Profile
Kate Whyles
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About Me:
I live in Nottingham, the land of Robin Hood. I am a digital innovation and development coach and a UK Minecraft Education Ambassador. ⛏ I have two black and white cats called Chas and Dave,😺 😸who are very funny and play with each other all the time, and at the weekends, I love going on muddy walks.
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My background in the art world has truly shaped my journey in computer science. In my spare time, I build robots to help around the house. Sometimes they are really helpful, other times not so much. I also love creating AI-generated portraits and displaying my artwork in exhibitions. It’s so much fun seeing the faces of the audience when they realise that the portraits they are looking at are not real.
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My pronouns are:
She/her.
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My Work:
I strive to encourage students, especially young women, to explore and embrace STEM subjects by providing them with a visible mentor who engages them with practical experiences in technology, game-based learning and problem-solving. I aim to inspire confidence and show that anyone can succeed in STEM subjects, regardless of their background, gender or previous challenges.
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As a UK Minecraft Education ambassador, I love to show students how game-based activities can enhance their learning experiences. Minecraft Education isn’t just a game; it’s an amazing tool for creativity and problem-solving, allowing you to build anything you can imagine while working on essential skills like teamwork and critical thinking. I’m also proud to be a “Tech Women 100” winner, which highlights the incredible contributions of women in technology.
As a keynote speaker on game-based learning and gender balance in STEM subjects, I get to inspire others and speak at conferences and events all over the UK.
Right now, I’m studying for my PhD, which explores two of my passions: technology and creativity. I hope to contribute to research to answer the question of whether AI-generated artwork is truly original or just a remix of existing ideas. It’s exciting to think about how these topics can shape our understanding of creativity in the digital age!
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My Typical Day:
I usually wake up around 6:30 AM, when the sun is just starting to rise. The first thing I do is enjoy a healthy breakfast, often yoghurt topped with fresh fruit. After that, I take some time to check my emails and plan out the exciting activities for the day!
As I move into mid-morning, the fun really begins. I explore exciting projects, focusing on coding or dreaming up new tech ideas. I attend virtual meetings with students and staff members and deliver all kinds of sessions focusing on technology, computer science and learning.
After lunch, it’s back to the classroom for more digital adventures. I tend to head home around 5.00 PM.
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During my lunch break, I usually grab a yummy sandwich or a colourful salad. To refresh my mind, I like to go for a short walk outside and enjoy some fresh air.
In the afternoon, my creativity continues to flow! I work on creating cool educational content for Minecraft Education, prepping awesome materials that help others learn. I also take time to explore new tools and technologies that can make learning even more fun!
After a busy day on campus, I head home around 5.00 PM where I check in online with my mentees from being a STEM Ambassador to see if they need any help or advice. I love hearing about their projects and what they have planned. I wrap things up around 6:30 PM and take some time to relax. I might spend a little while playing Minecraft or trying out new coding techniques, keeping the excitement alive.
As the evening sets in, I enjoy a delicious dinner with family or friends. Afterward, I unwind by reading a good book or watching a show, getting cozy in front of my log burner before bedtime.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
If I won £500 to spend on STEM public engagement, I would consider the following ideas:
Host hands-on workshops focused on fun STEM topics, such as robotics, coding, or environmental science. These could be aimed at different age groups, making science accessible and engaging.
Purchase or create interactive science kits that can be given away during events. Kits could contain simple experiments that families can do at home together, promoting STEM learning.
Invite female STEM professionals or educators to speak about their work or lead a workshop. This will inspire attendees and provide insight into various STEM careers, highlighting female role models in the sector.
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Education:
Carlton Le Willows High School, Nottingham.
Nottingham Trent University.
The University of Sunderland.
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Qualifications:
GCSE x 10
A levels x 3
BA (hons) Fine Art
MSc Computer Science
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Work History:
Book shop worker.
Art gallery manager.
Librarian.
Technology Coach.
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Current Job:
Digital innovation and development coach / Minecraft Education UK ambassador.
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Employer:
Nottingham College.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Minecraft coding robot-explorer
What did you want to be after you left school?
An artist.
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Yes.
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
I'd buy a coffee shop.
Who is your favourite singer or band?
I like house music so I'd say any DJs that play great dance tracks.
What's your favourite food?
Pizza.
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
To be happy, to be able to play Minecraft all day and to have unlimited pizza.
Tell us a joke.
What does Michael Jackson do on holiday? He ski-heeeeees.
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Passionate, determined, creative.
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