Futurelab staff
All staff are shown below in alphabetical order - alternatively click on the names in the box to the right, which lists staff by department.
Senior Communications Manager - Lacia Ashman
Lacia is responsible for increasing awareness and understanding of Futurelab and its activities using a range of marketing tools including publications, conferences, website, competitions, partnerships, PR and promotional materials. Previously, Lacia spent two and a half years at the University of Bristol where she was responsible for marketing enterprise and the commercialisation of research. Before that she gained experience on both the agency and client sides of marketing, working for a marketing agency and for a specialist chemical start-up company. Her background includes a Masters in marketing and a Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).
lacia [dot] ashman [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8222
Technology Manager - Toby Blackburn
Toby manages Futurelab's network infrastructure and IT systems, and also assists on projects with technical specifications and implementation. He came to Futurelab from SEA, where he managed their support team covering the company's two sites, and was also responsible for the design and implementation of all elements of their IT infrastructure and strategy, including helpdesk, projects, business continuity, process management and auditing. Prior to this, Toby worked as part of the Projects and Strategy team for Eurostar UK, performing server and desktop rollouts, and developing intranets. He has a degree in Microbiology from Cardiff University.
toby [dot] blackburn [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8213
Communications Manager - Amanda Bowman
Amanda is responsible for developing and implementing targeted communications programmes for a number of Futurelab’s projects including Beyond Current Horizons and Enquiring Minds. She is also responsible for managing and developing the online and digital communications activities. Previously, Amanda spent five years with a national commercial law firm responsible for managing the firm's internal agency team, developing and managing online and offline communications and the events programme. Prior to this, Amanda gained extensive marketing experience at the RAC in a number of progressive roles including strategic planning, communications, project management, public relations and event management.
amanda [dot] bowman [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8237
Chief Executive - Stephen Breslin
Stephen joined Futurelab in 2008 as Chief Executive. Prior to this he was Chief Executive of The Kelvin Institute Ltd, which was formed as a joint venture between two of Scotland's leading universites as a vehicle for the commercialisation of university-generated intellectual property. Stephen's background is in engineering, and he has over 15 years' experience in commercial software development, working with many of the world's largest blue-chip organisations in a variety of fast-moving technology sectors. Stephen holds a BSc (Hons) and a PhD from the University of Strathclyde, as well as an MSc from the University of Sheffield.
stephen [dot] breslin [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8207
Art Director - Ben Carruthers
Ben works closely with the rest of the communications team as well as external agencies, overseeing all of Futurelab's creative output and responsible for the design and art direction of all its communication materials. Ben spent the first three years of his career at the BBC where he developed new BBC brands and their application for printed media as well as working with a variety of BBC departments, helping them to communicate creatively with external and internal audiences. Prior to joining Futurelab he was with one of Bristol's leading design agencies where he worked on blue chip accounts with a particular focus on the mobile telecommunications sector.
ben [dot] carruthers [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8236
Senior Researcher - Sue Cranmer
Sue is working on a range of projects focusing on the uses of digital technologies for learning – particularly out of school activities - and issues of inclusion. Before joining Futurelab she worked at Oxford University and the London Knowledge Lab, Institute of Education, on projects which focused on children and young people's uses of digital technologies and on countering social exclusion. Sue completed her PhD in 2006 at the Institute of Education, London University based upon an investigation of how families use the internet.
sue [dot] cranmer [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8212
Administrator - Laura Demery
Laura runs Futurelab's reception and switchboard and coordinates many of the organisation's centralised supplies and services. She also helps maintain the contact management system and provides support for events. Laura joined Futurelab after spending a few months working in the charitable sector, mainly at Bristol's volunteer bureau. Prior to this, her experience was gained in large commercial organisations. She initially used her ergonomics degree in the Human Factors research department at British Aerospace for nine years before moving into IT and the Financial Services industry at Clerical Medical for 14 years.
laura [dot] demery [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8200
Communications Administrator - Claire Denney
Claire is responsible for supporting the Communications team at Futurelab. This includes pro-actively maintaining the contacts database and undertaking mailings, assisting with events and PR, and providing general administrative support. She has been providing administrative support within the public and HE sectors for the past four years after completing a degree in Science Communication.
