Our Team

In2scienceUK Staff

We have an exceptional team supporting our students and volunteer placement hosts around the UK.

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Colby BenariCEO

Colby is a dedicated leader in charities and higher education with over ten years of experience of developing programmes to promote diversity in STEM. She previously worked for a range of organisations supporting research in health-related fields, including Cancer Research UK and UCL. Colby is passionate about empowering young people to choose STEM and discover the exciting and varied career pathways that higher education can unlock. 

Dr Rebecca McKelvey
Dr Rebecca McKelvey Founder

Rebecca founded In2scienceUK based on her first-hand experience, having worked in both research and education, of the lack of STEM experience opportunities and information for young people from low-income and disadvantaged backgrounds.

Prior to kick-starting In2scienceUK, Rebecca was Head of Science at an East London school, having completed her PhD in Neuroscience at UCL.

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Stephen HancockHead of Innovation & Operations

Stephen oversees the delivery of our online programmes and organisational operations. Stephen has experience launching and delivering new innovations, including educational and healthcare programmes with non-profits, NGOs and spin-outs.

Having always been active in both formal and informal education, it is a passion for engaging students across the UK with new technology, innovation and research that led him to In2scienceUK.

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Ty WatsonHead of Development

Ty is an experienced senior fundraiser having led development and communications in charities and higher education. Ty oversees the fundraising team and has a passion for social mobility.

Ty is an active member of the community, coaching the mighty Oadby Wyggs under 8s rugby team and volunteering for a number of local charities. 

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Anishta ShegobinHead of Programmes

Anishta is passionate about empowering young people to help them achieve their full potential. As Head of Programmes at In2scienceUK, Anishta is at the forefront of developing In2scienceUK’s ambitious plans and putting them into action.

Prior to In2scienceUK, Anishta brings several years of experience overseeing, developing and delivering a range of programmes across small and large charitable organisations including the Prince’s Trust.

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Luke McKelveyDevelopment Manager

Luke is committed to extending high quality educational programmes that make a positive difference in the lives of young people with few opportunities.

Since 2019, Luke has secured over one million pounds of funding to enable In2scienceUK to expand across the United Kingdom and receive industry recognition as a leading STEM engagement charity. Luke’s proudest achievement was securing a Queen’s Award for Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility for In2scienceUK in 2021.

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Paul DavisDevelopment Manager


Paul is an experienced fundraiser working with a primary focus on Trusts & Funds and Major Giving.

A natural relationship builder and highly skilled at implementing 
philanthropic and
fundraising strategies, Paul is driven to deliver rewarding partnerships which deliver meaningful and sustainable impact. 

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Rebecca KnowlsonIn2science Programme Manager

Rebecca is responsible for the In2science Programme including student and volunteer recruitment, planning, delivery and evaluation. Rebecca has worked at In2scienceUK since January 2021 and previously led the expansion of the In2science Programme in the North West and Leeds. 

Rebecca is passionate about making STEM fun and accessible to young people, and has experience in science communication, public engagement and educational programming from roles at science centres, museums and BBC Bitesize.

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Rebecca JelbertIn2research Programme Manager 

Becky manages the In2research Programme, a year-long programme which aims to improve access to postgraduate research degrees and careers for people from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

Becky has significant experience working in university fundraising and engagement, particularly in widening access to higher education. She has a background in the performing arts, project management and in training people to build their confidence in writing and public speaking. 

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Sophie KayeCommunications and Marketing Executive

Sophie leads on the marketing and communications activities for In2scienceUK, helping us to successfully deliver our programme and meet our fundraising ambitions. 

Sophie is an experienced marketing and communications professional having worked in both the Further and Higher Education sector. Sophie has managed a number of successful marketing campaigns, and has also led a volunteering programme of over 900 Alumni and Industry Fellows, supporting students with their employability skills at Nottingham Trent University.

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Kristian WrennDevelopment Manager

Kristian joined us in 2022 as part of our expansion in developing partnerships with businesses and the wider STEM community as well as helping with our new development and fundraising strategy.

Kristian has a background in building relationships between businesses, communities and organisations through his extensive experience as a Councillor and with years of professional experience in both private and public sector roles.

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Ciara ByrneAlumni Coordinator

Ciara first joined In2scienceUK as an intern and recently joined the Alumni team, supporting with the Alumni Community and the new Peer Mentoring Programme.

Prior to this, Ciara had experience working on various community outreach projects. She brings her enthusiasm for promoting equal opportunities and for supporting young people to the role.

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Rich  GrowcottDevelopment Assistant

Rich joins In2scienceUK in the role of Development Assistant, supporting fundraising activities across the charity and building relationships with key stakeholders.

Rich has a background in environmental consultancy, however during the pandemic Rich discovered a real passion for fundraising and the third sector. He is excited to develop in his role supporting In2scienceUK in their mission championing social mobility.

