Meet the subject leads and instructors for 2023

  • Life Sciences

    Life Sciences covers everything that is living from bacteria to plants to humans. The Life Sciences subject stream aims to prepare learners for studying Biology at GCSE and A Level.

  • Subject lead: Josephine Grech

    I am Josephine Grech and have a background in Forensic Science, and currently undertaking PhD in Forensic science and the use of virtual reality in teaching. I work full time as a Biology lecturer and also a digital excellence lead at college. I am part of the anti-racism action group as part of the Welsh Government mission. I mentor younger students who are interested in Forensic Science and provide them with virtual work experience. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, spending time with my children and travelling to explore different cultures.

  • Subject instructor: Maura Burns Zaragoza

    Hi! I’m Maura, and I have just graduated with an integrated master’s degree in Biology from the University of Oxford. I grew up in East London before moving to South Wales with my family in 2021. Biology was my favourite subject at school, and I am passionate about increasing engagement with nature and science. I am a volunteer with a UK citizen science charity, where I work with other young people to make opportunities within the conservation sector more accessible. In my spare time, I love playing golf and being outside, especially if there is a view of the sea.

  • Physical Sciences

    Physical Sciences covers the inorganic or ‘non living’ world. The Physical Sciences subject stream aims to prepare learners for studying Chemistry and Physics at GCSE and A Level.

  • Subject lead: Vinette Hoffman-Gibbs

    Hi everyone, my name is Vinette and I am currently an Assistant Headteacher/SENDCo, Careers Leader and STEM Coordinator. I am a Team Leader at Cambridge International Assessments, an educational consultant for Pupil Referral units and I coach trainee teachers. I have taught in different countries and educational provisions throughout my career. My studies are in Waste Management Systems and Chemistry. My favourite area of Chemistry is Organic Chemistry. I am an advocate for STEM especially for girls and ethnic minorities who are not equally represented.

  • Subject instructor: Daniel Clarke

    Hi, my name is Dan. I have just completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Cambridge, having read Natural Sciences, and will be continuing my studies at Cambridge when I start my master’s degree in October. In my free time, I enjoy choral singing, playing the piano, climbing, and skiing.

  • Computer Science

    Computer Science covers computer systems and networks in broad terms. The Computer Science subject stream aims to prepare learners for studying Computer Science at GCSE and A Level.

  • Subject lead: Daniel Webb

    My name is Dan Webb and I am a Computer Science and Digital Technologies Lecturer at CAVC. I completed my Teacher Training in Computer Science at the University of Winchester in 2016. I have been teaching for 6 years. I am a massive comic book fan, especially the House of M run at Marvel. In my spare time, you will find me either out for a walk with my son, reading a good book or cooking up something new in the Kitchen.

  • Subject instructor: Daniel Monzon

    Hi, I’m Daniel. My diverse career includes entrepreneurial ventures, such as selling shoes in high school and gaining valuable business skills. I also worked as a basketball referee and technician at the YMCA. At the University of Florida, I learned Python coding while working as a technician at the O'Connell Center. In high school, I managed a heavy workload, achieving a 5.0 GPA while holding three jobs. I am currently enrolled at the University of Florida’s engineering program, and pursuing computer engineering with a minor in engineering innovation.

  • Engineering

    Engineering covers applications of Science and Maths to solve problems. The Engineering subject stream aims to give learners a taste of Engineering whilst helping prepare them for studying Maths and Physics at GCSE and A Level.

  • Subject lead: Dean Mathieson

    My name is Dean Mathieson, my favourite subjects at school were Maths and Science which led me to study Engineering Science at Oxford University. After University I spent some time as a researcher at Oxford and Hull Universities. I was part of a team that developed and tested new materials for use as Organic Light Emitting Diodes, which are now used in OLED TVs. Later I worked in industry in the areas of water treatment and ventilation. For several years I have worked as a Maths and Science teacher in secondary education.

  • Subject instructor: Lucy Kanias

    Hi! I’m Lucy and I am an undergraduate majoring in chemical engineering at MIT. I live in Boston, Massachusetts however I am currently in Wales for the Summer working remotely on research with graduates in chemical engineering. In the future, I hope to work in the sustainable energy sector through consulting, management or as a process engineer.

  • Mathematics

    Mathematics covers a variety of topics including but not limited to: algebra, geometry and calculus. The Maths subject stream aims to prepare learners for studying Maths at GCSE and A Level.

  • Subject lead: Sallie Chedburn

    I’m Sallie - a maths teacher who loves to find mathematics and patterns in every part of life. I studied maths at Edinburgh university and have been teaching since I graduated ten years ago – working with students in the UK and around the world. Understanding is at the core of my teaching practice with my favourite question being “why?” – I believe it is really important to understand the reasoning behind the procedure in maths. When I am not in the classroom, I myself am a learner - I am in training to become a circus artist (where yes, there IS mathematics to be found!)

  • Subject co-instructor: Molly Rowlands

    Born and raised in the Rhondda Valleys, I am a past pupil of Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda where I achieved 14 A*s in my GCSEs, before going on to study Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Biology & Chemistry at A-Level. I attained 4 A*s in my A-levels and earned myself a place to study Mathematics at University College London, however, I chose to take a gap-year instead. During this year, I began working as a Learning Support Assistant and developed a newfound passion for teaching. My time away from my studies provided clarity on my future goals and, with more determination than ever, I re-applied to University through UCAS. I am now a first-year student at Durham University where I study Mathematics & Education within their Natural Sciences pathway. After graduation, I intend to return to the classroom and pursue a career in teaching.

  • Subject co-instructor: Hannah Ross

    I’m Hannah and I have just graduated from the University of St Andrews, after spending four years in Scotland studying maths! I focused on pure mathematics, particularly enjoying modules in number theory and analysis. Outside of my studies I enjoy playing hockey, baking and socialising with friends. I’m really excited to be involved with this summer school.

Wellbeing, Academic Study Skills & Careers

The new stream addition to STEMHaus 2023 will have a range of sessions and activities that cover wellbeing topics, academic study skills and careers connected to STEM industries.

Subject lead: Tamara Kenny

I am Tamara Kenny and have a background in Genetics & Education. I graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Human Medical Genetics. I have worked in research laboratories in the field of Genetics and currently run a private tutoring academy called the Academy of Excellence in which I lecture Biology and Human Biology. I am also a lecturer at International Universities in Sri lanka.

I am an advocate for Reproductive Health and Conservation. My passion outside of work is hiking and I am currently on a mission to find hidden waterfalls across Sri Lanka.