My first foray into science communication was at London's Science Museum in 1991 where I worked as an Explainer in the hands-on galleries, whilst completing my degree in Product Management at South Bank University.
I used my experiences working on Launch Pad to complete my dissertation about the effectiveness of written communication in a hands-on gallery. I found that few people read the labels and as a result helped refine and simplify the gallery interpretation.
By 1993 I was one of the pioneering presenters of live Science Shows using exciting and memorable demonstrations to inspire a generation of children (and adults!). I went on to produce many of the classic shows that you will still see at the Science Museum today.
Moving on within the Education department, I developed the Schools Events service, curriculum linked talks and lectures for all ages. In the mid 1990s I also worked on exhibit development for new hands-on spaces including The Garden, Things and On Air, as well as contributing on a number of temporary exhibitions.
Then, as Interactive Gallery Manager for all five of the Museum's hands-on galleries, I was responsible for the maintenance and development of the exhibits, live science shows and outreach service, and for managing and training the world-renowned Explainer team.
By the time I left the Science Museum in 2000 I had overseen the move of Launch Pad to its new home in the basement (it moved again in 2008) and the redesign, refurbishment and rebuilding of its much-loved exhibits.
My next challenge involved a move north to become Exhibits Manager for the Glasgow Science Centre, managing the development and installation of the 350 hands-on exhibits for this £74m purpose built venue. GSC opened in 2001 after which I also became responsible for the development and touring of the GSC's two travelling exhibitions, visiting science festivals and schools accross Scotland.
On leaving GSC in 2002 I set up Show Me Learning and its sister sites Science Shows and Science Communication, focusing on science communication training and the development and delivery of innovative and exciting science events.
