In2scienceUK volunteer Taznim Nisha, who works as the Widening Participation Officer for the UCL’s Department of Computer Science, describes their experience of being part of the In2STEM programme last year.
Why did you decide to become an In2STEM volunteer?
When I began my role, the department was already partnered with In2STEM and had had a great experience previously. We knew we wanted to continue to take part. I actually used to work in a school where I promoted In2STEM to students, so I was really familiar with the programme and already knew how brilliant it is!
How does the programme support UCL Computer Science’s work?
Participating in the In2STEM programme supports our department mission of increasing diversity in our undergraduate computer science cohorts. One of our biggest departmental challenges is recruiting talented students, so what’s unique and fantastic about In2STEM is that it focuses solely on students from low socioeconomic backgrounds who are interested in STEM, and works with schools to recruit the students for us.
This not only reduces our workload significantly, but also helps ensure we’re giving talented and passionate individuals access to computer science at UCL, while helping us diversify our cohort in the long term. Plus, having guidance on safeguarding and supporting participants from the In2STEM programme is so reassuring and invaluable.
What sort of thing have the participants been working on during their placement?
There is huge diversity in the application of Computer Science, and the aim has been to encourage an understanding of this and its cross-disciplinary nature. Because so many students can’t currently study Computer Science at BTEC or A level, we want to help create an awareness of the breadth of options available within different sectors.
The students worked on our bioreactor project, where they were able to attach sensors, flashing LEDs, a pH probe and more to understand the mechanics and the systems involved in building a bioreactor. They’ve also worked on a cross-disciplinary project looking at building “smart cities” to get them thinking about the broad spectrum of ways Computer Science is used in modern life, and the practical applications and implications for society.
The students have had a range of talks across the university and a lab tour of the AI and robotics centre. They worked with UCL student ambassadors, hearing about their experience of university, as well as masters and PhD students, so we’ve tried to show the full spectrum of life here at UCL.
What has the experience of supporting participants meant to you?
These placements are a major aspect of our broader departmental strategy to diversify our student cohort. InSTEM is one of our flagship programmes, and it really helps us with our mission. We want to continue supporting students and raising their awareness and excitement about Computer Science at UCL.
As I mentioned before, I have personally been a strong advocate of the programme since being a teacher, so I’m really pleased I can continue to be involved in my role at UCL.
What would you say to someone thinking of volunteering for In2STEM? Would you recommend the programme?
Yes, it’s so easy to do! Most of the hard work relating to outreach and access projects is about the logistics and finding students who can take part, but In2STEM does the majority of this. It means you can focus on creating a quality placement to engage students in your subject. This is fantastic, and I have really enjoyed being part of the programme.
Have you enjoyed hosting? Would you be interested in taking part again?
I’ve loved it! It’s been tiring but it’s so rewarding; I’d definitely want to be involved again.
Taznim took part as an In2STEM volunteer in our 2025 programme – if you would like to learn more about how to get involved in this year’s In2STEM placements, host applications are open now until 5th April! Find out more and apply via our volunteering page.