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After completing her A-levels Sarah Curtis embarked upon a Masters degree at the University of Leeds, the deadline for which is 6 days after the FameLab final! In the FameLab auditions Sarah talked about using tea as a pH indicator and the mini chemistry set that is a glow stick. Since then she has been busy finishing research, writing her dissertation and preparing for the final presentation of her degree. Away from the lab she's helping some undergraduates make a film - she is the person they're interviewing which has meant (much to the amusement of her friends) a camera following her around the Chemistry department! Socially, Sarah loves dancing: she did ballet until she was 18 and now enjoys pursuits such as belly dancing, street dance and carnival classes.
Sarah won through the 2006 Newcastle heat. This is what she said afterwards:
"I guess I should start by being honest .... when I arrived at the regional heat for FameLab in Newcastle I wanted to turn back in the direction of home when I saw the other contestants!!! Friendly, charismatic, intelligent and good looking these people seemed to have it all. However, I made the decision to stay and give it a go and I am so glad I did. Everyone involved with the event (contestants, judges, FameLab staff) were so supportive and best of all very vocal, letting me know that they hadn’t noticed my mistakes and that yes, they did understand what I was trying to explain!
The judges do read like a who’s who of science communication but they are incredibly understanding and supportive. I got some excellent constructive criticism which will be very helpful for the final. If you’re worried about an attack of stage fright, then remember that everyone else will be in the same boat. Plus, you couldn’t be as nervous as me! I had a mouth like sandpaper after each round but I still got through it, and consequently it was a very pleasant surprise to win!
Above all the opportunity to take part in FameLab is one that you shouldn’t miss out on. I’ve already had emails from the other contestants I met so this genuinely is a fantastic way to meet like minded people. Also, you get your name put into the FameLab database (a kind of alumni system) so if there’s future science communication events in your area then they get can get in touch. Above all I had a fun day, learnt a lot and best of all .... it didn’t cost me a penny!"
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW SARAH'S SHOWREEL
© Cheltenham Festivals 2006/7
