Marta Sotto-Mayor
At 12 years old...
I wanted to be a dolphin trainer.
Job Title: Community Programmes and Design Coordinator, Dangoor Reach Out Makerspace
Company: Imperial College London
Industry: University Outreach
Subject area: Technology & Engineering
A-Levels: Maths, Further Maths, Biology and Physics
Degrees:
- MEng in Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London
- Post Graduate Diploma in Education, University College London
I am originally from Portugal and came to the U.K. when I was 19 to study at Imperial College. I did a MEng in Biomedical Engineering, with a specialization in electronic devices. As a university student, I started working part time as a student mentor, helping young children develop their interest in STEM. That is when I realised I really wanted to work in education.
What is a typically work day like for you?
During a normal day I am in our workshop exploring and prototyping new ideas, I am writing notes and schedules for our activities, or I am training the university students that work with us. Sometimes I also help run the activities we put on.
What is something you wish you'd known before you started your career?
Most jobs don’t require a specific degree, you just need to have a Higher Education degree in a related area. Sometimes the area does not even need to be related! A lot of the training and knowledge you need for doing a job is gained after you start work.
Job info
Work Environment
Open plan office and design & technology workshop
Work style
I do most of my role by myself but I am constantly asking my teammates for advice or opinions. Hours: Usually 9-5 but sometimes I will have to work evenings or weekends. When I do, I gain that time back on a different day.
Degree needed
Yes, a STEM related degree
Previous work experience
| Job Title | Company | Industry/Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher of Mathematics | State Secondary School | Education |
| Outreach Ambassador | Imperial College London | Higher Education |
Detail about Marta
Who is your STEM hero?
Rosalind Franklin. She took a picture that showed that the DNA was composed of two strands of nucleic acids instead of just one. This picture was instrumental for Watson and Crick’s discovery of the DNA double helix. Unfortunately, she died before the Nobel Prize for that discovery was awarded.
Most significant discovery/invention?
Germ theory. So many deaths are prevented every year just because we have an understanding that good urban sanitation and personal hygiene are important. Before germ theory, diseases like the Black Death were considered to be caused by nefarious gases, so people did not know how to prevent infection.
My hobbies
Cooking and having friends over for dinner.