University technician shortlisted for #WISEAwards2018 for promoting STEM to girls and women

A technician at the University of Plymouth has been shortlisted for a national award in recognition of her efforts to support others wanting to succeed in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Dr Jodie Fisher, Earth Science Technician in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, is among the finalists in the Women Into Science and Engineering (WISE) Awards 2018.

The awards aim to recognise inspiring individuals and organisations who are actively working to address the core concerns of WISE, promoting STEM to girls and women.

Dr Fisher is one of three finalists in the running for the WISE Technician Award, sponsored by the Royal Air Force, and the winner will be announced at a celebration event in London in November. She said:

“I have always seen being a technician as hugely rewarding. I get to support research and teaching, whilst also working to promote STEM through outreach activities, demonstrating the many opportunities available in the sciences, especially to young women and girls. With the Technician Commitment having recently come into force, it is amazing to be down to the final three for these awards and I am really honoured to have been nominated, and excited about the ceremony in November.”

Dr Fisher first came to Plymouth in 2001 to start her PhD, in which she used isotopes, geochemistry and micropalaeontology to determine climate change 90 million years ago.

She began working as a technician in 2012, and her work includes supporting and supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students, running the earth science research lab, undertaking teaching, and playing an active role in outreach with local schools alongside the Devon & Cornwall Children’s University.

Dr Fisher has also been instrumental in the success of the award-winning Girls into Geoscience, an annual event which aims to encourage girls and young women to realise the potential of a career in the earth sciences.

The WISE Awards 2018 will be attended by 450 women from the STEM sector, with the awards being presented by HRH The Princess Royal, royal patron of WISE.

Helen Wollaston, Chief Executive of WISE said:

“The WISE Awards are an incredible opportunity to find role models who are blazing a trail and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. From the classroom to the boardroom – there are some fantastic examples to show what can be done to get more girls and women into STEM as well as truly inspirational stories from women making a difference through science, technology and engineering. Congratulations to all our finalists, We look forward to celebrating with you in November and working with you to grow the reach and impact of the campaign.”