Meet the winner – Sharan Johnstone, University of South Wales

Why did you enter the Wales STEM Awards?  

I nominated our team/department for the STEM Educational programme to showcase the fantastic work that we do on campus and via outreach to inspire, develop and nurture the future STEM talent and raise awareness of the fantastic and fulfilling roles available in STEM.  I was lucky enough to be nominated for the STEM woman of the year award and win it.

What did winning mean for you or your business? 

We were delighted to be highly commended for the STEM Educational programme and it’s a real testament to the staff that go above and beyond every day to deliver our wide range of programmes and be able to showcase what we do and can offer. For me personally, it’s an It is an absolute privilege to win STEM woman of the year.  My role is diverse, and I am delighted to be able to work with so many internal partners and external organisations in the promotion and delivery of STEM education and manage a fantastic team of very driven and talented individuals who share my passion to make STEM accessible and inspiring to all.

What’s been a challenge for you or your business during the last year and how did you overcome it? 

Our students returned to campus full time for the first time since lockdown and for many it was the first time to meet their peers in person since starting their course. It is a testament to the teaching and support staff who have gone above and beyond to help support students through this transition by embedding more pastoral and study support sessions into our contact time.  It has been a pleasure to be able to have STEM industry guests back on campus to inspire our students and be able to visit schools and colleges to deliver STEM outreach.

What’s been a highlight for you or your business over the last year and why? 

Welcoming our students back onto campus, winning Cyber University of the Year for the 4^th year running and of course winning STEM woman of the Year and being Highly Commended for our Educational Programmes.

What are your goals for 2023? 

To continue to deliver outstanding STEM education and inspire future STEM talent in Wales.

What, in your opinion, can be done to inspire more young people to pursue careers in STEM? 

We need to have greater visibility of what STEM is and how it underpins every sector in industry. There are still too many incorrect perceptions that STEM is tech only.

What, or who, is exciting you in the STEM sector in Wales? 

It’s great to see the innovation in healthcare, particularly in Wales.

What do you think could be done to help the STEM sector in Wales? 

Great visibility, more outreach and inclusion in the National Curriculum.