Meet the team

Joy Parvin - Director

I have been working with CIEC since 1992, having started writing resource materials as a teacher two years previously. I am responsible for the overall strategy, business planning, finance and fundraising, direction and management of CIEC.

In addition, I sit on a number of education committees, contribute to national and international conferences to provide professional development consultation, and disseminate the work of CIEC.

Jo Eastwood - Administrator

In 2019, after nine years at the University as PA to the Head of the Department of Chemistry, I joined CIEC as Administrator. I love the diversity of the role, and no two days are ever the same with a fast-changing pace that keeps me on my toes!

I am responsible for overseeing all aspects of CIEC’s administration, and provide support to the Director and a team of colleagues to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the office.

I also contribute to the development of new systems and initiatives, and assist with the design and creation of promotional materials for both printed and online publications and resources.

Jane Winter - Professional Development Leader

I joined CIEC in 2014 after many years teaching and leading science in Lincolnshire schools. My role includes developing and leading hands-on practical courses for teachers at the STEM Learning Centre and around the country.

I mentor on several online science-based courses which are accessed by teachers from around the world, and also write and edit publications for EYFS and primary science teachers.

Nicola Waller - Professional Development Leader

My current role with CIEC has evolved since starting as an advisory teacher for the Children Challenging Industry programme in 2004. I now also plan, lead and present a wide range of exciting training packages for primary teachers, mainly at the National STEM Learning Centre in York, but also at courses and conferences around the country.

In addition to this, I write and edit educational resources for teachers, many linking with industry and making the real world accessible to primary-aged children.

Mackayla Millar - Advisory Teacher

I joined CIEC in February 2020 as an advisory teacher to deliver the Children Challenging Industry programme. I work with schools and industry partners in the North East to deliver science activities set within real-world industrial contexts.

I provide CPD for teachers on raising the science capital of all children through meaningful links to industry, and support STEM professionals to host school visits that provide curriculum-relevant interactions unique to their company.

I have also written the IndusTRY AT HOME series of educational resources, designed to develop children’s scientific skills and to bring some of our exciting range of activities to children learning from home.

Rebecca Cornwell - Advisory Teacher

I joined the CIEC in January 2024 as an advisory teacher, following a Primary School teaching career where I led science and curriculum development.  I deliver the Children Challenging Industry programme; working with schools and industry partners in the North East of England to deliver science activities set within real world industrial contexts.

I provide CPD for teachers on raising the science capital of all children through meaningful links to industry, and support STEM professionals to host school visits that provide curriculum-relevant interactions unique to their company.

Clare Draper - Advisory Teacher

I joined the CIEC team in September 2023 as an advisory teacher to deliver the Children Challenging Industry programme. I work with schools and industry partners in the East of England to deliver science activities set within real-world industrial contexts.

I provide CPD for teachers on raising the science capital of all children through meaningful links to industry, and support STEM professionals to host school visits that provide curriculum-relevant interactions unique to their company.

Alongside this, I teach in a new, STEM-focused primary school in Cambridge as the Curriculum Development Lead.

Melanie Boyeson - Advisory Teacher

I joined the CIEC team in September 2022 as an advisory teacher to deliver the Children Challenging Industry programme. I work with schools and industry partners in the Humber region to deliver science activities set within real-world industrial contexts.

I provide CPD for teachers on raising the science capital of all children through meaningful links to industry, and support STEM professionals to host school visits that provide curriculum-relevant interactions unique to their company.

In addition, I mentor primary science leaders through an award accreditation programme / the Primary Science Quality Mark, have the Associate Facilitator badge for STEM Learning, and have compiled and shared online STEM educational resources. I was awarded the PSTT Primary Science Teaching Award 2021, becoming a Primary Science Teaching Trust Fellow, after a decade of leading primary science forwards in my school and local area.

Rebecca Price - Advisory Teacher

I joined the CIEC team in 2024 as an Advisory Teacher after being inspired by their passion to link industries with Primary school children and for children to become excited and enthused by the real world contexts already around them. I am part of the team who delivers the Children Challenging Industry programme; working with industries and schools in the North-West to ensure that children see Science as being relevant to them now and in the future.

I still maintain my role as a part-time class teacher and Science Leader which I have held for 15 years and enjoy the joys and challenges of the classroom. Alongside these roles, I also provide CPD and coaching support to other schools covering a diversity of topics through various organisations and work with the Primary Science Quality Mark team to mentor Science Leaders through Science improvement. I also work with the Primary Science Teaching Trust and STEM learning as a facilitator to help improve Science teaching and learning. 

Ruth Duberley - Advisory Teacher

I joined the CIEC team in April 2024 as an advisory teacher. In my role I work with STEM Ambassadors and schools in the North West to develop partnerships that make meaningful links to industry through school visits by STEM Ambassadors.

I am an experienced primary teacher and have led Science in a number of schools, including my current school where I have taught part time for 11 years.

Outside of my role with the CIEC, I work as a Professional Development Leader for STEM Learning, delivering CPD to teachers. I have a PhD in neuroscience, and before teaching, worked as a postdoctoral research scientist. My work focused on neurotrophin levels in motor neurone disease.

Görkem Altunbas

Helen Harden - Curriculum Developer

I joined CIEC as a curriculum developer in Autumn 2023 following several years as chemistry lead on the Best Evidence Science Teaching project. My role includes extensive searching and reading of the research literature on children’s misconceptions in science. I interpret and summarise what I discover to support the development of educational resources.