Briefly, tell us about your position at King's and area of study?
I’m a Research Associate at the Department of Surgical and Interventional Engineering with clinical experience in general radiology. My work is focused on the role of Artificial intelligence for the management of brain tumours from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
Was this your first time volunteering at New Scientist Live? Was the event what you expected? If not your first time, what made you want to volunteer again?
It is my second time volunteering for New Scientist Live (NSL), showcasing 'The Hospital of the Future' alongside our research group. Last year, I was fortunate to work at the School Day, engaging with a young generation of curious minds. We were absolutely overwhelmed by the children's enthusiasm for learning how things work. The children showed no hesitation in diving straight into a pretend tumour resection from a 3D-printed silicone brain while learning about fluorescence and its opportunities for guided neurosurgery, or testing the durability of real laparoscopic surgical instruments for abdominal keyhole surgery. There was a lot of 'learning by doing,' which was a perfect way to engage with the latest research in healthcare technologies. I was really looking forward to returning this year.
Why do you think it is important to engage with the public at events like New Scientist Live?
Events like NSL create an opportunity for scientists and the public to come together, learn from each other, and advance our collective understanding of the world. Large scale public engagement events are essential for promoting science literacy, making science more accessible and inspiring future generations.
What did you enjoy most about participating in New Scientist Live?
Engaging with the public helps scientists to receive valuable feedback and gain a different perspective on their work. I had the opportunity to speak with people of different ages and diverse backgrounds and had interesting discussions that provided new insights and a deeper understanding of public concerns and interests related to my research. My personal inspiration for the day was witnessing so many girls interested in science and being inspired to pursue studies in STEM.
Would you recommend staff and students participate at events like New Scientist Live and why?
Absolutely, yes. Please come and join NSL next year. It's a lot of fun. In addition to everything that's been mentioned, you'll have an opportunity to meet your fellow colleagues and learn about extended research at the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, and take a look at other exhibition stalls.
Read more about what King's had to offer at this year's New Scientist Live exhibition.