Meet Our Team: Kirsty, STEM Engagement Manager & Baking Wiz
Meet our team: Kirsty Hayward, STEM Engagement Manager. Photography provided by Kirsty.
It’s time for you to meet our team!
This time we’re introducing you to our STEM Engagement Manager, Kirsty Hayward.
Having initially joined as a tutor-befriender whilst completing her Biomedical Science degree, at Newcastle University, Kirsty’s role with Sucess4All has evolved into the position of STEM Engagement Manager.
Kirsty is committed to supporting and facilitating children and young people’s learning, whether in the community, schools or even at home.
Her enthusiasm and passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math spark interest amongst children young people.
What’s your role with Success4All?
I am the STEM Engagement Manager. That entails looking after a lot of our extracurricular activities, including our community events, after school clubs and school workshops. I also drive and look after our Learning Bus.
How long have you been with S4A?
I’ve been a full-time staff member for four years, a volunteer for a year and I also worked part-time for a year.
What made you join S4a?
I moved to Newcastle to study biomedical science at Newcastle University, I really wanted to learn about my new home and sort of meet people who lived in the region.
When I saw the opportunity to become a jumped at the opportunity to be a volunteer and it just sort of spiralled from there. From being a volunteer, I started helping out at one of our Code Clubs. Then the leader of the Code club wanted to step down, so I took on the role.
Coming to the end of my degree, Success4All wanted to start including more practical science activities, so I was brought on to start that project. We wanted to really help children and young people at school and also at home to get hands-on with science.
Kirsty presenting storytime to a group of children. Photograph by Success4All.
What does a day in the life of a STEM Engagement Manager look like?
I don’t think there is a typical day. I always find that we end up doing lots of different things all at the same time, which is very exciting.
What motivates you?
Being able to bring excitement and fascination to children’s and young people’s lives is incredibly motivating and empowering. I enjoy seeing young people making independent scientific discoveries. Not only is it incredibly powerful if you feel like you found it out yourself but it also sticks in your mind faster than if you were told it.
Kirsty showing her homemade sourdough bread. Photograph by Kirsty.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I actually started a lot of hobbies in lockdown, but my favourite thing to do in my spare time is baking. I’ve been making lots of bread and cinnamon buns. My partner says it’s basically thermodynamics, so it’s basically science anyway.