About Us

Mariama joined Salters’ in 2020 following her role as Head of Outreach Solutions at the University of Oxford. Prior to this, Mariama worked in secondary and tertiary education, and community outreach. She has over 15 years’ experience in the public sector.

Mariama is a modern linguist, having completed her undergraduate degree in French and Spanish at the University of St Andrews, with a year abroad in Santiago de Compostela. Her MPhil and PhD at the University of Cambridge focused on European Literature, Languages and History. Mariama is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a Fulbright Scholar and a qualified career guidance professional. Outside of education, she is also a priest in the Church of England and is committed to inclusivity and working to enable all to fully flourish and thrive.

If you were an element from the periodic table, which one would you be and why?

C – Carbon: Strong, versatile, solid at room temperature.

After working within Education and Programme Management for the last 10 years, Elise thoroughly enjoys being part of an organisation that advocates for both chemistry and related sciences and positive change.

Elise is responsible for developing and delivering our many Salters’ Awards that are for both those in education and those in industry. Once an individual wins our award they are then invited to join our prestigious Alumni Programme that provides opportunities for individuals to connect with others in the chemistry and chemical engineering field, learn and grow from each other’s experience and skills through guest lectures and mentoring, as well as many other offerings throughout the year.

If you were an element from the periodic table, which one would you be and why?

F – Fluorine: Enjoys bringing a spark to anything she touches!

Sam is the team’s resident chemist with a degree in Medicinal Chemistry. She is passionate about inspiring the next generation of chemists and make chemistry accessible to all.

Sam manages the Salters’ Institute Programmes for students in secondary and tertiary education. These programmes include Chemistry Club, Festivals of Chemistry and the Salters’ Outreach Ambassadors. She is responsible for the design, development and implementation of these programmes engaging with a wide number of partners including schools, universities and industry.

If you were an element from the periodic table, which one would you be and why?

Si – Silicon: Silicon is the main element found in sand, I love being by the water and every summer you will find me on the beach in Scotland with my family! It is also one of the primary elements found in glass and I am a transparent person with lots of versatility.

Sheila is the Public Programmes Manager for both the Salters’ Institute and Salters’ Company, bringing the history, architecture and chemistry to life to learners for all ages. She looks after three core audiences in her role: families, schools and adults.

Sheila’s background is in museums and heritage with a focus on outreach and public engagement. She is passionate about inclusivity and accessibility in all her programmes, ensuring that everyone is empowered to find the joy within chemistry and their place within our story.

If you were an element from the periodic table, which one would you be and why?

Na – Sodium: I am often described as quite a bubbly and chatty person with a bright outlook so, if I was an element I would be sodium. Sodium creates bubbles when it reacts with water and when sodium burns it burns bright yellow and of course, sodium is most famous for its many useful compounds such as table salt.

Emma joined the Salters’ Institute in 2020 as Programmes Administrator to support the Festivals of Chemistry programme, and became Communications Officer in 2021. She is responsible for ensuring that the key message and aims of the Institute are accurately communicated to our range of audiences in engaging ways. She manages the Institutes’ social media channels and website, creates the monthly newsletter, Salters’ Summary, leads on creating publications and supports the team to promote our programme of chemistry outreach.

Prior to this, Emma completed a MSci in Biology at the University of Bristol and is enjoying developing her skills in science outreach and communication.

If you were an element from the periodic table, which one would you be and why?

Ne – Neon: I am a very calm person so I’d probably be neon as it’s a noble gas and very unreactive. Neon is also non-toxic and poses no risk to the environment, and as someone who loves wildlife and nature, I aim to do the same!

Aisha joined Salters’ in 2022 as an Outreach Officer to help support the Wild City Project. This project is aimed at Year 5 students and is run in two stages. It starts with a photography competition capturing biodiversity in the local area, and is followed by a design competition of a green space, giving the students a chance to compete for their designs to come to life in their school.

Aisha has a BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences and is currently undertaking a PhD in Ophthalmology at Kingston University.

If you were an element from the periodic table, which one would you be and why?

K – Potassium: Always willing to lend an electron (helping hand) to a friend/colleague in need.

Kumbulani joined the Institute in February 2023 as the Festivals of Chemistry Outreach Officer. He is passionate about sustainable development and social entrepreneurship issues, particularly investing in empowering young change makers to champion a better and more sustainable future for everyone.

Kumbulani has a BSc in Geography and Environmental Studies from Midlands State University, Zimbabwe, and has trained in Global Innovation at Stanford Graduate School of Business, USA, as well as Environmental Economics at Stanford University Woods Institute for the Environment, USA.

In his role he will support the delivery of the Festivals Programme between February and July 2023, support in-person events at locations across the UK as well as pre- and post-activity planning and data collection.

If you were an element from the periodic table, which one would you be and why?

H – Hydrogen: Hydrogen is the most abundant chemical substance in the universe, constituting roughly 75% of all normal matter. Like Hydrogen, I want to be abundant (available), cause no harm, and still retain my importance.

Noor is the Social Media Intern for The Salters’ Institute, working closely with the Communications Officer to assist in the running of the Institute’s social media channels, ensuring our online presence aligns with our message and aims. Her responsibilities include supporting the promotion of outreach events and initiatives to a range of audiences and developing the Institute’s wider digital community.

Noor is currently completing an undergraduate degree in Culture, Media and Creative Industries at King’s College London, and is looking forward to further developing her skills in digital communications.

CU  – Copper: I would be copper, because it is both ductile and malleable and I think I adapt to new situations quite quickly. It is also an excellent heat conductor and I love the sun!