Leading Lights
Sean Tapodi
Quality Manager
What is a STEM Ambassador?
STEM Ambassadors are volunteers of all ages working in a range of STEM related roles from apprentice engineers to geologists and from nuclear physicists to zoologists. Not only do they have a lot of fun, but they get an opportunity to contribute to their local community and boost their skills and confidence.
There are lots of ways that STEM Ambassadors can get involved; giving careers talks, helping out with STEM Clubs, running workshops in local schools, and much, much more. You can do as little or as much as you want, come up with your own ideas or choose an activity from our regular e-mail updates.
After they have completed their Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, all STEM Ambassadors receive an induction into working in the classroom and, of course, our regional representative will make sure that you get the help and support you need.
Sean Tapodi studied Chemistry with Management Studies before doing a Masters degree in Analytic Sciences. Sean is in charge of ensuring that all the samples taken and analysis done on materials produced and discarded by the Sellafield site, conform to the strict regulations involved with nuclear reprocessing and decommissioning.
"You can imagine how serious the consequences would be if we didn't do our job properly", says Sean. "Everything that Sellafield produces, from the fuel we sell to the waste we dispose of, has to meet very strict specifications."
Sean has been a STEM Ambassador for five years. He says: "I want young people to be as interested in science as I was at their age. It's great to see the students' faces light up when they see something go bang or start fizzing as if from nothing! Science is fascinating and we need them to realise that at a young age."
Sean is pictured on the Sellafield site with an Accelerated Gas-Cooled Reactor.