Researching sustainable textile systems through
colour, materials, and applied textile science
Public engagement, STEM and outreach
This strand of my work focuses on public engagement and outreach activities that promote understanding of textile science, materials, and sustainability. Through talks, workshops, and participatory projects, I work with schools, communities, and public audiences to explore how textiles intersect with science, technology, and everyday life.
A particular focus of this work is supporting STEM engagement and widening participation, especially encouraging girls and under-represented groups to engage with science, engineering, and materials-based disciplines. By using textiles as an accessible and creative entry point, these activities aim to build confidence, spark curiosity, and challenge perceptions of what STEM can look like.
GREAT FASHION SHARE
February 2024
The University of Manchester - Faculty of Science and Engineering and The Great Science Share for Schools
An initiative started at the University of Manchester, The Great Science Share for Schools develops resources and hosts events to develop school children's lines of enquiry about all sorts of science based topics.
​Working with my lovely colleague Kevin Harding and the GSSfS team, resources were developed to encourage kids to get involved with the science of fashion and sustainability. How do our fashion choices make a difference?
​Check us out here for 5 - 7 year olds, 7 - 11 year olds and 11 - 14 year olds.​​
HANDS ON BIOFILM!
A Manchester Science Festival event
Hosted at the Science Museum in Manchester, this 'Hands-on Biofilm' workshop explored the many links between food, fabric, fungi and fashion.
Held as part of Manchester Science Festival 2022, it invited the public to come and explore the role of biofilms from every angle.
Over 1200 visitors came to try their hands at building their own biofilm, creating their own biofabric, designing and making their own bio fashion, and sampling fermented foods.
SUSTAINABILITY TALKS
8TH FEB 2021 @ 17:15
A mycelium bowl or a bone handle jug?
A roundtable session where panellists speak about a bowl grown from mushrooms or a jug with a cow bone handle.
My contribution? 'Eeeeewwwww! What did you say it was made of again?'
HATS OFF TO VLEATHER!
Manchester Science Festival
A collaborative project with the fabulous HatWorks museum in Stockport and the very talented Bronwen Simpson.
GREEN TOGETHER
February 2024
The University of Manchester - Faculty of Science and Engineering
Hosted at Manchester's Central Library, the event invited the public to join the discussion in ways in which we can make a greener future, starting conversations with people who want to make a difference.
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Learn about why soil matters, how small fibres find their way into the environment, and what the future of our electricity system will look like.
Come along and meet our friendly scientists and engineers, and understand the parts at play in the world around us.
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We hosted a stand discussing the issue of microfibres in fashion; what they are, how they are created, and what we can do about it. We had lots of visitors very interested in taking a close up view of the fabrics their clothing is made from.
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Interested in hearing more? Check us out here! Caring for your clothes / Shopping sustainably
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