claire [dot] denney [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 9158206
Learning Research Coordinator - Sarah Godfrey
Sarah is responsible for supporting the Learning Team at Futurelab, by coordinating all aspects of educational prototype trials and Innovations Workshops, and maintaining contact databases. Sarah has come from the financial services sector, where she worked as a learning and development coordinator. This involved organising learning programmes, setting up and managing Learning Resource Centres, budget management and reporting. Sarah and the rest of the team were responsible for all learning and development training across the business.
sarah [dot] godfrey [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8228
Research Director - Lizbeth Goodman
Lizbeth manages Futurelab's research team, initiates new collaborative projects, and undertakes original research into creative innovation strategies for social entrepreneurship and leadership models that support learning for all. She has an international range of experience and a practical approach to creative educational technologies. She brings her experience of founding and directing the SMARTlab some 15 years ago, as well as her most recent experience as Chair of Creative Technology Innovation at the University of East London, where the SMARTlab Digital Media Institute and MAGIC Multimedia and Games Innovation Centre and Gamelab have run under her direction for the past few years. Lizbeth has developed many award-winning learning and communication technology tools. She is a renowned expert in learning models for communities at risk and is perhaps best known as an advocate of community-based ethical learning and teaching models using interactive tools and games to inspire and engage learners of all ages. She has published widely in the areas of performance technologies, e-learning, connected learning, embodied learning, social networking for community engagement, social entrepreneurship models in ICT, and games for learning.
lizbeth [dot] goodman [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8207
Learning Researcher - Lyndsay Grant
Lyndsay is interested in the role of popular culture and new technologies in changing the definitions of literacy, the impact of ICTs on the production and analysis of texts, and the potential of technology to facilitate collaborative learning and the development of oracy skills. Before joining Futurelab, she worked as a publisher for Pearson Education producing print and digital literacy resources for primary schools.
lyndsay [dot] grant [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8231
Web Manager - Sarah Grier
Sarah is responsible for managing the Futurelab website and supporting ongoing projects in addition to working on e-communications including the e-newsletter, Flux blog, and interaction with users on sites such as Twitter. Previously she worked in the charity sector for a number of years managing websites and e-communications for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and working in fundraising and events management for London’s Air Ambulance.
sarah [dot] grier [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8209
Learning Researcher - Cassie Hague
Cassie's main research interests lie in the development of creative approaches to education which centre learner voice, and in issues related to digital inclusion and the role that digital technologies can play in learning. At Futurelab, Cassie has carried out qualitative research on self-directed and informal forms of learning across the spectrum from early years settings to adult, family and inter-generational learning. She is in the final stages of completing a Doctorate at the University of Exeter, looking at child citizenship and exploring story, play and the internet as vehicles for child voice. Before coming to Futurelab she held numerous research and advocacy roles within the charity sector, including at the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare and the Consortium for Street Children.
cassie [dot] hague [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8224
Communications Materials Coordinator - Marisa Harlington
Marisa's role at Futurelab is to assist in the coordination and production of marketing material. She ensures that high standards are adhered to in all parts of the production of promotional material, and oversees the smooth delivery of all printed matter. Prior to joining Futurelab, Marisa was an administrator for a renowned firm of architects in Bristol, responsible for refining document presentation as well as being PA to the founding director. She gained FPC1 accreditation while administering for an international group insurance company, and has a degree in English and Art from York.
marisa [dot] harlington [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8226
Technical Production Associate - Graham Hopkins
Graham's role at Futurelab is to help manage the delivery of prototype projects, ensuring all project documentation is produced and prototypes are completed on time and to a high quality. He also runs the Call For Ideas process, carries out initial market research on new projects, and helps maintain good relationships with our project partners. Prior to joining Futurelab, Graham was a project manager for an innovative software company in London, and prior to that worked on a three-year web-based information project in central London, for older people and people with disabilities. Graham has a degree in Environmental Studies from Hertfordshire.
graham [dot] hopkins [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8204
Learning Researcher - Kieron Kirkland
Kieron is particularly interested in how digital technologies can stimulate social interaction and engage learners with their physical environment, participatory approaches to learning, and how education practice can be best be evaluated. Before joining Futurelab he worked as Practitioner-in-Residence for the education department at Shakespeare's Globe and delivered cognitive behavioural programmes for the Probation Service. His education background includes an MA in Theatre and Development.
