time last year I watched Santiaguito volcano erupt at sunrise from Santa Maria volcano above,  toasted marshmallows on lava flows off Pacaya volcano, and visited the sobering site of the Panabaj mudslide that killed hundreds of villagers in 2005.

Bristol 'Doors Open' 2010

Back in Bristol I was really excited by science communication and public engagement so started volunteering at events such as Bristol ‘Discover’ Science and Bristol Festival of Nature. To give you some idea of what gets me excited, think back to mid-August 2010. Instead of being (sensibly) sat at my desk frantically writing up my dissertation I was standing in the middle of Ashton Court Estate making boats out of tin foil with kids. This was the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta and I was science busking with @Bristol Science Centre. Despite our modest stall being beside a giant purple Milka truck (complete with inflatable Milka cow and free chocolate!), children would repeatedly return to the @Bristol stand to experiment and compete to see whose ‘stomp rocket’ would travel the furthest. Being more popular than chocolate has never seemed cooler.

Since joining I’m a Scientist I’ve embarked on a steep learning curve. I’ve selected teachers for the March event, discussed evaluating the event, updated the Teacher Pack and our website and made many cups of tea. I can’t wait for March so I can experience the excitement of I’m a Scientist that I’ve heard so much about. See you there!