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Martin Khechara - demo fire STEM Response Team

The STEM Response Team


Dr Martin Khechara BSc (Hons) PhD PGcert SFHEA FIBMS

Martin Khechara is an Associate Professor for Engagement in science technology engineering and maths (STEM) at the University of Wolverhampton. Martin is also an applied and clinical microbiologist, researcher and educator who has an international profile for his work in pedagogy for higher education with a focus on engagement. He is also a public engagement professional and practitioner, a highly experienced science communicator, presenter, writer, director and science theatre practitioner who believes that study at university can change lives. Martin leads on development of strategy for better outreach and community and public engagement for STEM subject areas for the university of Wolverhampton and is a true champion of social change. He actively works in the community as manager and creative director of the award-winning STEM response Team. Through this group Martin has successfully managed a very wide variety of high value grant funded projects for outreach and community and public engagement and has used these to show the community of the West Midlands that study in STEM is for everyone irrespective of face, race or place. 

Sotiria Boutsi, PhD

Sotiria Boutsi is the STEM Outreach & Public Engagement Coordinator for the STEM Response Team. With a background in biological sciences, she is driven by a fascination with the diversity and possibilities of life. She holds an MSc in Conservation Biology and a PhD in Evolutionary Ecology. Her academic journey has taken her around the world, collaborating with researchers and building connections with leading educational institutions.

As the team’s coordinator, Sotiria provides direct support to line management and acts as a key link between the team and university finance, management and stakeholders. She contributes to the design, delivery, and evaluation of STEM public and community engagement initiatives and promotes the team’s activities across multiple social media channels, supporting student recruitment, raising STEM awareness, and highlighting the projects and research taking place across the faculty and university.

Sotiria believes in the power of science to transform lives and communities, and she works to promote diversity and expand opportunities for individuals from less advantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.