Fraser Smith

Aldgate and Allhallows Learning Officer

I manage Centre of the Cell’s Youth Membership Scheme, our program for 14-19 year olds to get experience in STEM careers and support their science journey. I also present shows and workshops as part of the Learning Team.

When did you start at Centre of the Cell?

March 2023

What is your favourite science fact?

Dinosaurs lived on the other side of the galaxy to us!

Our galaxy, the Milky Way, rotates. It takes up to 250 million years for the Sun and our solar system to orbit around the centre of the Milky Way. So, when dinosaurs like Iguanodon or Hylaeosaurus lived on Earth around 120 million years ago, they were actually on the other side of the galaxy to where we are now!

What is a fun fact about yourself?

I helped hatch baby loggerhead turtles in Australia. Loggerheads are endangered, so it was pretty special to see so many hatchlings racing to the water.

What excited you the most about Centre of the Cell?

The variety of what we offer. Our workshops and shows for school students (from A Level Immunology to puppet shows!), Work Experience placements, our Summer School, Big Question Lectures, community events, and of course STEM Pod – there’s a lot going on!

Fraser has previously worked as an Explainer at the Centre for Life in Newcastle.