Dr Alison Megeney

Dr Alison Megeney is an Associate Professor of Mathematics, the Director of Undergraduate Design Engineering and Mathematics Programmes, and Mathematics Outreach and Public Engagement Lead. She is passionate about her discipline, how it is communicated and how people interact and engage with it. She believes that everybody is capable of having a valuable mathematical experience no matter what background they have or previous mathematical knowledge and experiences. She is committed to breaking down barriers to the learning of mathematics and works to address peoples fears of the subject. Her work makes use of mathematical artefacts, engagement activities and mathematics communication. Alison, the maths team and her students are changing the way people think about mathematics with the use of interactive mathematical activities. Impact of work Throughout her career Alison has developed high quality learning experiences and transformed perceptions of learning mathematics. Her work in this area was recognised when Alison was awarded a University Teaching Fellowship in 2007. Alison involves students as ambassadors to promote mathematics. The experience of being a Mathematics Ambassador further develops students knowledge, understanding and employability skills whilst raising the visibility of mathematics, and provides engaging mathematical interactions for young people. The maths team and ambassadors have promoted mathematics and engaged young people through interactive activities locally through Middlesex University's STEM Festival, and nationally through New Scientist Live, SMASHFestUK, and The Skills Show. The Co-Director SMASHFest UK commented "The Maths team have been central to the receipt of the NCCPE ENGAGE Award for Public Engagement with Research and The Engineer Collaborate to Innovate Engagement Initiative Award for SMASHFestUK." Alison has led many projects including one to produce a scaffolded learning environment for non-specialist students to support their mathematical learning. This gave flexibility, catered for a variety of learners, and provided a valuable learning opportunity. Pass rates increased from 60% to 80% within one year and to 88% after two years. Feedback saw an improvement in student satisfaction and individual comments supported this. One commented "This is the most mathematical course I have done so far, and to my shock, not only do I understand it, but I can do it." Plans for the future Alison is currently planning a mathematics public engagement project with a team of mathematicians, engineers and artists. The project links to mathematical concepts and ideas relating to the design of a sculpture designed by Professor George Hart.