kieron [dot] kirkland [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8218
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Learning Researcher (on maternity leave) - Tash Lee Jones
Tash's primary research interests include the use of augmented reality for learning (the mixing of real and virtual environments/narratives), gender differences in the use of ICT, emerging digital literacies, and the use of technology to promote physical activity and enhance performing arts. She has over ten years' experience in the digital media/e-learning industry, and prior to joining Futurelab worked as creative director at digital learning development company DESQ, where she was responsible for the R&D and learning design of all the company's projects. Tash has a BSc in Digital Art and Technology and an MA in Education.
tash [dot] lee [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8214
Senior Producer - Clara Lemon
Clara is responsible for delivering Futurelab's projects, producing a broad range of digital resources ranging from websites and web applications to interactive programmable water fountains and wearable devices, and is part of the strategy team. Before life at Futurelab, she was a producer at the BBC and in various global digital agencies since 1998. Her background includes a specialism in user-experience and user-centred design approaches with an MSc in human-computer interaction from the University of Bath.
clara [dot] lemon [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8215
Office Manager - Joanne O'Hagan
Joanne is responsible for the administration of the Beyond Current Horizons project, including the management of events for various strands of the programme. She is also responsible for Futurelab's facilities and office environment, a role which encompasses health and safety and HR administration, as well as building maintenance and space development. Previously, Joanne worked as PA to the Head of the National Museum of Photography, Film & Television in Bradford. Having previously trained as a sports therapist, she then took the opportunity to work freelance on contracts including international duty with GB Mountain Bike Team, and tutoring adult learners in sports therapy. Joanne's background includes senior PA roles in several blue chip companies.
joanne [dot] ohagan [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8203
Learning Researcher - Alison Oldfield
Alison works on the Greater Expectations and Space for Personalised Learning projects, and is interested in the voice and participation of children and young people in their learning and spaces that support participation and inclusion. Before joining Futurelab, she worked as operational manager for the Young People's Inclusion Network, a national youth project that looked at developing inclusion of disabled young people in youth and leisure services through young people's participation. Alison’s background includes a Masters in Education and professional experience in journalism and as a teacher and youth worker both in the UK and abroad.
alison [dot] oldfield [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8210
Learning Researcher - Sarah Payton
Sarah works on the Enquiring Minds project, supporting teachers in developing their Enquiring Minds practice and researching the impact of the project in schools across the UK. She is particularly interested in tracking the innovation trails as different schools develop Enquiring Minds, the use of digital technologies to support practice, and student/teacher perceptions of the changing role of the teacher. Prior to joining Futurelab Sarah taught as a primary school teacher in Bristol, during which time she was involved in Futurelab's Fountaineers project. She has a BSc in Psychology and Health Science.
sarah [dot] payton [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8216
Learning Researcher - Carlo Perrotta
Carlo’s main research interests in Futurelab are broadly concerned with personalisation and learner voice. He is currently working to involve schools and other stakeholders in an open exchange about learning spaces. As a psychologist, he is also interested in the relationship between identity formation and socio-cultural learning; in this respect, he has spent a few years at the University of Bath studying how digital technologies can increase expressive possibilities and encourage social participation in communities of learners.
carlo [dot] perrotta [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8220
Senior Researcher - Tim Rudd
Tim is Senior Researcher in Futurelab's learning team, working on and advising on a range of research projects, written outputs and events. Prior to this he was head of evidence and research at Becta, where he worked on a range of policy-related projects and programmes relating to research into ICT and education. Tim's work and writing has covered areas such as the digital divide, home-school-community links, personalisation and learner voice. Previously he gained his doctorate whilst studying at the University of Bristol, focusing on ICT and the reproduction of social inequalities.
tim [dot] rudd [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8232
Learning Researcher - Richard Sandford
Richard is one of the researchers working on the Beyond Current Horizons programme, building partnerships, reviewing futures work within the UK and internationally, and exploring the possible implications of this work for education. Previously he was based in Singapore as part of the iLAB2015 collaboration, and before that he led the Teaching with Games project, investigating the place of mainstream computer games in formal learning environments. Richard's research interests are centred around the social behaviours around mobile devices, the ways in which games and play can support learning, and how we can usefully talk about the future. Prior to joining Futurelab, he took a philosophy degree at the University of Leeds, before joining the BBC, where he was involved with the design, development and support of various online communities.
richard [dot] sandford [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8229
Operations and Planning Director - Stephen Sayers
Steve is responsible for the operational and business planning activities of Futurelab including finance, infrastructure and human resources. He plays a major part in setting the organisation's strategy, developing its business plan and monitoring Futurelab's progress against its aims. Before Futurelab Steve worked on fundraising and business development for the At-Bristol science centre both prior to its opening and during its early operation. He has been with Futurelab since its launch and deputises for the Chief Executive in his absence.
