Watch Support Search What's on Education Christmas Lectures Our history About Blog About → Organisation → Team → Masterclasses → Rachel Dorris → Rachel Dorris Engineering Masterclass Coordinator Role Rachel Dorris works part-time to manage the Engineering Masterclasses, a programme in its infancy compared to the long-established Maths Masterclasses. She is charged with the expansion of the engineering classes throughout the UK. In 2013/14, there will be six engineering Masterclass series and at least 7 throughout the rest of the UK. About Born and bred in Scotland, Rachel obtained a degree in Physics at Edinburgh University. To pursue a career in medical physics, she then chose to undertake a Bioengineering MSc at Strathclyde University and further Medical Physics training at Christie Hospital, Manchester. After working for the NHS for 9 years, Rachel chose a new career path and worked as a jewellery designer part time while starting a family. In May 2013 Rachel then decided to step back into science with her role at the Ri. Scientific inspiration Can I say Richard Feynman? He has nothing to do with the Ri! But he was a towering genius in the world of physics; he had immense integrity and humanity; and he was also a great science communicator. Apart from him, I love Brian Cox, but who doesn’t? Favourite demo I’m really into space at the moment – mainly because my 7 year old son is obsessed with it. We play Space ‘What Am I?’ – a game devised by him where he thinks of a space object and I have to guess what it is by asking questions with a yes or no answer. I always lose: there are many objects in space and my son seems to have an encyclopaedic knowledge – who else knows that VY Canis Majoris is a red hypergiant? However, we have a lot of fun, and learn loads along the way. Best thing about the Ri I love the variety in my work at the Ri. ‘Much as I’d like to be sitting at my desk sending emails, I unfortunately have to rush off and help some kids build Lego robots, and then I have to devise a space-themed activity for our family fun day.’ No rest for the wicked! Related content Engineering Masterclass Network Find out more About Masterclasses Find out more Get involved in Masterclasses Find out more Education Find out more Learn Masterclasses L'Oréal Young Scientist Centre Events for the whole family Science shows Interactive games Christmas Lectures Visit News What's On Food & Drink The Faraday Museum Heritage tours Find us Support Donate to the Ri Join the Ri Renew your Membership Corporate Partnerships 14-10 Club Events Jobs Keep in touch Keep up to date with regular emails from the Ri © Royal Institution 2013 Facebook Twitter Youtube Venue Hire Press T&Cs Privacy Policy Accessibility Contact Us