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Lisa Humphreys

    • About Me:

      I’m a Lecturer in Formulation Chemistry at Cranfield University specialising in explosive mixtures like pyrotechnics. I love using my imagination and creating fun educational activities for all ages.

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      I’m Scottish, originally from Falkirk but now I live in Swindon with my husband and my wee boys Leo (4) and Joe (1). They are my pride and joy. I love watching them develop and I cannot wait to do more STEM activities with them. Any excuse for some fun learning opportunities. Trust me adults enjoy these activities just as much as yourselves. I’m a massive Disney fan and love watching films especially comedies. My favourite actors are Tom Hanks and Robin Williams and my favourite actresses are Julia Roberts and Sandra Bullock.

    • My Work:

      I’ve always had a passion for science and was lucky enough to pursue a career in formulation chemistry. My role is all about combining specific ingredients together to create a desirable product.

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      I’m committed to delivering high quality education and research in explosive chemistry and detection. My research activities include developing energetic material formulations to assist with assessing their safety and performance characteristics. It’s rare to have one ingredient that will tick all of the boxes so we as formulators blend ingredients together to make a mixture that achieves a set goal. You yourself may have done some formulating of your own. If you enjoy baking or cooking you are already creating new delicious formulations. Here are some of my creations at home that I made with my Leo:

      I also teach in the area of energetic materials (e.g pyrotechnics/fireworks). It’s a great privilege to pass on the lessons I have learned to those who need them most. Those who work with these materials on a daily basis and have to make carefully considered decisions on how these hazardous materials should be manufactured, used, stored, transported, and finally disposed of.

    • My Typical Day:

      I put my lab coat and safety glasses on, step into the lab. There I carry out tests to learn more about the explosive mixtures that I create. If instead I’m teaching, I’m in front of my laptop thinking of ways to make my lessons fun, engaging and memorable.

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      I do the children drop offs and then either prepare to work in the lab or get ready to teach. If I’m in the lab, I’m in there collecting lots of useful data/information on a number of the ingredients/mixtures that our team are assessing. If I’m teaching, I go through my presentations and I search for additional fun content that I could use to make courses more enjoyable for the students. This additional content comes in the form of videos, classroom demonstrations and fun lab classes where the students are invited to carry out experiments. Lab activities like this:

      Methane Bubbles Experiment

      Whoosh Bottle Experiment

    • What I'd do with the prize money:

      I’d like to create an interactive STEM session on the importance of encapsulation in formulations. Coating chemicals is important not only to protect the encapsulated material but it also controls how the chemicals are released.

    Candidate CV questions (extra)

    • Education:

      St. Francis Xavier’s Primary School in Falkirk
      (https://www.st-francis.falkirk.sch.uk/)

      St. Mungo’s High School in Falkirk
      (http://www.stmungoshighschool.co.uk/)

      University of Strathclyde
      (https://www.strath.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/forensicanalyticalchemistry/)

      University of Southampton
      (https://www.southampton.ac.uk/chemistry/index.page)

    • Qualifications:

      St Mungo’s High School
      Advanced Higher Grades: Mathematics (C), Physics (C)
      Higher Grades: Accounting and Finance (A), Art (A), Physics (A), Chemistry (B), Human Biology (B), Mathematics (B), English (C)
      Standard Grades: 8 Credit passes including Economics and German

      Science and maths subjects were essential requirements for entry into the degree I wanted to pursue at the University of Strathclyde. I had to demonstrate I had the skills to embark on my chosen discipline. English was also important to show you can communicate effectively in person and on paper.

      University of Strathclyde
      MSci Forensic and Analytical Chemistry
      Main Subjects (Forensic and Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry)

      This qualification enabled me to pursue a chemistry driven career. My industrial placement which was a part of my MSci degree led me to my next step. My industrial placement employers partly funded my PhD at the University of Southampton.

      University of Southampton
      PhD Title: Advanced X-ray Computed Tomography Imaging and Optimisation of Multi-Phase Materials for Pyrotechnic Applications

      My specialist focus on pyrotechnics and skills demonstrated throughout my PhD was what qualified me to apply for my current role as a formulation chemist. My PhD supervisor drew my attention to this job advert.

    • Work History:

      • University of Southampton – PhD Student (2011 – 2015)
      • Wallop Defence Systems Limited – Industrial Placement Student (2009 – 2010)
      • Topshop/Topman, Falkirk – Sunday Supervisor/Sales Assistant (2005 – 2009)
      • Future Cleaning Services – Cleaner at Cineworld (2005 (2 months))
      • Ethel Austin Ltd. – Sales Assistant 2004 (3 months))

    • Current Job:

      Lecturer in Formulation Chemistry

    • Employer:

      Cranfield University

    • My Interview

      • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        film fan formulator

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        I originally wanted to join the police force as some sort of investigator. My uncles are specialist police officers in different areas.

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        No. Although I was told off for being a bit too chatty on occasion.

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        I'm quite eclectic but I do love Fleetwood Mac. Stevie Nicks has an incredible voice. In terms of recent artists - George Ezra, Adele and Lewis Capaldi.

        What's your favourite food?

        Thai food. I love a Massaman curry. Double carbohydrates. I get potato in the curry and it's served with rice. It's delicious.

        If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!

        1) Health and happiness for my family and friends especially at this particular time. 2) More funding and time granted to enable me to create more engaging science lessons with my wonderful team of STEM enthusiasts at Cranfield. 3) And the non-logical wish but would be incredible if it could happen. The superpower to teleport. Imagine not ever having to waste time being stuck in traffic.

        Tell us a joke.

        Why are chemists so great at solving problems? ……… Because they have all the solutions.

Questions answered by Lisa

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