Associations: Academy-Industry Digital Alliance (AIDA) Steering Group
steve [dot] sayers [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8208
Senior Researcher - Dan Sutch
Dan’s main research interests are in mobile learning; the role of the teacher in technology-rich learning environments; values-driven assessment, and processes of educational change and transformation. He is currently leading ‘Public and Stakeholder Engagement’ within the Beyond Current Horizons programme that aims to engage with leading stakeholders (Government agencies and departments, industry etc) as well educational communities and the wider public. He is part of the team that organises and runs the Innovations Workshops that bring together stakeholders from various backgrounds to investigate future learning possibilities with digital technologies. Prior to joining Futurelab, Dan taught at a primary school in Bristol, where he used a variety of ICT tools to develop pupils' interest in language.
dan [dot] sutch [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8221
Events Manager (on maternity leave) - Karen Thompson
Karen is responsible for coordinating Futurelab's programme of seminars, workshops and conferences. She also manages Futurelab's presence at large-scale events such as BETT. Karen joined Futurelab from an agency background. She has worked within the events industry for many years and has organised a wide range of events from corporate hospitality and team building to product launches, awards dinners, exhibitions and large conferences attracting over 1,000 delegates.
karen [dot] thompson [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8205
Project Manager - Duncan Thomson
Duncan is responsible for ensuring that the most effective and appropriate project management practices are used across the range of work that Futurelab carries out, from planning through to final delivery. Prior to this role, he spent 9 years in BBC multimedia production, managing content creation and delivery on a range of platforms. These included award-winning websites for Walking with Beasts and Human Body (BBC Interactive Factual and Learning), as well as Jam (BBC Learning) and iPlayer (BBC Future Media and Technology). Duncan is motivated by best practice and processes that improve efficiency without adversely affecting creativity.
duncan [dot] thomson [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8225
Finance Administrator - Ha Tong-Wilkins
Ha's role is to assist Steve with the management of Futurelab's financial and reporting systems. This involves maintaining and implementing procedures to efficiently comply with statutory and regulatory requirements, including preparing for audits, producing annual reports and supporting project accounting systems. Before joining Futurelab, Ha worked in the manufacturing sector of banking for four years, and prior to that she studied languages and art. She is currently training in accountancy management.
ha [dot] tong [dash] wilkins [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8219
Learning Researcher - Mary Ulicsak
At Futurelab Mary conducts prototype research and evaluation of digital technologies for learning within the UK. Her interests include developing technology to support collaboration and assessing its impact; and investigating the role of participants in design. Previously she was at the University of Birmingham, where she focused on the use of computers to scaffold self-assessment of group skill usage and then provide feedback about the group's interactions. Other research work includes looking at websites to raise educational aspirations at the Centre for Applied Research in Educational Technologies at the University of Cambridge, and the use of jokes to improve children's linguistic comprehension at the University of Sussex.
mary [dot] ulicsak [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8218
Senior Learning Researcher - Ben Williamson
Ben’s research interests include the ways in which education policy and research is translated into school practices, the role of different media in constructing and representing ideas about childhood, and student voice. At Futurelab he has worked on the three-year Enquiring Minds project, carried out research and written about citizenship education, the role of games in school, and young children's drawing. He has previously worked as an English teacher and in magazine publishing. A graduate of English Literature from Cardiff University, Ben also completed his PhD on American literature and pragmatist philosophy at the University of the West of England.
ben [dot] williamson [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8217
PA to Stephen Breslin and Lizbeth Goodman - Martha Wright
Martha is responsible for managing Stephen's and Lizbeth's diaries, arranging meetings and making sure everything generally runs smoothly. She is fresh from graduating with a first from Bristol University in Experimental Psychology, and hopes to pursue a career in education. In June and July 2008 she worked as a teaching assistant in a Worcester school, whilst simultaneously being PA to comedian Mark Olver, arranging his epic 500-mile walk from Bristol to Edinburgh, and coordinating his resulting Edinburgh show, 'Ramble On'.
martha [dot] wright [at] futurelab [dot] org [dot] uk
0117 915 8207