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Steve Robertson is a research student at Newcastle University where he looks at the chemistry going on when wood rots. He arrived at rotting wood via forestry and geochemistry, where trees formed a common thread. He maintains that fungi are a criminally under-rated group of organisms and has never heard any jokes involving the punch line "fun guy." Ever. Steve's scientific interests extend well beyond the lab, as anyone who's ever asked him about triathlons, brewing or motor sport whilst in a pub will testify.
This is what Steve said after he won the Newcastle hear in 2006:
"I can't remember who first pointed me towards www.famelab.org but when I do I'll have to thank them. The idea behind the competition sounded interesting and I decided to give it a go, although there were several moments I wondered whether it was actually a good idea. I had no desire to receive a "Pop Idol" style grilling by the judges! As it turned out, everyone was really friendly and the competitors chatted and shared ideas and encouragement- I guess we all chose to stick together in the face of the lights and the judging panel.
The staff who organised the event were also hugely supportive and really helped make the day. Presenting on stage is always a bit scary, but you wouldn't have known it from watching the talks- I learned loads from the other competitors during the two rounds. As for the judging, the feedback was encouraging, not negative and I certainly took the comments on board before the second round of talks. When it's coming from a panel of real experts, it's worth listening to- no grillings were involved!
Would I recommend the competition to others? Absolutely. Nobody's out to make you look stupid, the support and feedback were brilliant and it's a complete contrast to everyday life in the lab. If you're undecided about entering, just go for it: there are four rounds remaining and hopefully I'll see you at the final in Cheltenham. Good luck!"
Steve's engagements since FameLab:
- Local and national newspaper articles
- Events at Cambridge Science Festival March 2007
- Event at Cheltenham Science Festival June 2007
- Completed UK Ironman Triatholon 2006 – nothing to do with FameLab but a noteworthy achievement non-the less!
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW STEVE'S SHOWREEL
© Cheltenham Festivals 2006/7
