Sheffield - STEAM City
As a young girl growing up in Sheffield the 18th May 1991 was an historical event I am still able to remember clearly to this day. This was the day a 27 year old chemist from Sheffield became the first person to journey into space, her name was Helen Sharman. I am writing this as a 37 year old chemist from Sheffield so the influence this amazing woman in STEAM had on me is clear to see. So why is Helen Sharman so influential?
Helen grew up in Sheffield going on to gain a degree in chemistry from The University of Sheffield before completing her PhD from University of London. Working as a chemist for Mars developing flavouring properties of chocolate (I love chocolate!) Helen applied to be the first British space explorer after hearing a radio advert asking for applicants. The mission lasted eight days with the majority of that time spent on the Mir space station. You are able to visit the star created for Helen on the Sheffield Walk of Fame but this is only the start of what Sheffield and our region has to offer as a STEAM city.
Sheffield really is a region built on STEAM.
Sheffield, this great city and Sheffield City Region as a whole, a region built on steel and industry, a region built on science, technology, engineering, arts and maths (STEAM). How could you not be inspired by our famous city? Famed as one of the industrial powerhouses of England and one of centres of the arts and cultural scene in the UK. Innovation continues to rise all over the region.
As director of Amazelab, an educational resource provider with the aim of igniting a spark in people by providing engaging opportunities linking STEAM subjects and their relevance to everyday life in a thought provoking but fun manner, I am proud of the fantastic achievements and the influence our city has had and continues to have on the world.
Amazelab hopes to inspire people to discover, interact, enjoy and take STEAM subjects further with the aim of them taking on STEAM based careers and developing a life-long love of these subjects.
Sheffield is the place we grew up in, the region we continue to live in and grow our business in and is such a fantastic place to learn. Who will be the next Helen Sharman or Harry Brearley? It is exciting to think of the discoveries that will be made in the future, both in our region and beyond.
My hopes and aim is to inspire the future generation to play their part in the continuing success of our region, and add to its rich heritage of innovation, industry and the arts. Our city.