Meet our team
The team at SmartSTEMs are a committed, enthusiastic, and talented bunch. Coming from a wide range of backgrounds we bring all our skills, experience and insights to support young people, whatever their background, to learn about the opportunities open to them through Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects.
STUART MACDONALD
Managing Director, Seric Systems
Founder and CEO, SmartSTEMs
I am passionate about young people, their education and the need to bring equity to the opportunities they are afforded. I founded SmartSTEMs to directly address these issues and in so doing have tried to build a low-cost high-efficacy means of bringing together the full education system and industry. This is to put us societally at the risk of leaving less people behind through some accident of birth. Perhaps most fundamentally, I believe that by making it easy for people to do good, more people implicitly will do good: SmartSTEMs is about removing the barriers to entry, and the collaborative framework approach we take achieves just that.
Overall, I dream of a more munificent society where everyone contributes to the development of others and SmartSTEMs for me is a key part of that vision. One that also has the potential to create a more compassionate, IP-rich, export-driven economy that will benefit everyone in a far wider sense. In life, though not always successfully, I have sought always to leave things better than I have found them.
KAREN ADAMS
Programme Manager, SmartSTEMs
Events Manager, Seric Systems
I started my career with an apprenticeship in hairdressing before moving into the world of technology as a Personal Assistant with Seric. Being a part of SmartSTEMs from the start has been incredible, seeing the work we do grow from being a CSR project with Seric into the wonderful charity it is today inspiring and educating thousands of young people.
Having changed my career using the many transferrable skills I learned as taught me first hand you can do and be anything you set your mind to. I wish SmartSTEMs had existed when I was in school, but I am so lucky to get to be a part of a team that continually breaks barriers and provides equity of opportunity for everyone at the events we host.
My spare time is spent entertaining my nephews which involves a lot of fun, trips, and laughter.
EMMA BODIAM
Programme Manager, SmartSTEMs
Animal lover, geologist, flooring guru, chief organiser – there are just some of terms used to describe me!
My background in geology, PR and fundraising, alongside a passion for inspiring young people has led me to my dream job, working for SmartSTEMs. My favourite days at work are when I go into schools. Working with young people and getting them excited about STEM is amazing, seeing that lightbulb moment first hand when the penny drops is a feeling you can’t describe.
In my spare time, you will find me exploring all corners of the world with my partner and our dog, Winston.
MARK ROBERTSON
Programme Associate, SmartSTEMs
Hi, my name is Mark. I am 36 years old and a self-confessed science fanatic. I have a strong dairy science background after completing my foundation dairy science degree several years ago during my time with Arla foods. STEM and the dairy industry have been a huge part of my life with my dad having a 40+ year career in dairy which I followed him into.
Another passion of mine is children and young people. I am a proud father of 3 young children, Millie, Harrie, and Ruri. I want to ensure each child has fair and equal access to opportunity which SmartSTEMs help deliver.
DONNA WALTON
Programme Associate, SmartSTEMs
My name is Donna Walton and I am a Programme Manager at SmartSTEMs. I have a background in education and science with a BSc in Forensic Science and a Post Graduate Certificate of Education followed by 14 years of experience in teaching. I am passionate about igniting curiosity in young people and helping them realise their full potential through highlighting opportunities they may not have previously considered. In my spare time – I love the outdoors, travel and good food.
MELANIE BROWN
Partnership Development Manager, SmartSTEMs
I am the newest member to join the SmartSTEMs team and cannot wait to help spread the word about the amazing work we are doing. With over 20 years’ experience as a retail manager in my previous role it was always people first. I established and strengthened teams to deliver outstanding results by helping individuals reach their potential, I am excited to be able to continue help support the future generations in this new chapter. Working with people is my true passion, being a part of a movement that is thriving by ensuring there is equal opportunities for all young people in the wonderful world of STEM. Being a parent to my daughter Ruby and making a difference for the future generation means the world to me and is the reason I chose to become one of the SmartSTEMs family.