Spotlight on Philippa Richardson

This week the spotlight is on Philippa Richardson, Festival Coordinator, UCL Public and Cultural Engagement.

What is your role and what does it involve?

I am the Festival Coordinator in the Public Engagement Unit, part of UCL Public and Cultural Engagement. I am currently working on a major festival of engineering to take place in the summer on the new UCL site at the Olympic Park. The theme will be on the future of engineering and we hope to engage family audiences and local Stratford residents with the research at UCL.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

This is my third week. Previously I was a Visitor Engagement Officer at the Natural History Museum.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

I once managed an intergenerational filming project for the arts education charity B Arts in Staffordshire. I worked hard with a great team to bring younger and older people from the community together to discuss issues and create a film allowing participants to gain new skills in digital technology.

At the museum I was asked to write an article for their external magazine and had the opportunity to talk to and interview a scientist in the field on the subject of biomimetics - a fascinating if complex subject!

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of you to-do list?

It's all about the festival! I am currently meeting people from Public and Cultural Engagement and across UCL, especially UCL Engineering. The call out for research projects to run at the events is available here.

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

Madonna - Immaculate Collection

Casino

The Deer Park, Norman Mailer

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

I never wanted to believe that my Dad was stealing from his job as a road worker. But when I got home, all the signs were there.

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

Freddie Mercury, Richard Feynman, Divine, Tony Wilson, Bill Hicks

What advice would you give your younger self?

I'm quite fond of her. She found her way and kept smiling.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I still have my motorbike gear from my On The Road days.

What is your favourite place?

For fun, The Greenhouse NYC

For relaxation, Monterey

For comfort, home.