Meet the team

Vaishnavi is a third-year History and Philosophy of Science student at University College London. She has a keen interest in Science Communication and Public Engagement since her first-year. She has explored the many theoretical aspects of science co

Vaishnavi is a third-year History and Philosophy of Science student at University College London. She has a keen interest in Science Communication and Public Engagement since her first-year. She has explored the many theoretical aspects of science communication in the classroom during the course of her studies but is very excited to explore the practical aspects of this field through the much-needed conversation on the process of science communication itself.

Samantha Riina recently completed her MSc in Science, Technology, and Society at UCL. Prior to studying at UCL, Samantha completed an honors history undergraduate degree with a business minor at New York University. Sam has experience working across

Samantha Riina recently completed her MSc in Science, Technology, and Society at UCL. Prior to studying at UCL, Samantha completed an honors history undergraduate degree with a business minor at New York University. Sam has experience working across multiple job sectors, specializing in marketing and communications. She looks forward to using her skills to help make science communication more inclusive and equitable. When she isn't reading or studying, Sam enjoys exploring London.

Alexandra is a second year University College of London student reading Natural Sciences. She is passionate about increasing access to STEM subjects and disrupting myths around popular science. To that end she has previously worked with STEMettes ( w

Alexandra is a second year University College of London student reading Natural Sciences. She is passionate about increasing access to STEM subjects and disrupting myths around popular science. To that end she has previously worked with STEMettes ( who work to increase the number of girls participating in science based subjects and careers) and Lablinn (an international student organisation who present to schools to help increase science literacy). She is a passionate science student, and works to increase open and citizen access to STEM research.

Sophie grew up in Wales and has lived in London somewhat reluctantly for the past 4 years. She freelances in science engagement as an activity developer, producer, consultant, and programmer and currently manages Einstein’s Garden at Green Man Festiv

Sophie grew up in Wales and has lived in London somewhat reluctantly for the past 4 years. She freelances in science engagement as an activity developer, producer, consultant, and programmer and currently manages Einstein’s Garden at Green Man Festival. She is a PhD candidate at the Centre for Research in Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (CRESTEM) at King's College London. She likes swimming, cycling and teaching yoga.

Rokia Ballo (she/her) is a researcher within Science and Technology Studies whose work focuses on the construction, use and communication of science for policy and intersecting forms of social inequality. She is committed to developing polyvocal and

Rokia Ballo (she/her) is a researcher within Science and Technology Studies whose work focuses on the construction, use and communication of science for policy and intersecting forms of social inequality. She is committed to developing polyvocal and decolonial narratives of science that take us beyond academic institutions and centre equity and social justice. Rokia is a life-long Londoner, lover of music, reading, running and some fair-weathered cycling.

Tessa completed her BSc in Biology at the University of Sussex. She is now an MSc student at University College London, studying History and Philosophy of Science. Tessa’s MSc is giving her the theory behind many concepts in science communication, bu

Tessa completed her BSc in Biology at the University of Sussex. She is now an MSc student at University College London, studying History and Philosophy of Science. Tessa’s MSc is giving her the theory behind many concepts in science communication, but she is passionate and excited about putting theory into practice at Science London, in making science communication accessible and open to everyone. Tessa has developed skills in communication and event organising through her role as Welfare Officer for the Sussex University Art Society, and is also looking forward to transferring and further developing these skills in the field of science communication. In her free time Tessa enjoys reading, listening to podcasts and seeing live music.

Charise Johnson (she/her) is a science policy researcher, environmental justice advocate, and relative newcomer to the UK. As a policy adviser at the British Academy, her work focuses broadly on the interlinking roles of science, social science, and

Charise Johnson (she/her) is a science policy researcher, environmental justice advocate, and relative newcomer to the UK. As a policy adviser at the British Academy, her work focuses broadly on the interlinking roles of science, social science, and humanities in upholding democracy and solving pressing environmental issues. Her past professional experiences are diverse, ranging from work on endangered species, chemical safety and air pollution, ocean conservation, and gender and racial equity in STEM. Prior to her role as a policy adviser at the British Academy, Charise worked as a research analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists’ Center for Science and Democracy in Washington DC and served on the leadership board of the volunteer-led advocacy group 500 Women Scientists. She holds a BA in Psychology, an MS in Environmental Science, and is interested broadly in science and society.

Meesha works at the Nuffield Trust in events, marketing and client management. Before this role, Meesha was studying a Masters in Science Communication learning about journalism, policy and exhibitions and events in a scientific context. Before her s

Meesha works at the Nuffield Trust in events, marketing and client management. Before this role, Meesha was studying a Masters in Science Communication learning about journalism, policy and exhibitions and events in a scientific context. Before her studies, Meesha worked at Nesta supporting and developing a crowdfunding platform for schools. She was also an account manager at a digital marketing agency creating creative marketing campaigns for clients.

Ruchi is an MSc student in Science Technology Society (STS) at UCL. Before this, she was a Human Resources professional in India who, as a headhunter, facilitated clients in the development sector to hire for leadership positions and worked as an HR

Ruchi is an MSc student in Science Technology Society (STS) at UCL. Before this, she was a Human Resources professional in India who, as a headhunter, facilitated clients in the development sector to hire for leadership positions and worked as an HR generalist with a medical device multinational. She transitioned to STS after observing the evolving corporate world, employee work-life imbalance and the notion of progress. She is keen on working towards reducing socio-economic inequalities through science communication and science policy. She likes to spend her free time listening to music and connecting with loved ones.

Jacqui is a data analyst, with a broad interest in science and promoting equitable and accessible practices in STEM. She has a PhD in microbiology and a Master’s degree in chemistry. She has been involved in a wide range of STEM outreach and sci-comm

Jacqui is a data analyst, with a broad interest in science and promoting equitable and accessible practices in STEM. She has a PhD in microbiology and a Master’s degree in chemistry. She has been involved in a wide range of STEM outreach and sci-comm work, and has previously worked in science policy at the Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology. She currently runs the STEM Unlocked website, which highlights STEM widening participation programmes from across the UK.

Nuzhat Tabassum is a Natural Scientist and Geologist turned Policy worker. Previously she was fascinated with the ways that mathematics and experiments can be used to understand our planet and during her Ph.D. at the University of Bristol, she studie

Nuzhat Tabassum is a Natural Scientist and Geologist turned Policy worker. Previously she was fascinated with the ways that mathematics and experiments can be used to understand our planet and during her Ph.D. at the University of Bristol, she studied inclusions in diamonds to understand the Earth’s interior. Overtime, she became passionate about empowering others to have the same curiosity and making science more equitable thus at the Royal Academy of Engineering, she leads a project on investigating the barriers of socioeconomic status in STEM education. When she is not pushing for increasing accessibility in STEM through her work, Science London and her podcast, What on Earth?!, she can be seen enjoying the process of learning new skills that she should have learnt ten years ago like swimming and writing in her mother tongue (Bangla).