Lucy says:
“I look at things from a different angle. I use this to transform simple electronics into cool gadgets, science into Plain English, problems into opportunities and even in doing improv, stand-up comedy and storytelling. I love making science and engineering fun – and by this sneaky and underhand method, bringing technological wonders to a larger audience.”
Professional doesn’t have to mean dull.
Responsible doesn’t have to mean dull.
Science and Engineering isn’t limited to “boffins”.
Formal education culminated in Lucy being given a doctorate for playing with bubbles. She is also a Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and a member of the Association of British Science Writers. She also has a City and Guilds in Woodturning.
Please feel free to use these as an intro for Lucy’s talks etc.:
Bio 1
“My goal is to bring my humour into everything I do. Professional and responsible doesn’t have to mean dull. I am a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, problem solver, maker and was a Judge BBC Robot Wars.
I am a cheerleader for the Maker Industry. I also have a PhD in Bubbles (Fluid Dynamics), a City in Guilds in Woodturning and a Cycling Proficiency Certificate.
My family make things – from spinning to woodwork, metalwork to embroidery. Making is such a integral part of my life that it was only recently that I realised I am a “maker” first and an “engineer” second. To me it’s like saying I’m 5’6″ or have blue eyes. It’s just part of what I am. But I’ve realised not everyone is encouraged to make or even know what a maker is. I aim to change that.”
It’s great to think that I can, and have, made a difference – just by tweeting factoids that I find interesting and blogging about things I have been playing with and making. ISSWave started as a bit of fun between friends, and is still continuing with many people around the world looking up, and waving to the astronauts aboard the International Space Station, as it passes overhead.
I learnt at Singularity University that current technology means one person can make a huge impact on the world. We sometimes see this in the news in a negative way – “lone gunman kills …” etc., but I believe we can embrace the potential and use it for good. Just look at what Jack Andraka has done. At age 15 he invented an inexpensive and sensitive dipstick-like sensor for the rapid and early detection of pancreatic, ovarian and lung cancers – mainly by hard work and the use of the internet. Here’s his TEDxOrangeCoast talk.
I’ve accepted the challenge to “Positively Affect Lives” tweeting is just a part of it. Sometimes I do wonder if I’m tweeting into a silent ether – so this recognition is wonderful and spurs me on.
Andrew Back, Managing Director AB Open, Wuthering Bytes Festival Organisers.
Tim Radford, former science editor of the Guardian.
