Andy Allison

Hi, my name is Andy Allison and I have just started writing for Suite 101, which is very exciting. I am an analytical chemist by profession, having studied at Sheffield and Manchester Universities to gain my Honours Degree in Chemistry and a Masters in Instrumentation and Analytical Science.

Early on in my career I worked as laboratory technician, moving on to become chief chemist of a "Specials" laboratory at British Coal in The UK. Working here was an amazing experience as I had the opportunity to carry out chemical analysis on an incredible range of materials, ranging from prehistoric pollen to cow poo! Working in this environment taught me the value of working in a tightly knit, professional and hard working team. We also had so much fun.

In 1990 I started my teaching career at Netherthorpe School in Derbyshire, where I used to be a pupil. For seventeen years, I taught science to thousands of children aged between 11 and 18. This enabled me to broaden and deepen my understanding of scientific matters outside chemistry and I became very interested in geology, astronomy, environmental science and evolutionary biology. I also realised that physics, especially quantum theory, is the sexiest subject on the planet!

I am now teaching children from generally deprived backgrounds who have been removed from mainstream education. Many of these children have severe problems in terms of social skills, as well as low academic achievement but I love the challenge of working with them. To see such youngsters responding to my encouragement is very rewarding indeed. I also do some private tuition teaching Mathematics and English as well as Science.