Dr Grace Mackintosh Sim
Outreach Development Manager
Department: Professional ÐÂÔÂÖ±²¥
Campus: Camden
I manage Widening Participation, Science Communication and Community Engagement events with the goal of widening access and bringing in under-represented groups to the RVC. I am part of the WP team; we devise, deliver and evaluate programmes which facilitate progression for young people under Access and Participation Plan commitments. Our key programmes are Summer schools (Y10, 11, 12), Junior/Teen Vet Club, Night at the Vet College, School visits to the RVC, and outreach to schools, festivals and events.
Qualifications:
- Natural Sciences (Zoology) Pembroke College, Cambridge University
- PGCE (Part-time) Primary Teaching; Masters (Part-time) Museums and Galleries in Education; PhD (Part-time) Biodiversity Education, UCL Institute of Education
I have worked with young people in formal and informal science education in a variety of roles: I started as a Primary Teacher at West Lodge Middle School, before moving to be an Education Manager on a boat - the West London Floating Classroom (Groundwork)! I was lucky enough to be Learning Programme Developer at the Natural History Museum for 4 years, before going next door to the Science Museum to work as Audience Research Manager. I subsequently did freelance work whilst completing my PhD; I wrote the BBC Live N Deadly Teacher's Pack, and was external evaluator on the EU project 'Universe Awareness', as well as consulting on animal public engagement at Longleat Safari Park. I have worked at the RVC since 2013 in this role, and I have enjoyed using experience in event programming from previous roles.
I am currently Chair of the Community Engagement sub group; launching the KQ Community champions programme this year. I am a Fellow of the Zoological Society of London.
My research is in the field of education, evaluation, biodiversity and astronomy:
Sep 2018- Animal CSI- Veterinary Pathology and the Public. Association of Veterinary Teaching and Research Work, University of Nottingham
Jun 2018- Longitundinal Programming: Junior and Teen Vet Clubs: National Educational Opportunities Symposium, University of Sussex
Mar 2017- Prepare to Succeed- Widening Participation for BAME students at the ÐÂÔÂÖ±²¥ in London, AAVMC Iverson-Bell, Washington
I teach prospective students from under-represented groups during day experiences and summer schools. I focus on confidence building activities to encourage personal reflection and informed decision making about future careers. I also teach our Art Anatomy classes in Camden every other Monday evening!
Examples of Science Communication Activities:
- New Scientist Live! September, Excel Docklands. We have taken part since its inception in 2016
- Royal Institution Animal CSI lates events
- Night at the Vet College- taking place every six months, free lates events in Camden
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