Dr Jinx St Leger

I am the Course Director for Engineering at University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education, teaching the ‘Introduction to mechanical engineering’ and ‘How to think like an engineer’ courses. My roles in the Department of Engineering, include Engineering Outreach Manager, Athen Swan Principal Lead and designer of practical laboratory activities. I am also a technical editor for the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STE(A)M) series of children’s books by Nosy Crow.

Outside of the University I continue to work as a heritage engineering consultant advising museums and private collectors how to restore and maintain their historic machinery. I am involved in several independent museums as a volunteer, helping them to run their steam engines and manage their historic collections. Over the years I have taught hundreds of people how to drive a steam engine and it’s one of my favourite ways to spend my time!

My post-graduate research has focussed on catastrophic failures due to corrosion, and the role of Industrial Heritage in developing Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills in children. I am an ambassador for the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and sit on their Cambridge and East Anglia committees. As part of this role, I deliver talks and workshops to schools and the public on engineering and the creative and problem-solving aspects of the field.

I am a qualified teacher and have previously taught music, maths, physics and engineering in a variety of further and higher education institutions. I feel strongly that learners have a much better experience when they are actively involved in sessions, so I use a mixed-media teaching style, with as much practical activity and group work as is possible.