Staff Profiles

Wendy Sadler

Wendy Sadler is the Director of science made simple. She has been working professionally in science communication and public engagement since 1994. Her experience includes seven years working as an Education Manager at a leading science centre, and one year as the national schools lecturer for the Institute of Physics. In addition she has written numerous books for children, and presented science on BBC Wales and ITV Wales.

In 2008 she was announced as one of the UKRC’s Women of Outstanding Achievement for her work in founding ‘science made simple‘ and reaching a wide range of audiences with innovative science and engineering experiences. In 2006 she was announced as an EU Descartes Laureate for her innovative work in science communication. Her first degree is in Physics and Music, and she has since completed an MSc in Science Communication with a dissertation on the long-term impact of informal learning. She has a special interest in the science of music, and is passionate about shifting the stereotype of scientists and nurturing new science communication talent.

Becky Holmes

Becky Holmes is Marketing and Staff manager for science made simple. Spending her days training up and looking after the Cardiff  team. Her first degree is Physics, before going on to study an MSc in Science Communication at Techniquest, a leading science centre. Also holds ILM qualifications in Management and Coaching and is a gold level Lambda accredited speaker.  She’s racked up many years presenting and business experience at science made simple, and has presented science to all audiences, from ages 5 to 85.

Her favourite aspect of science communication is presenting and developing new shows for the younger audiences, aiming to create a better image for science within today’s popular culture. Her favourite aspect of business is helping others reach their full potential and the wonder of never knowing how far a good project idea can take you.

Hear a lecture by Becky for radio here.

David Price

David is a science communicator for science made simple and runs our branch in the North. David completed his undergraduate studies at Liverpool University in History and American studies. in 1988. After running a small business in the textiles industry, David became an interactive exhibit builder for the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester. Whilst at the museum, David’s passion for science communication and his joy at fostering curiosity around science subjects led David to write and deliver science communication events.

David has organised and presented numerous science events for schools, communities and families, working with organisations such as the BBC, Braniac and Ecsite UK. He is also responsible for staff presenter training and is the northwest regional conveyor for the British Interactive Group. These posts have given David a great deal of experience in communicating with diverse audiences.

James Piercy

James is a science communicator for science made simple and runs our branch in the East. James has a degree in chemistry and MSc in science communication. He has been involved in writing, producing and delivering; science shows, workshops and dialogue events for wide ranging audiences since 1995. He has been awarded the LAMDA gold medal in public speaking with distinction, and was Chair of the British Interactive Group (BIG) Before joining science made simple James was Director of Inspire Discovery Centre, a small hands-on science centre in Norwich, where he developed the outreach and educational programmes. James has appeared on television numerous times to present scientific ideas and demonstrations, notably on The Investigators for Channel 4, which was nominated for a Children’s BAFTA. Recent projects have involved the development of shows for National Museums Scotland, Butlins, and The Herschel Space Observatory.

Rosie Coates

Rosie has a PhD in Chemistry and, enjoys encouraging people of all ages to share her pleasure at viewing the world with scientific eyes.

Rosie has presented workshops and shows in secondary and primary schools, as well as setting up and running a scheme for postgraduates delivering workshops in schools. She has also presented at the Cheltenham Science Festival and has performed science events for adults, including cabaret evenings and science stand-up! Rosie assisted with science television shows for adults and children. She has been awarded the LAMDA gold medal for public speaking with distinction.

Rosie particularly enjoys developing and delivering shows for secondary students and using her interest in the history of science to provide a richer context to current hot-topics.

Ruth Perkins

Before joining the company, Ruth developed over 6 years experience through interactive science workshops and shows, working for the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester and ‘Chemistry with Cabbage’.

She started her science communication career whilst still at university, studying physics. Her favourite aspect of science communication is getting out into community and festival events with science busking.

Zoë Randell

After doing her first degree in Functional Genomics and Stem Cell Science, Zoë studied an MSc in Science, Media and Communication at Cardiff University and Techniquest science discovery centre. Zoë enjoys being able to inspire younger generations by making science and engineering more accessible and exciting.

Zoë is involved in many science made simple projects and shows, and particularly enjoys travelling round the world to perform. As well as this, she has formed an an improvisational comedy workshop based at Cardiff University.

Abigail Read

Abigail is our trainee presenter and bookings expert. She has recently finished her degree in International Wildlife Biology at Glamorgan University and has since begun working as a science made simple presenter. Abigail has ample experience with all sorts of creatures and has even volunteered on a public farm park for the past year.