Profile
Pete Gallivan
My CV
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Education:
Castle Lower School, Bedford
Newnham Middle School, Bedford
Biddenham Upper School, Bedford
University of Sheffield -
Qualifications:
GCGES: Double Science, Maths, English Literature and Language, Geography, French, Music, IT, Citzenship, RE.
A Levels: Biology, Chemistry, Geography, AS French
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Work History:
– University of Sheffield: Research Assistant, and Science Outreach Assistant
– Kandersteg International Scout Centre: Eco Assistant, Programme Admin Manager, Assistant Programme Director
– The Royal Institution of Great Britain: Family Programme Officer, Family Programme Manager
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Current Job:
Family Programme Manager
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About Me:
Hi there! I’m Pete and I work at the Royal Institution. I help organise the Christmas Lectures as well as other science activities for young people throughout the year. I also have a degree in Zoology, and have worked as an activity leader in the Swiss Alps.
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Hi everyone, Pete here! I grew up in Bedford, and spent most of my holidays as a child outside hiking or visiting just about every National Trust property that exists in the UK. I went to study Zoology at the University of Sheffield, graduating in 2012. Whilst at University, I helped run science outreach activities, and also taught people Brazilian samba drumming. I guess I did a bit of Zoology along the way too! After graduating, I swapped the Peak District for the Swiss Alps, moving to Switzerland to work at Kandersteg International Scout Centre. Here I planned and ran a wide range of activities, including but not limited to trips over glaciers and running alongside a train waving at the King of Sweden. I joined the Royal Institution in early 2016 and only slightly miss the mountains! I love working there, and being a part of helping inspire thousands of young people to take an interest in science.
From a young age I loved nature and exploring: looking in rock pools, or going for long (wet) walks in the Peak District. It was watching David Attenborough on TV though that really inspired me to take an active interest in biology at school, alongside excellent teachers like Mrs Klarich, Mrs Gabri and Mr Spyropoulos. Somehow assessed titrations at A Level chemistry weren’t enough to put me off studying science and so I ended up studying Zoology at University (not having flicking through the whole prospectus, and ending up on Z!).
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I organise a wide range of different activities, to help young people and families get hands-on with science. The biggest of these is the Christmas Lectures, but I also organise talks, workshops and activity days to name but a few things. My job involves me working with lots of different scientists and science presenters, bringing them together at the Ri to create amazing and exciting science experiences for young people.
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My Typical Day:
A lot of my day is spent at the computer! I need to email people to see if they are interesting in being part of my events, make work plans for who will be working at my events with me, and also set up websites so people can book tickets for my events.
If I’m running an event, then I can usually be seen running all over the place with a clipboard!
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What I do to help Planet Earth:
I help inspire young people to enjoy science, and hopefully to go on to be scientists and help change to world!
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The CHRISTMAS LECTURE related to my work:
I helped make them all, so all of them!
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Enthusiastic, positive, musical
What did you want to be after you left school?
I don't really know (and I still don't!)
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Only once, for messing about in a textiles lesson.
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Jeff Rosenstock, Miles Davis or King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
What's your favourite food?
Pizza, Onion Bhajis or Miso Aubergine Bao
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
Travel more, make more impact with my work, and grow a great crop of vegetables next year!
Tell us a joke.
What do you call a magic dog? A labracadabrador.
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