Christ College appoints its own 'Researcher-in-Residence'

Christ College Brecon has appointed its own Researcher-in-Residence to further enhance the school’s teaching of science and create opportunities for front line research among pupils.

Laura Nuttall, who is due to start her role at Christ College at the beginning of the autumn term, is currently studying for a PhD in gravitational wave physics at Cardiff University.

This initiative, funded by Research Council UK with support from the Wellcome Trust, brings together researchers, pupils and teachers via exciting and innovative placements in secondary schools across the UK.

John Sheehy, the scheme’s manager said: “By inspiring the next generation about their work, Researchers in Residence can enhance employability or academic career progression as well as enrich classroom teaching”

Laura said: “I am really looking forward to working with the staff and pupils at Christ College over the next year, taking classes in astro-related topics, as well as running many science-related projects. This will help create a range of unique experiences for Christ College pupils, which already has an excellent reputation for the quality of its science teaching.”

Laura is now entering the second year of her PhD and has attended conferences all over the world. She has also worked at a gravitational wave detector in Hanford, Washington State, USA for three months.

Head of Science at Christ College, Guy Hope said: “We're very lucky to have attracted someone to the calibre of Laura and I am looking forward to welcoming her to the Christ College community”.

Emma Taylor, Head of Christ College said: “We are delighted to have a Researcher-in-Residence in our science department. It’s a fantastic initiative and there are so many ways to integrate this into our daily routine. I am really looking forward to seeing how our pupils benefit from this”.

Prospective pupils and their families will be able to discuss the Researcher-in-Residence project with Laura at an Open Morning at Christ College Brecon on Saturday 9 October 2010 which commences at 9.30 am.