About

This is me!

Online

Derek has been online since the early days, and his website has been through various incarnations since then. I love ‘the web’ and web design. I take a real interest in how web technologies develop and am pretty tech-savvy. Although mostly self-taught, I do have a few qualifications from CIW: Certified Internet Web Professional achieved through University of the West of Scotland:

CIW Web Foundations Associate

CIW Web Foundations Associate (certified 06/28/2008)

CIW v5 Associate (certified 06/28/2008)

CIW Web Design Specialist

CIW Web Design Specialist (certified 11/14/2008)

CIW Professional (certified 11/14/2008)

Science

I’ve got a BSc Science Studies from University of Strathclyde and a lifelong passion for science and nature. I’ve worked as a Science Communicator, and then Senior Science Communicator at the internationally renowned Glasgow Science Centre since the spring of 2006.

The aim is to show Science is exciting and of great value; explaining simple and more complex concepts to people of all ages in ways that engage, inspire and challenge to better understand the World around them.

I hosted workshops, science shows, planetarium shows and labs that facilitate learning through fun; I even get to be a puppet-master – teaching younger children about the Science of force through the highly visual and amazingly entertaining medium of a puppet show.

Just as rewarding as that was the role of training others to do the same and managing some of our science communicators. I was involved in developing new projects and making sure that what we do is inspiring, exciting and lot’s of fun!

In July 2009, I began a secondment to the University of Strathclyde as a Public Engagement Champion, tasked with helping to establish and support the activities of the West of Scotland OPEN (Outreach and Public Engagement Network) project. I’ve also been involved in the development of having Glasgow recognised as a City of Science. The Glasgow City of Science initiative brings together a great number of stakeholders from academia, industry, Glasgow Science Centre and elsewhere to demonstrate the importance of science in improving lives of the people of the West of Scotland. I develop and maintain the associated website and social media networks. Since January 2012, I’ve also been tasked with assisting the redevelopment of Glasgow Science Centre’s website and social media presence; co-ordinate a project to develop a suite of public engagement training workshops for postgraduates and staff at University of Strathclyde; and co-ordinate Glasgow’s input to a European project called PLACES that is closely linked to the aims and objectives of Glasgow City of Science.

Radio Broadcasting

Derek’s broadcasting experience started out with his local Hospital Radio Station, and during his 7year service he presented a variety of shows, ranging from ‘The Open Line” to Scottish music to film and show tunes. Mentored by Eric Simpson, a legend in Scottish Broadcasting circles, Derek gained a wide range of presentation, programming and digital editing experience.

Derek has presented “Music From the Shows” on Heartland FM; The 60′s Show” on Avon FM (RSL) and TO’d “Overnights” at Q96. He also briefly worked as a Childrens’ TV Presenter at the ill-fated Lanarkshire TV, devising and recording a game show called “Remote Control”.

He was one of the first team at 3C (a service of Radio Clyde) when it took to the air in 2000 where he presented the Digital Drivetime show. For 5 years he kept a global online and digital radio audience enthralled with Country music and worked simultaneously with the Engineering department at Radio Clyde – keeping the service in tip top condition. Between August 2005 and 2006, Derek continued to delight audiences with the weekly 3C Sunday Lunchtime Show, whilst pursuing other full-time career paths – Teaching and Science Communication.

Disclaimer

The views expressed on my website and social media networks are not necessarily representative of those of individuals or organisations that I may be, or have been, associated with.