Dr Alison Rivett - Primary Science Outreach Consultant
Alison has a wide variety of experience in developing, planning and delivering science outreach activities and works part-time with Bristol ChemLabS to enhance primary science provision and investigate funding opportunities.
Alison studied Chemistry & Environmental Chemistry (B.Sc. Hons.) at Swansea University. She then moved to the School of Chemistry in Bristol to undertake a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Chemistry with Dudley Shallcross, graduating in 2002.
Whilst at the School of Chemistry, Alison became involved with a variety of Chemistry Outreach activities, including:
- organising Science Days in local primary schools
- developing new hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations
- demonstrating at Summer Schools in the department.
In 2002 she was awarded one of the inaugural David Green Prizes for Widening Participation for her outstanding contribution to widening participation.
Alison spent 3 years as Projects Manager at Wessex Setpoint (an organisation which promotes science and technology to schools and young people) based at Bath University. Her role included:
- organising and delivering a wide variety of science and technology based workshops and activity days in primary and secondary schools across the South West of England
- planning and running successful challenge events and competitions for schools
- recruitment, administration and training for the Science & Engineering Ambassadors (SEAs) programme.
She is now the Institute of Physics’ Regional Officer for South West England: promoting the Institute and its activities, liaising with local members and working in partnership with schools, universities, business and other science & industry-related bodies. The Institute of Physics is the leading scientific membership organisation in the UK devoted to increasing the understanding, application and uptake of physics.
As well as being a long-standing member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Alison sits on the committee of The BA Bath & Bristol Section, helping to organise events in the area to communicate the excitement of science to the public.
Alison is currently studying part-time for a Masters Degree in Science Understanding, Research & Education (MSc SURE) at the Graduate School of Education, Bristol University.