Mia Leng

Mia Leng is inspiring school pupils about marine science in a classroom

UHI STEM Coordinator

I grew up on the west coast of Scotland and have worked on tour boats around the Inner Hebrides since I was a teenager. This has taken me down the path of science communications which I feel extremely passionate about, and that is becoming increasingly important in educating the younger generations and general public about the importance of the ocean, sustainability, and the wide range of biodiversity in our local waters. To be able to share first-hand, recent experiences with wildlife with local school pupils and to open their eyes to possibilities for their own futures in marine STEM is an incredible opportunity and one I feel very fortunate to contribute to.

Contact details:

My role at SAMS

I am part-funded through the University of the Highlands and Islands as one of the regional STEM Coordinators. This is a pilot project focused on increasing the delivery of STEM whilst strengthening and contributing to the STEM network around Scotland’s coast. In my role I work both locally within Argyll and Bute in creating and delivering marine STEM workshop content, and nationally with the rest of my team to build a more effective and accessible STEM learning platform including CPD for teachers and educators. As part of the communications team at SAMS I am also involved in designing and delivering events and outreach to community groups and the general public to raise awareness of ocean literacy and the changing environments of the ocean.

I am also working part-time to deliver the intergenerational Genesis project, enabled by the Scottish Government through a Climate Engagement grant. We are working with the communities in Barra, Tiree and Benderloch to explore the changes in climate each community and the marine mammals in our waters are experiencing and explore options for the future.

The Our World From Space project demonstrates how space research benefits the environment. Funded by the Natural Environment Research Council and the UK Space Agency, this Association for Science and Discovery Centres project allows us to demonstrate the interactions between space and ocean research for family audiences and school groups.  

 

Employment history

Since April 2023 UHI STEM Coordinator. SAMS

Since April 2018 Crew / skipper and wildlife guide. Venture West, Crinan

2022: 6 month outreach internship on the MarPAMM project. SAMS

2017-18: Seasonal sea lock operative, Crinan Canal. Scottish Canals

2016: Boat crew and wildlife guide. Turus Mara, Isle of Mull

 

Qualifications

2024: BSc (Hons) Open Science degree (first class). The Open University

2022: Yachtmaster shore based. RYA

2021: Advanced Powerboat, with commercial endorsement. RYA

 

Other information

2017-19 Founding member of the Marine Society, University of Glasgow