Meet the team

Our team works with schools, teachers, students and universities across the UK to support plant science education, inspire future scientists and promote careers in plant science.

Dan is Head of GPSEP, maintaining strategic oversight of both sides of the programme. With a degree in Botany, Dan’s career path has included working at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge; the Institute of Education, University College London and the former Science Learning Centre, London.

• Bsc (Hons) Botany, Aberystwyth University
• PGDip Science Communication, Birkbeck University of London
• MA Science Education, University College London

Alex manages the schools part of the programme, aiming to inspire teachers, school science technicians and the students they work with about plant science. She works closely with teachers and teacher trainers, identifying areas in the school curriculum that can be supported with plant science themed resources which are then distributed free of charge via the SAPS website. Alex is reviewing these resources to ensure that they continue to be relevant and engaging and is working to build a network of Ambassadors who will help disseminate them around the UK.

Before joining the team in May 2017, Alex worked as a Learning and Outreach Officer at Centre of the Cell where she developed and presented shows about cell biology and medical research to schools and families. Before this, she was Education Officer at Understanding Animal Research.

• BA (Hons) Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge
• MSc Science Communication, Imperial College London

Jamie joined us in July 2018. He coordinates and delivers events for teachers and teacher trainers as well as overseeing our virtual presence through coordination of our database, social media and our SAPS website. Having trained and taught as a Primary School Teacher, he is aware of the need to inspire budding botanists from an early age with the use of plant science resources.

Jamie has previously worked in Medical Education at King’s College London and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust coordinating training events for medics.

• BEd (Hons) Primary Education, University of Bedfordshire
• MA Education Management, King’s College London

Chris is working part-time for the SAPS project to develop plant based learning and teaching resources. As a teacher of biology at Hills Road Sixth Form, Cambridge, Chris brings many years experience in teaching, teacher training and resource development to the project. Chris is committed to supporting our development of 'plant proud' teachers, and his SAPS projects include resources to aid confidence in the subject. 

• BA (hons) Biological Sciences, University of Oxford 
• PGCE Secondary Science, University of Cambridge 
• PhD Evolutionary insect neuroanatomy, University of Cambridge 

Claire joined the team in 2014 as a Project Coordinator to run the programme’s engagement of contemporary plant science research and opportunities with students in post-16 education. In 2021 she became the Project Manager (Higher Education). Claire works with academic advisors and consultants to develop, implement and evaluate the impact of the annual GPSEP undergraduate events - the Gatsby Plant Science Summer School and Rootstock, and subsequent alumni, and also aims to build upon engagement of 16+ year old students to undergraduates through development of the Plant Science Futures website. 

Claire was previously Director of a successful marketing and promotions company, before joining the world of science communication.

• BSc (Hons) Recreation Management, Sheffield Hallam University 

Yulia joined our team as the newest member in March 2025. She has experience in communication, design and illustration. As part of the HE team, she coordinates higher education events, including the Gatsby Plant Science Summer School and Rootstock, and communicates with students, lecturers, tutors and alumni.