Thomas Deane Email & Phone Number

Ireland

As Research Communications Manager for the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), I write press releases and arrange media exposure to help spread news of fantastic discoveries, awards and outreach programmes involving our researchers and their students.I have developed close relationships with a number of key journalists, producers and editors in the Irish and international media, which has seen news hit the headlines in publications such as The New York Times, Time, New Scientist, The Guardian and The Irish Times as well as on leading online portals such as those run by BBC, IFL Science and RTE.I am also responsible for maximising social media outreach for all press releases and expert comment features, which involves devising campaigns to build awareness and interest in our news within the media and public domain.

I created materials/resources to help students and educators communicate science effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences in a variety of styles and formats.Our project team made these resources - which include videos, podcasts, quizzes, help guides, and lessons and workshops - freely available on our dedicated website (http://scwrl.ubc.ca).All of our videos are also viewable on the dedicated 'UBC Science Writing' YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvynvmsn_NTlS9lc8cH-OFw).

I created concept inventory questions to assess student misconceptions in Biology (see the project website: q4b.biology.ubc.ca). These freely available concept questions are used by educators to assess student thinking in specific topics before and after teaching innovations have been implemented to try to enhance learning gains.I also led the analysis of complex data sets, built the project website, and authored academic journal articles to promote the project inventories on a global scale (two published, two currently in press).Our inventories have been used by over 30 leading institutions around the globe, and we typically receive 30-40 new requests for use via our website each month.

Taught two sections of a biology lab course per term, taking charge of 25 students per section. Graded work, delivered lectures, demonstrated techniques, and organized field trips.

Produced racing articles for publication in many of the world's most trusted newspapers and online portals. Reported live from the racecourse at major events, interviewed many of the sport's leading players on a daily basis, sub-edited the work of other journalists and managed the release of news stories on the racing wire.

M.Sc., Zoology/Animal Biology

B.Sc. (Hons), Biology, General, First