Climate Change
Speakers
Naaza Zimba
Naaza is freelance science writer and physics graduate from the University of Leeds. During his time at university he volunteered in the student outreach team, where he discovered his passion for science communication. His articles are always driven by the available scientific data and he has written about climate tipping points and the current climate crisis. In his free time Naaza enjoys cycling and rock-climbing.
Allan Simpson
Allan is committed to discovering how research and innovation can help deliver the clean, reliable, affordable energy that the world needs. He’s an experienced nuclear physicist and technical lead at the UK’s National Nuclear Laboratory, leading projects such as working out how much fuel has been used, and exploring the potential future of nuclear power to generate hydrogen. Outside of work Allan enjoys travelling to see the world and getting out walking in the hills near his home.
Dr Kristin Burmeister
Kristin is a physical oceanographer at the Scottish Association for Marine Science in Oban. She’s investigating how changes in the climate system and in large ocean currents like the gulf stream impact each other in the Atlantic ocean. She works closely with marine biologists and chemical oceanographers to find out how these changes affect marine ecosystems. While she’s studying the ocean mainly from a computer during her working hours, she explores it first-hand as a scuba diver in her free time.
Dr José Luis Ramírez Mendiola
José Luis is a Research Fellow at the University of Reading, working to improve our understanding of the ways that energy demand is bound up with the rhythm of society and people’s day to day lives. The models he creates to show the way we use electricity are an essential tool to help make the most out of the clean power generated by renewable energy sources. His background in high-energy astrophysics and energy research led him to his current role. In his spare time he enjoys going on long cycle rides and doing a bit of gardening.
Chair
Jonathan Lansley-Gordon
Jonathan is the currently the director of a social enterprise for UK based Black physicists. He previously taught physics and mathematics for just under 12 years, most recently as the Assistant Head Teacher at a sixth-form college. He remains fascinated by the deep questions of science that remain unanswered and is passionate about inspiring the physicists of the future. In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys cooking and has set himself a goal of mastering the art of baking the perfect chocolate chip cookie.