Trustees

Asima Chowdhury completed a degree in Applied Biology before qualifying as a Biomedical Scientist. She worked at the Bristol Royal Infirmary where she gained a primary fellowship in clinical chemistry and later moved to Canada where she worked as a microbiologist.

After moving back to the UK, Asima completed a teaching qualification gaining experience in both primary and secondary schools. She had several roles as Science lead, Science Lead Practitioner, Specialist Leader in Science and became a Fellow of the Primary Science Teaching College in 2018.

Asima worked as Deputy Leader of Academies at the DfE and has been an advisor for the DfE on primary science assessment. Since joining Teach First she has supported teachers completing the National Professional Qualification programmes and works with senior leaders on school-to-school collaboration.

Fred Young completed his primary and secondary education in Perth. He graduated from the University of Dundee and spent several years working in mining and mineral exploration overseas. On return to the UK, Fred undertook an MSc and Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Geology at Imperial College, University of London.

After this, he worked for several Engineering Consultants and was involved in the management of a number of projects across the UK. Including designing and supervising the excavation of a major road tunnel on the North Wales coast road.

After a decided change of career direction and completing a PGCE, Fred taught Chemistry and Science in schools throughout England and Scotland for 10 years.

In 1999, Fred joined SSERC - a Scottish National science and technology advisory and professional development service - as the Chemistry Adviser. By 2003 he was the Chief Executive Officer, a position he held until he retired at the end of June 2017. In this role, Fred worked closely with Local and National politicians, Local Authority officers, the Scottish Government, Government agencies and a number of charitable trusts. He was also a member of several National Committees and Chair of a number of Advisory Boards. During Fred’s time at SSERC, the organisation became established as the leading provider of Professional Development for STEM school education professionals in Scotland.

Fred is a Fellow of the Geological Society, a Chartered Member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and was a member of the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES).

Jo Weston studied Psychology at the University of Exeter before converting to law and qualifying as a solicitor with Burges Salmon and specialising in corporate finance. In private practice she advised corporates, institutions, SMEs and private individuals on a wide range of issues including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, regulatory, governance and contractual matters. Jo then spent many years working as group legal services manager for a franchisor with an international network, supporting its board on strategic issues and advising on compliance, management of risk and best practice.

Having taken a step back from legal work, Jo is pursuing other interests and focusing on her four children and busy home life. She hopes to be able to support the Trust in making excellent science teaching available to as many young children as possible.

Julia Ryle-Hodges is an Associate Advisor at the Behavioural Insights Team, where she focuses primarily on implementing and evaluating school-based education interventions. Before joining the Behavioural Insights Team, Julia spent five years as a primary school teacher, working with 9-11 year olds.

Prior to teaching, Julia was a research assistant in the Psychology Department in the University of Oxford where she evaluated the impact of early language interventions in schools. Julia holds a BA in Politics, Psychology and Sociology from the University of Cambridge and an MA in Professional Education from the University of Warwick.

As a former teacher of primary Science, Julia is excited to be part of PSTT’s mission to bring excellent science teaching into every UK primary classroom.

Jyoti Sehdev is a Chartered Civil Engineer by background, passionate about engaging diverse young people with STEM subjects and applying diversity of perspectives to solve global challenges. Jyoti works for Costain as the Group Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead, within the ESG Team, where she has developed and is currently implementing the 2021 Inclusion Strategy. Jyoti is dedicated to leading by example through her work as a STEM Ambassador, working with the PSTT to break down misconceptions about construction and engineering and encourage young people into an exciting and world-changing industry.

She is also a member of the London Mayor's Young Professionals Panel, where she engages in STEM outreach and uses her knowledge to advise on the future of London's Infrastructure, increasing efficiency and accessibility for all.

Jyoti was selected in the 2021 Top Women in Engineering and as the 2022 Winner of the Asian Women of Achievement Awards in the Real Estate, Construction and Infrastructure Category.

Laura Hickman studied Natural Sciences at Cambridge University before qualifying as a solicitor specialising in commercial litigation. She advises national and international companies, financial institutions and high net worth individuals on their most significant disputes and risks. She has worked in both in-house environments and in leading international and city law firms in London, Hong Kong and Paris. Her educational background in maths and science has frequently assisted her legal work, which requires analytical thinking and even, in some cases, scientific understanding.

Laura has two young children embarking on the early stages of their primary school journey, and she is keen to encourage their inquisitive nature with her own enthusiasm for science. Laura is passionate about supporting the Trust's work in engaging children in the wonders of science from an early age.

Michael Reiss is Professor of Science Education at UCL Institute of Education, Visiting Professor at the Universities of Kiel and York and the Royal Veterinary College, Honorary Fellow of the British Science Association and of the College of Teachers, Docent at the University of Helsinki and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.

A former Director of Education at the Royal Society, he is also a Priest in the Church of England and President of the International Society for Science and Religion. His research and consultancy interests are in science education, bioethics and sex education.

Olivia Thompson is the Director of Strategic Capability at the Nuclear Innovation Research Office (NIRO). She provides independent strategic and technical advice to UK Government on all aspects of nuclear power generation, medical isotope production, propulsion and fusion. Prior to this Olivia held a senior role at the UK’s National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) where she oversaw their Early Career, Training, Education, Learning and Development and Equality Diversity and Inclusion teams. She is a non-executive director of Women in Nuclear and Racial Equality in Nuclear organisations.

Olivia is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Professional Development (CIPD) and the Nuclear Institute as well as being a Chartered Chemist/ Scientist.

Prior to her career in HR, Olivia was a research scientist, specialising in understanding and predicting the behaviour of radionuclides in the Environment. She has published several research papers and theoretical text on this topic and represented the UK at many international conferences.

Patrick Hand joined an American stockbroker in the City of London as a trainee over 35 years ago before moving into market making and broking where he gained a wealth of experience.

Patrick then worked for Aberdeen Standard Investments for over 20 years, one of Europe's largest active investment fund managers, as a senior Client Director where he was responsible for reporting to charity and pension fund Trustee boards as well as corporate clients on all aspects of their investments. Recently stepped down from this role, he still holds the Investment Management Certificate. Patrick’s focus as a Trustee will be on the investments the Trust oversees.

In his free time, Patrick enjoys sailing, especially on the west coast of Scotland, trekking, skiing and watching rugby.

Paul Shuter studied History at Lancaster University, trained as a teacher, and spent 11 years teaching in large comprehensive schools. Curriculum development work included a secondment to the early Computers in the Curriculum Project, and the Schools History Project. He was a Chief Examiner for CSE, O Level and GCSE and is the author of a number of textbooks and articles on teaching history. He spent 20 years working in educational publishing where his roles included Primary Publishing Director at Heinemann and MD of Ginn, Heinemann and Rigby.

For the last ten years he and his wife have run a publishing consultancy business developing book and digital projects for publishers and arts institutions.

Saurabh Das is a Chartered Accountant and brings more than twenty years’ experience in providing strategic governance and financial advice to public sector organisations. He is currently a Principal at Avison Young, a global commercial real estate advisory company.

Previously, Saurabh held senior finance and commercial roles at the Cabinet Office and Department of Health, working closely with Ministers and Finance Directors across Whitehall departments and government agencies.

He gained his accountancy qualification at PwC UK, auditing NHS Trusts, Local Authorities and Universities. He holds an MA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) from the University of Oxford and a BA (Hons) in Mathematics from the University of Delhi.