CSci : About : Profiles

About CSci

Nira Chamberlain

CSci MIMA

I am a Chartered Scientist and a member of the Institute of Mathematics and its Application (IMA). Since 2002, I have been a Mathematical Modelling Consultant for the LSC Group, an expert analytical consultancy, in a wide range of industrial sectors including Defence, Energy, Railway industries as well as Governmental Departments.

I joined the IMA in 1997 – believing then as I do now, that mathematics is the poetry of logical ideas – as I was inspired by their scientific application of mathematical models. My application for CSci status considered my current job role, as well as my other experiences since graduation. These include, for example, a range of projects from investigating mathematically the psychological effect of the volcanic eruption on the people of the Caribbean island of Montserrat, to writing an adaptive mesh mathematical algorithm to aid the modelling of airflow through an aircraft engine. My work has taken me near and far; I have worked in the Netherlands and France, and, to this day, I still speak French fluently. Consideration of my application meant that all my experience and all my work in the field was weighed, measured and assessed to see if it was found worthy – and it was!

Being a Chartered Scientist means that I have a respected professional status. It also means that I have a responsibility to continue to ‘raise the bar’ and to ensure that I am at the cutting edge of my profession. In a few years time, my experience and my work in the field will once again be weighed, measured and assessed, to see whether I am still worthy of being a Chartered Scientist.

LSC Group actively encourages its consultants to achieve Chartered status. Its main asset is the experience and skill level of its consultants. CSci is a quality benchmark which is not only a feather in the cap of the individual, but also the company, and therefore their customers.

A scientific issue that concerns me are that there are too many good, and potentially great, scientists dropping the subject at an early opportunity. It saddens me to see the decrease of students taking science subjects at ‘A’ level and beyond. However, through role modelling, mentoring and teaching mathematics at a Saturday School, I try to – and hope that I do – make a difference.

Bob Patton CSci CPsychol AFBPsS I have been a member of the BPS for over 20 years, as a student, a graduate member, an associate fellow and finally as a chartered psychologist.

Professor Stephen Palmer CSci CPsychol CBiol AFBPsS Membership of professional bodies is an important part of one’s career development. They provide a framework for recognised qualifications and continuing professional development.

Bob Sargent CSci CEnv FCIWEM CIWEM is in many ways a natural home for an environmental hydrologist like me, but I recognise it may not meet the needs of all people.

Helen Wright MSc CSci CChem CEnv MCIWEM I started out as a Chemist in the water industry, working on the analysis and testing of rivers, focussing on potable water.

Nigel Pattenden CSci FIFST I currently work as a Senior Food Technologist at Marks and Spencer, where I oversee the safety and quality of the food sold through the Delicatessen category, the largest category in the M&S Food Group.

Ruma Tamuli CSci MIFST My interest in joining a professional body was at first mainly to have my qualifications and experience recognised and to be differentiated from less qualified personnel.

Professor Pankaj Vadgama CSci CChem CPhys FRCPath FInst I was nominated to become a Chartered Scientist by the Institute of Materials, of which I am a Fellow, in a special presentation evening.disciplines, involving biomolecules, chemistry and metals.

Dr Christopher Corti CSci CEng FIMMM Dr Christopher Corti has over 25 years experience in the precious metals industry. As Managing Director, International Technology sector at World Gold Council, London.

Dr Heather Thompson CSci CBiol MEI Dr Heather Thompson is the Energy and Environmental Management Systems Officer for one of Northern Ireland’s largest local authorities.

Don Lack CSci FEI I have been a member of a professional body since starting at Nene College in 1970 and as my work experience changed and specialised over the years I became a member of the Energy Institute, where I am now a Fellow.

Professor Sir Christopher Evans OBE CSci CChem FRSC Sir Chris Evans is regarded as one of Europe’s leading biotechnology entrepreneurs with a proven track record of establishing successful, high quality science companies.

Dr Mark Heslop CSci MIChemE As a Lecturer at the University of Strathclyde, my duties include teaching undergraduate courses, supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students, and carrying out research projects.

Nira Chamberlain CSci MIMA I am a Chartered Scientist and a member of the Institute of Mathematics and its Application (IMA). Since 2002, I have been a Mathematical Modelling Consultant for the LSC Group.

Dr Liz Campbell CSci CPsychol AFBPsS I am a member of the British Psychological Society, the professional and learned body for psychologists in the UK. The British Psychological Society has its own Royal Charter for awarding professional awards.