Laura Thomas Email & Phone Number

United Kingdom

Ondata Research provides research-informed advice and guidance on evaluation and delivers various evaluation and engagement-related consultancy and services to multiple sectors, including education, outreach and public engagement. For more information on current and previous clients please visit our website www.ondata.org.uk

For two years I was Chair of the IOP Scotland volunteer committee. I supported committee colleagues in undertaking a range of activities to support the promotion of physics in the community and in schools. I also worked with IOP colleagues to represent member interests.

The Institute for Research in Schools encourages students and teachers to carry out their own original scientific research. My role was to develop projects with university partners and support schools in carrying out their research.

I work with a range of organisations to promote and support STEM subjects at both primary and secondary level. Example projects include developing a suite of renewable energy activities for National Museums Scotland, UK and Ireland lecture tours for the Institute of Physics on the physics of spaceflight and involvement with astronaut Tim Peake's educational outreach activities as a space ambassador where I delivered sessions in primary schools using space as a context.

Working for both the physics and the maths departments I was responsible for improving application numbers and the numbers choosing Queen Mary. This was achieved through an outreach programme which saw over 10,000 students, teachers and parents. I was also responsible for writing content for the website and other publications.In my time at Queen Mary, maths applications increased by over 80% and physics by nearly 50%. This helped to secure additional income for the departments and in physics alone, this provided an additional £1M per year.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Education Research

My research interest is around the impact of professional learning on secondary school teachers and how this may link to retention.

Master'S Of Research, Educational Research, Distinction

Mphys, Astrophysics