Manuela is a lecturer in ecological modelling at the University of Reading. She was born in Spain but her research has taken her to the USA, France, and now the UK. Her current research aims to improve our understanding of the global biodiversity crisis hoping to find more effective solutions. When not doing research, she enjoys walking with her dog and husband, doing yoga, rock climbing, and Netflix-ing. She participated as a speaker in the Soapbox Science 2016 event and looks forward to helping organize the one this year.
Eunyeong recently completed her doctorate degree in the field of noise and vibration engineering at RMIT university in Australia. In her PhD research she developed a passenger model to predict vibrational behaviour of occupants so as to improve the ride quality for driver and passengers. Her interests in improving the quality of daily life and supporting public events led her to Soapbox Science. 2019 shall mark Eunyeong’s first Soapbox Science event in Reading and she is looking forward to bringing her enthusiasm for STEM.
KT Cooper is a lapsed biogeochemist who has now found herself as an Impact Development Manager at the University of Reading. Whilst she was still a researcher, she sought to understand the role of microbes in the dissolution of carbonate rocks, which took her to warm climates as this is where the nicest rocks are- or so she says! KT is a strong advocate for science communication in all forms and is the co-chair of the Reading Branch of the British Science Association, a freelance science communication performer and involved in various STEM campaigns. As a badge wearing STEMinist, KT is excited to be involved in Soapbox Science this year.
Sara is a research scientist in Johnson Matthey. Her research helps to develop technologies for a cleaner and healthier world. Outside the laboratory, she changes her lab coat for dancing shoes. There is a lot of science behind dancing! Sara studied chemistry and materials engineering in Spain and completed her PhD in catalysis at Cardiff University. It was in the Welsh capital where she volunteered in Soapbox Science for the first time and could not miss the opportunity to bring the event to Reading this year.