As a volunteer STEM Ambassador, Fiona Travers is part of a nationwide project bringing STEM subjects to life for young people in classrooms and communities.

But while she studied science at university, and her day job is science-related, she wouldn’t necessarily consider herself to be a “real scientist”. Fiona says, “When I was asked to be part of [101 Jobs], a familiar little voice inside my head shouted, ‘You’re not a real scientist, why would they want to speak to you?’”

Taking part in 101 Jobs That Changed the World, an activity on the I’m a Scientist website, changed her perspective. 

In a recent blog post for the STEM Ambassador Hub, Fiona explains how taking part helped her realise that “I can be a role model for [school students]. We need to celebrate the ‘non-scientists of science’.”

As a Senior Public Engagement Officer at the UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Fiona counts herself among these ‘non-scientists’. Fiona explains: “The smiling receptionist who welcomes you every day, the cleaner who has been and gone before you arrive at your desk, the admin assistant who makes sure everything runs like clockwork. [We] are all part of science, and it couldn’t happen without them.”

This is corroborated by the feedback we receive from teachers: when taking part in I’m a Scientist, students learn more about the different careers and pathways available with STEM. All of this contributes towards supporting a students’ science capital, and helping them to see STEM as something ‘for them’.

Fiona’s first experience of I’m a Scientist was ultimately a rewarding one. Fiona says, “I would recommend it to everyone, as you might also learn something about yourself along the way!”

Read the full blog post on the STEM Ambassador Hub website ❯