Faces of CREST
Spotlighting the people, passions and projects that bring CREST to life
Meet the people that make what CREST Awards are today.
From students who achieved CREST Awards and educators who run CREST to assessors who assess CREST applications, from CREST partners to CREST supporters, Faces of CREST shares the stories of the people who help make CREST happen.
Each month from September 2026, we release a batch of profiles - discover their experiences, achievements, and reflections, and see how being part of CREST can inspire young people to explore STEM, build confidence and develop skills for the future.
Dr Isabel Webb
Dr. Isabel Webb is the Deputy Director for Technology Strategy and Security at the Government Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
When she was at school, Isabel earned a Bronze CREST Award for a project on sugar and sweeteners. She then went on to become a PhD in Plant Microbiology.
Her department is now working with the British Science Association on developing a new CREST resource.
To students thinking about working on a CREST project, Isabel said: "Science is always more interesting if you are exploring something that sparks your curiosity and interest."
Simon Watt
Simon Watt is the Public Engagement Manager at University College London (UCL) Hawkes Institute.
Simon is part of the team that the developed the new Discovery and Bronze CREST projects ‘Droplet Detectives’, all about reducing the spread of airborne illnesses.
Simon encourages young people working on a CREST project to:
"be curious, be creative, be kind to your team”.
Poppy
Poppy is a secondary school student in Blackpool. She has earned CREST Awards through her primary studies, and went on to achieve a Gold CREST Award for a research project on how accessible STEM careers are to young people growing up in rural areas.
Poppy’s mum Natasha said of her daughter’s work:
“Since finding the CREST Awards, Poppy’s progression through each level has built confidence in public speaking, data analysis, writing and her science acumen.”
Heather Williams
Heather Williams is the Director of Learning at the Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC).
As an educator, she worked with colleagues at the MSSC to run CREST SuperStar with a group of Junior Cadets at the Edinburgh Trinity unit. The cadets designed and built model lighthouses.
To students working on a CREST project, Heather says:
“Be ready to be curious, be amazed and be inspired.”
Richard Turay
A few years ago, during a work experience placement while studying for his A Levels, Richard Turay came up with the idea for an app which would track the relationship between nutrition and mental health, for which he earned a Gold CREST Award.
Richard is now an audit apprentice at KPMG.
Speaking of how his CREST experience helped him, he said:
“Be curious and inquisitive and seek help from your mentors. Ask questions to further your understanding, make the effort to read scientific reports published on your project idea, and enjoy the process!”
Gillian Neeson
Gillian Neeson is a teacher at St Andrew’s Primary School in Inverclyde, Scotland. She teaches classes across all the year groups and led the STEM plan.
She worked with all 167 pupils at St Andrew's on their CREST challenges during lesson times, ensuring they all achieved CREST Awards.
“[Receiving CREST Award certificates] really validated the whole thing for the pupils and brought it to life.. The fact that the CREST Awards are free to Scottish schools definitely made it easier to include all of our learners.”
Ella White
Ella White, an Associate Editorial Manager at the Royal Society of Chemistry, has been a CREST Awards assessor for five years.
Ella’s background has given her the expertise to assess Silver and Gold CREST projects that focus on chemistry and engineering, as well as other STEM subjects.
“A CREST Award…helps you develop a wide range of transferable skills that will benefit you long after your project is finished.”
Rosie Salkeld
Rosie Salkeld is the Social Impact Lead at Urenco, and has worked closely with the CREST team during the 13-year partnership between Urenco and CREST.
Rosie told us that Urenco are keen to support access to high quality STEM education for all and that’s what drew them to CREST.
To students working on a CREST project, Rosie says:
“You have the skills to be part of an exciting future as there are roles in STEM for everyone. On behalf of Urenco, I wish you the energy to succeed!”