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Tim Green
In2science Programme Officer

Tim joined the In2scienceUK team in March 2022 as an Intern, becoming a Programme Officer in December 2022. He now supports the planning, recruitment and delivery of the In2science summer programme.

Tim graduated from the University of York in 2021 with a degree in Bioarchaeology. As a student he was heavily involved with student recruitment, outreach and widening participation. He is enthusiastic to continue contributing to social mobility and boosting diversity within STEM.

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Neda ShishmanovaIn2science Programme Officer

Neda joined In2scienceUK in July 2022 as an intern and became a permanent member of the team in December 2022.

Neda is passionate about allowing young people equal access to experiences that help them gain confidence, explore new ideas and develop their skills. She has a degree in Aquaculture from the University of Stirling and has participated in and worked for various youth education initiatives, including the EU’s Erasmus+ student exchange programme.

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Lawrence CrootCommunications and Marketing Assistant

Lawrence joined In2scienceUK in August 2022 as a Communications and Marketing Intern, supporting our digital presence and the promotion of the 2022 summer programme. 

Prior to this, Lawrence had experience working as a digital engagement adviser for an organisation that resolved disputes between consumers and financial businesses. He brings his passion for contributing to a fairer society and is excited to help raise awareness to help deliver this.

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Maksis BarrettDevelopment Assistant

Maksis joined In2ScienceUK in November 2022 in the role of Development Assistant, helping to build our funding base and nurture relationships with key supporters.
Maksis graduated from the University of Manchester in 2022.

Maksis has a keen interest in medicine, pharmacology and public health. He is excited to help champion equality, accessibility and innovation in the sciences.

Izzy Pearson
Izzy PearsonIn2research Programme Officer

Izzy joined In2scienceUK in January 2023, supporting the In2research programme. Izzy has a degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Leeds and a keen interest in widening participation and increasing diversity in STEM. Izzy brings her prior experience working at an educational, social mobility charity, where she supported young people, helping them realise their potential.

Theo Wells
Theo WellsIn2research Programme Assistant

Theo joined In2scienceUK as a Programme Assistant supporting with the delivery of the In2research programme. He graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Social and Political Sciences degree. After working in digital roles for an Arts/Education charity, Theo returned to his home area (Brixton, London) to work with KS4 students in a local secondary school. Theo is passionate about improving social mobility and is excited to make an impact in this area.

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Isi MossIn2science Programme Officer

Isi joined the team in December 2022 as an In2science Programme Officer for London and the South West. She graduated from the University of Oxford in 2021 with a Chemistry degree and has experience working on outreach projects which target under-represented students in STEM. Isi is delighted to be joining an organisation which combines her passion for STEM and outreach, and she’s excited to work with and support young people on their STEM journey.

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Zoe MarrasIn2science Programme Assistant

Zoe joined In2scienceUK in February 2023 as a Programme Assistant supporting with the delivery of the In2science programme. She graduated from Liverpool John Moores University with a drama degree and later went on to study a PGCE in Primary Education at the University of Chester. After teaching in primary schools for a number of years, Zoe then went on to work in learning and development as an advisor for a charity supporting people with autism.

Zoe is a strong believer in promoting equality and diversity and is excited to be supporting students to ensure they have equal opportunities with their education and careers.

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Barbara HaenziData, Impact and Evaluation Manager

Barbara joined In2scienceUK in January 2023. Before that, she earned a PhD in cell biology before she completed two postdocs in neuroscience. She then worked for a biomedical research funder supporting early career researchers. 

Barbara has a keen interest in data analysis and visualisation and is passionate about a data-driven approach to growth and impact. Barbara is passionate about stem careers and equality in education and is enthusiastic about using her background in STEM to support social mobility.

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Annabelle ByrneIn2science Programme Officer

Annabelle joined In2scienceUK at the end of January 2023 as Programme Officer for London and the South East. She’s excited to be supporting the planning, recruitment and delivery of the summer programme in those areas.

Annabelle has previous experience working in the public engagement sector and completed an MSc in Science Communication from UWE. She is passionate about supporting school students in discovering the possibilities in STEM and wants to encourage more STEM professionals to get involved in outreach programmes.

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Danielle KnightAlumni and Careers Officer

Danielle has a passion for equality. She has previously worked in business development & talent in the investment banking/fintech sector. Immediately prior to joining In2Science, she co-ordinated the writing and delivery of skills programmes for organisations in the social purpose space designed to assist refugees access meaningful employment.

Danielle holds qualifcations in teaching and TEFL/TESOL and is currently training to be an accredited coach. She has lived abroad extensively and has been a guide and committee member for a number of museums and galleries, in the UK and overseas.  

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Mitzi TahsinIn2research Programme Officer

Mitzi joined In2scienceUK as an In2research Programme Officer in February 2023 and is excited to utilise her skills to help those who are keen to enter the world of postgraduate research.

