Science never stays still, and as the supremo of YESC, Thomas’s job requires him to constantly update his knowledge and he learns something new every day.

His day-to-day work involves overseeing all of YESC’s diverse education programs and partnerships in science and technology. With his team, Thomas develops science resource kits, experimenting with new ideas and distributing them to schools right across Scotland. He gets to travel around the country to deliver school workshops, teacher training CPDs, and events, while meeting with partners to secure funding, co-develop STEM activities, and arrange volunteering opportunities.

When not working, you likely find Thomas up a hill somewhere with his friends, or maybe taking apart a bit of his house to begin a new DIY project.

thomas.wild@prosper.scot

Melanie’s work is varied and diverse and she welcomes every opportunity to contribute to YESC’s growth and success.

She enjoys collaborating with schools, and forging strong ties with other STEM providers. As well as planning and implementing innovative activities and events for the project, Melanie helps organise teacher training workshops and creates engaging marketing materials, social media updates and project evaluations.

Outside work, you can usually find Melanie indulging her creativity with all kinds of crafts, both traditional and digital. However, crafting regularly gets put aside for walks with her energetic cocker spaniel puppy, Nova.

melanie.riddell@prosper.scot

Julie just loves her work with young people.

She thinks it’s brilliant to travel around the country to attend events and see the students’ enthusiasm for STEM first hand. Julie particularly enjoys working closely with schools, industry partners and other STEM providers to promote, grow and expand the project’s reach. She plays an important role coordinating YESC communication and marketing, distributing project and resource kits to schools across the country. Julie also organises our school workshops, teacher training and celebration of STEM events.

When not working, Julie can be found at the gym or out walking in local hills with friends.

julie.fleming@prosper.scot

Benjie has been taking things apart to find out how they work since he was tiny – but putting them back together again wasn’t always so easy!

This inquisitive mind has proved useful in his work with YESC, where he designs STEM projects, hosts teacher training workshops and delivers pupil events. Benjie was responsible for the popular Go Forth challenge – which involved designing a 2 metre bridge from lollipop sticks and cable ties, strong enough to support 50 standard bottles of water – and many similar projects. As an electronic engineer by trade, he also works with Edinburgh Laser Optics, Cramasie and CreativEnergie alongside YESC.

Benjie can often be found wandering in the countryside or making large pots of vegetable curry.

bmarwickjohnstone@prosper.scot

Dave’s long experience in STEM subjects (36 years as an Engineer and 5 years as a Physics teacher) is perfect for his work with YESC, where he develops science, engineering and maths activities.

He really enjoys presenting them to young people when he gets the chance. It’s important to Dave that he makes sure that YESC present accurate and relevant science in simple language to young people, and of course, that it’s good fun!

When not doing science stuff, Dave likes to bag Munros (slowly), is trying his hand at curling, or can be found fixing up his cottage in Orkney.

dave.craig@prosper.scot

As a passionate science communicator, Eira really enjoys developing, coordinating and delivering impactful digital and face-to-face programmes for YESC.

She is particularly interested in creating accessible learning resources which help promote inclusivity in STEM. Her work at YESC focuses on the Climate Smarter project, which is designed to enthuse and inspire school pupils to use their creative thinking to come up with solutions to the biggest global problems which face them now, and into their future.

When Eira’s not supporting young people in science, you can usually find her walking in nature.

eira.james@prosper.scot