With a specialism in STEM engagement, education and research, Fran Long joined the Faraday Institution as Education and Training Co-ordinator earlier this month. Read more about her approach and the initiatives she is leading.
My background is as a specialist science teacher; I am a Fellow of the Primary Science Teaching Trust and a Primary Science Teacher Award holder, with an award endorsed by the Institute of Physics. With this background I have actively and widely promoted science and engineering, looking extensively at ways to inspire future generations to see STEM careers as an exciting, rewarding and viable option.
I have researched the impact of a pioneering monthly STEM assembly series in school that brought in scientists and engineers to share insights of their working life and have interviewed 35 engineers about their “engineering habits of mind” (EHoM) and the inspiration behind their careers. These experiences have allowed me to gain insight into key ways to build science capital and raise aspirations.
I am always keen to find creative ways to present opportunities to a wide range of audiences. I have ambitious plans to promote the goals of the Faraday Institution through a range of initiatives that will help to develop the next generation of scientists and engineers to work on advancing battery technology.
It has been a pleasure to welcome the new Faraday PhD Cluster students. We will work in collaboration to offer an exciting enrichment programme that will enhance knowledge, skills, aspirations and real-world experience to equip this rising pool of talent to make a difference in tackling the challenges we face in this sector.
As an experienced trainer and writer of educational continuing professional development courses I am looking forward to facilitating STEM Ambassador training for our students as well as having a presence at key events such as the Big Bang Fair at the NEC in 2019. Follow news about our outreach programmes on twitter (@FaradayInst).
I look forward to all that lies ahead and am pleased to be a part of the dynamic Faraday Institution team.
Finally, a reminder: The Faraday Institution will fund 15 PhD studentships in 2019. The scheme offers an enhanced stipend for students, along with UK fees and a generous incidentals budget for travel, training and consumables. Interested in applying for funding? A reminder that applications for topics need to be submitted by October 31st 2018. Click here for more details and speak with your project lead.
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