A love of dinosaurs has led to her holding degrees in Geology, Vertebrate Palaeontology and Primary Education, which have allowed her to explore a career in science and education. Within her previous roles, Mitzi has worked in science outreach, teaching and providing administrative support to PhD students and researchers at a University.
  

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Mark Austin Database Administrator


Mark joins In2science as our Database administrator helping us improve our data capture to scale our programmes. He joins us from Entrepreneurial Scotland who help students at Scottish universities to get paid internships and will continue to help young people achieve their potential.

In2scienceUK Trustees

We are supported and governed by our Board of Trustees, who bring with them vast expertise of STEM industry, Academia, Research and Education.

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Jonathan FlowersChair of Trustees

Jonathan is an experienced chair and non-executive director, with over 22 years’ board experience alongside more than 30 years working at senior levels in the private and public sectors. Doing a degree in Maths followed by an MSc in Operational Research was crucial to his own story and he’s keen to give similar opportunities to many others. He later received an MBA from London Business School, was a member of the executive board of a major financial services organisation, and deputy chief executive of a County Council.

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James RussellTrustee

James is Group Head of Communications at Nord Anglia Education. He is a senior communications leader with extensive experience of delivering strategic communications and sustainability programmes that enhance the corporate reputation and strengthen stakeholder engagement.

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Gillian ChannerTrustee

Gillian is Chief Product Officer for the Software Division at Capita Plc and a qualified Executive Coach with extensive experience in Information Technology leading organisational change programmes. This is underpinned by a passion to develop individuals and teams to achieve their potential using advanced coaching and behavioural change approaches, and leading programmes to help nurture tomorrow’s leaders.

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Professor John MitchellTrustee

John is Vice-Dean Education in the UCL Faculty of Engineering Sciences and a Professor of Communications Systems Engineering. He is also Co-Director of the Centre for Engineering Education which aims to improve the education of engineers and to encourage more young people to study and make careers in engineering.

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Professor Vicky PopeTrustee

Vicky had a long and successful career in the UK Met Office in a variety of roles – as a climate science researcher, programme manager, communicator of publicly important science and partnership developer. She is now building a portfolio career focussing on issues that she cares about and where she can make a tangible difference.

Marzia Farooqui
Marzia FarooquiTrustee

Marzia has an MBA from the University of Southern California and currently works as a Finance Director for Experian, plc.  She has over 16 years of experience supporting businesses across multiple industries at various points in their growth cycles achieve their financial objectives.

Bryan Williams
Bryan WilliamsTrustee

Professor Bryan Williams is Chair of Medicine at UCL and Consultant Physician, Senior Director and Board Member at University College London Hospitals. As Director of the NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, he leads one of Europe’s leading biomedical research centres. His election to the Academy of Medical Sciences is recognition that he is one of the UK’s leading clinical scientists. Having navigated the obstacles himself to get there, he is passionate about promoting better opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed at the highest level in science.

Nick Marsden
Nick MarsdenTrustee

Nick is currently a member of UCL’s Advancement team specialising in corporate partnerships and philanthropy. Prior to this Nick held senior fundraising roles for leading organisations including the Science Museum Group, the Design Museum and the Royal Albert Hall, and also worked as a fundraising consultant for a number of small charities.

Clare Ray
Clare RayTrustee

Clare Ray is a Reader in Widening Participation in Biomedical Education and is the College of Medical and Dental Sciences lead for Outreach and Widening Participation at the University of Birmingham. She leads a range of successful schemes and activities that promote the participation, success, and progression of underrepresented groups in Higher Education. Clare is the Chair of the National Medical Schools Widening Participation Forum. She is cardiovascular and respiratory physiologist with teaching responsibilities across a range of biomedical and healthcare undergraduate programmes and she is a senior fellow of the HEA.

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Paul Topping Trustee

Paul works with the Council for International Schools supporting school boards and leaders in their journey towards accreditation. Prior to that, he led two large state-maintained schools in the UK and an international school in mainland Europe over a 16 year period as Headteacher or Principal. A former National Leader of Education, Paul is an alumnus of the University of Liverpool and Open University, a scientist by training and keen to use his experience to encourage young people into STEM related careers.

Kate Grant
Kate GrantTrustee

Kate Grant has an MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development from the University of Cambridge and is currently Director of West Midlands Network at Cadent Gas Limited. Kate has made the ’Top 50 Women in Engineering’ (WE50) list for 2021 for her work towards solutions to the climate change crisis as well as for her work as a STEM ambassador.

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Phoebe Reynolds-WhiteheadTrustee

Phoebe is a In2scienceUK alumnus, from there she went on to study Human Sciences at the University of Oxford and is now completing her PhD at KCL in the Department of Developmental Neurobiology. 

Want to Find out More?

Get in contact with one of our team today.