In recognition of her activities, she was recently invited to a reception at 10 Downing Street.

Q How did you first get involved in science communication?

A During my PhD at Oxford I took part in the Researcher in Residence scheme and thoroughly enjoyed working with a local school and having the sixth form chemists visit my lab.

As a postdoc in Edinburgh I worked with the Chemical Connection scheme through Lesley Yellowlees, taking workshops into schools and also being involved with the Edinburgh Science Festival.

Since moving to Strathclyde I have become a Researcher in Residence again, as well as branching out further.

Q What are you currently working on?

A At the moment I'm going into local primary schools and carrying out a full day workshop for all the 11-12 year olds. I've developed this with my Researcher in Residence host teacher, Jess Cooke. I have funding from the Biochemical Society to take this into more schools.

I'm also involved in a science communication course for PhD students at Strathclyde and have been advising the new Researcher in Residence team at Edinburgh University.

Q What have been your most successful projects?

A Most of the events I've done have been based on extracting DNA from a banana and learning about DNA and proteins.

This is a great workshop because it's very hands on, yet simple and doesn't involve any hardcore chemicals or equipment. I've coined the concept of 'supermarket science'.

Materials can be bought exclusively from the supermarket, bypassing safety complications. I ran a supermarket science soiree for teachers in January to make them aware of just how easy such practical lessons are.

Q What is your favourite fact to tell school children?

A The reaction I get for mentioning poo or stool and urine samples is always great. I've developed a Making the Perfect Poo demonstration, which is based on the digestive system.

I love this because the pupils are so shocked when I stand there and talk about poo and I've adapted this for classes aged from 12-17 very successfully!

Q What advice would you give someone who wants to get involved in science communication?

A I love what I've been doing and would advise anyone who likes the sound of it to become a Researcher in Residence or contact SETPOINT about becoming a Science and Engineering Ambassador.

Find out what's going on within your institution and just go out into local schools or science centres and be enthusiastic about your science.