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meet the team
TRUSTEES
Chris Allton
Chris grew up and was educated in Australia and then embarked on a career which has seen him living in four of the Rugby Six Nations. In his day job he lectures Physics and researches fundamental particles such as quarks which make up protons and neutrons, and hence 99% of the known universe. Away from work, he enjoys running, cycling and generally being outdoors in and around the beautiful Swansea and Gower beaches.
SARAH ROBERTS
Sarah is a senior lecturer in the Physics Department in Swansea University. Born in North Wales, Sarah moved to South Wales to study, and has stayed here ever since. Sarah is passionate about science communication and outreach and loves sharing the wonders of science with the public and young people. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys running, singing and going on adventures with her two energetic children!
Tanya foxall
Tanya is a Business Manager at Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions, a company focused on decarbonising transport and energy sectors by providing sustainable hydrogen-powered solutions. As Oriel Science's first employee and formally its Operations Manager, she wanted to continue supporting its mission of bringing scientific research to the community and is now a Trustee at Oriel Science. When not busy with her family, she's a netball coach to children at a local netball club, and enjoys walks with her dog in the beautiful Gower Peninsula.
MARTIN STRINGER
Professor Martin Stringer was born in Tanzania and researches the place of religion in the UK. He was a Pro-Vice Chancellor at Swansea University for seven years between 2014 and 2022 and has been closely involved with Oriel Science since its foundation. Martin currently works as a consultant to Higher Education.
our team
Sandra Morgan
Learning Manager
Born and brought up in Neath, Sandra is a qualified teacher with experience in managing science departments in comprehensive schools in both England and Wales. For a number of years, she worked closely with Swansea University’s outreach teams bringing school parties to our Singleton and Bay campuses before joining the Oriel team in 2019. Her main hobbies are outdoors, including camping, walking and gardening. She volunteers with a local history group promoting local heritage and helping to maintain the grounds of a listed monument.
Catherine Griffiths
Operations Manager
Catherine has a background that mostly focuses on corporate events but has always wanted to work somewhere that gave back to the community. With a keen interest in culture, history and education, she recently joined the Oriel Science team, fulfilling her goals. Outside work, Catherine spends most of her time travelling the UK and beyond, reading, writing and walking her Corgi, named after her childhood hero, Indiana Jones.
Daphne Ioanna Giannoulatou
Creative & MARKETING Manager
Daphne Ioanna is a Creative Science Communicator and researcher. She always loved science but studied art. In 2006 she started working as a performative installation artist and in 2020 she completed her PhD thesis linking Art and Science for education and engagement—finally uniting her two passions. Originally from Greece, she enjoys working in interdisciplinary teams, discussing and developing impactful science communication projects. Most of all, she loves spending time with her family, playing under the sun and the starry sky.
Derek troutman
Community Engagement Specialist
Derek holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and a Master of Science in Science Communication. With a passion for science ignited in his youth, he discovered during his undergraduate studies a passion for bridging the gap between research and public understanding. Having lived on three continents, Derek brings a multicultural perspective and aims to inspire audiences to engage with science. In his free time, Derek enjoys playing various tabletop and video games with friends.
Visitor Experience Facilitators
Our wonderful team of Visitor Experience Facilitators—mostly enthusiastic Swansea University students, alongside community members—share a strong passion for STEAMM. Working at the Oriel Science venue, they are dedicated to creating memorable experiences for every visitor by inspiring curiosity. They are always happy to answer questions and engage visitors in the wonders of STEAMM, showcased through our exhibitions and workshops.
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