Meet the team

Our highly regarded team works with the primary education sector.

Research has identified the primary age range as the time when children 'switch off' from science and are often unaware of the career opportunities that science industries can offer.

We provide solutions to these problems, via our Children Challenging Industry programme and our careers and industry contextualised publications. We also work with partners such as the Oxford Trust (Thinking Doing Talking Science), STEM Learning, and many others to ensure children's enthusiasm for science is maintained and their aspirations for STEM careers broadened.

Jo Eastwood
Administrator

Having spent nine years as a PA to the Head of Chemistry at the University of York, I joined CIEC as Centre Administrator in 2019. I enjoy the variety of the role and the fast-paced nature of CIEC, where no two days are ever the same.

I oversee the day-to-day administration of the Centre, working closely with colleagues to ensure operations run smoothly and efficiently. My responsibilities include financial and operational processes, supporting new initiatives, improving systems and procedures, and contributing to communications such as newsletters.

I also enjoy the creative aspects of the role, contributing to the design and production of promotional materials, publications and online resources. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is knowing that I play a role in supporting CIEC's mission to inspire young people to engage with STEM and explore future career opportunities. The combination of organisation, creativity and variety makes my role both engaging and fulfilling.

Nicola Waller
Senior Advisory Teacher

Since joining CIEC as an Advisory Teacher in 2004, my role has evolved considerably. I continue to connect primary science education with local industry and real-world STEM contexts while overseeing day to day-to-day operations, developing funding opportunities and working closely with colleagues across the wider MRAO team.

I am proud to have received several awards recognising my expertise in primary science and STEM education, including the Institute of Physics Primary Science Teacher of the Year Award, the Royal Society of Chemistry's Excellence in Primary Education Award, and a special recognition award for my contribution to STEM education in the North East.

Mackayla Millar
Advisory Teacher

I am an Advisory Teacher with CIEC, where I work with schools and industry partners to bring primary science to life through meaningful real-world STEM contexts. With over 15 years' experience in primary education, I lead the Children Challenging Industry programme across the North East and Aberdeenshire, supporting teachers, pupils and employers to develop engaging, context-rich science learning.

I deliver teacher CPD, train and support STEM professionals, and develop resources that raise children's science capital and understanding of sustainability. I have developed a wide range of classroom and home-learning resources, including the IndusTRY AT HOME series, sustainability-focused activity packs and CIEC's guide to developing primary science capital. I have also contributed to the development of primary science lessons for Oak National Academy and created activity materials for the Young People's Book Prize.

Clare Draper
Advisory Teacher

I joined the CIEC team in September 2023 as an advisory teacher to deliver the Children Challenging Industry programme. I work with schools and industry partners in the East of England to deliver science activities set within real-world industrial contexts.

I provide CPD for teachers on raising the science capital of all children through meaningful links to industry, and support STEM professionals to host school visits that provide curriculum-relevant interactions unique to their company.

Alongside this, I teach in a new, STEM-focused primary school in Cambridge as the Curriculum Development Lead.

Melanie Boyeson
Advisory Teacher

I joined the CIEC team in September 2022 as an advisory teacher to deliver the Children Challenging Industry programme. I work with schools and industry partners in the Humber region to deliver science activities set within real-world industrial contexts.

In addition, I mentor primary science leaders through an award accreditation programme / the Primary Science Quality Mark, have the Associate Facilitator badge for STEM Learning, and have compiled and shared online STEM educational resources. I was awarded the PSTT Primary Science Teaching Award 2021, becoming a Primary Science Teaching Trust Fellow, after a decade of leading primary science forwards in my school and local area.

Tanya Shields
Advisory Teacher

I am delighted to be returning to CIEC after 12 years to cover the Advisory Teacher role in the Humber region while Melanie Boyeson is on maternity leave. I have worked in primary science education for over 20 years, beginning as a class teacher and science lead before moving into advisory and national roles. During this time, I have led national programmes of primary science CPD through DfE-funded contracts, supporting schools across the country with curriculum development, professional learning, and embedding high-quality science teaching.

I have delivered CPD at every level, from in-school support and ITT to national programmes, while also writing resources for a range of publishers. In addition, I have collaborated with industry partners to design award-winning resources and secure funding for projects that connect classrooms with the wider world of science. As a PSQM hub leader, I continue to help schools celebrate and strengthen their science provision.

I’m really happy to be rejoining the CIEC team and look forward to supporting the development of science capital in schools across my home region.

Ruth Duberley
Advisory Teacher

I joined the CIEC team as an Advisory Teacher in April 2024 and now lead delivery of the Children Challenging Industry programme across the North West, working closely with schools and industry partners to bring primary science to life through real-world STEM contexts. My role includes supporting meaningful partnerships between education and industry, providing teacher CPD focused on raising children's science capital, and training STEM professionals to deliver engaging and successful school site visits.

I am a highly experienced primary teacher and science leader, having led science in several schools, including my current school, where I have taught part-time for 14 years. I am passionate about helping children see the relevance of science in their everyday lives and inspiring them to explore the exciting opportunities that STEM can offer.

Maria Turkenburg-van Diepen
Research Associate

We are delighted to once again be working closely with Maria who was our researcher from 2016-2020. Since then, she has continued to support other CIEC researchers and has been part of the Research Advisory Group.

Maria is interested in evaluation research methodology, teacher agency, and children’s experiences of science and industry. The focus of her other research, which is on-going alongside her work for CIEC, is more and more on environmental education, with colleagues in the Department of Environment and Geography as well as Education.