Techniquest

Managing a laboratory full of curious chemicals, Bunsen burners and safety equipment is just part of the dynamic role that Ffion Lewis embraced at Techniquest for two exciting years.

When she wasn’t making sure our KLA Lab was in tip-top shape, Ffion was designing and delivering hands-on workshops for our visitors; from Santa’s Spy Squad to DNA Decoded, she had a big hand in each and every new workshop that we offer throughout the year.

And now — with plans to travel the world — Ffion bids farewell to Techniquest, and we couldn’t be more grateful for her work over the years. Before she jets off, though, she sat down with us and reflected on her time here:

Tell us about your journey at Techniquest — how did it start, and how did you end up in the role of Lab Programme Manager?

My Techniquest journey started in March 2021 when I started as a ‘Visitor Engagement Officer’ (or VEO for short).

I stayed in this role for over a year and a half (moving to a level 2 VEO after a year following a restructure in house) and then, in October 2022, I left Techniquest for a new role elsewhere. Turns out that the new role wasn’t for me, so I came back as the new Lab Manager in December 2022 and have been in this role since!

What drew you back to the Lab Manager role in particular?

What drew me to Techniquest initially was the memories of visiting Techniquest as a primary school pupil. Before applying for a role at the beginning of 2021, I had no idea that Techniquest was even still running, so the thought of getting to work somewhere so nostalgic definitely drew me in.

In regards to the role itself, it was the creativity in the role to develop and deliver science shows and videos, getting to do lots of experiments as I did love science — particularly chemistry — in school, and to get to do all this hopefully giving school children and families the same memories and excitement for science exhibitions as I had from the same place.

What’s your favourite memory from your time at Techniquest?

It’s hard pinpointing one favourite memory from the last nearly four years. One event that stands out was when we were filming for our digital shows, particularly the dinosaur tour. We had to do some offsite filming in Rhoose Point, spend a lot of time in the theatre doing experiments and it was just a lot of fun and most of that project was spent laughing, probably with enough digital footage to do a bloopers reel! Another would be the day I delivered the first ‘Extreme Earth’ theatre show, which was the first theatre show that I developed from start to finish and one of my favourite topics.

When you prepare for a new workshop in the Lab, what is it that the the public don’t see?

Every workshop starts from an idea. It could be an idea for an experiment that will need to be paired and then given a theme or maybe the idea’s an overall theme that will need to have some experiments developed to go with it.

From here, the activities need to be developed, and the consumables and equipment bought. The experiments are then tested for reliability, safety, accessibility and then age appropriation and risk assessed.

Each workshop will have a presentation to go alongside delivery, a full equipment list, set up & reset document, a script and a full workshop layout for training and consistency. Once the workshop is developed, that doesn’t mean the hard work is over… there have been days where 90 school children have taken part in a workshop, so it does get very busy. After each workshop, I then clean, refill and reset all the equipment, then after the day’s workshops are finished, everything needs washing and resetting for the next day.

What skills have you developed during your time managing the Lab, and have you learned any valuable lessons?

During my time at Techniquest, I have been upskilled in project management, developing many workshops, shows and digital videos. To be able to communicate complex science principles and theories to different age ranges for all to understand is something I’ve had to learn and improve on for the past three years, but is a challenge I have enjoyed and embraced. Health and Safety has also been a main responsibility in the lab, as a result I’m proficient in creating risk assessments, first aid & COSHH for chemical use, which are skills that will definitely come in handy in the future.

What’s next for you?

In January 2025, I’ll be heading to Australia and New Zealand for a backpacking adventure. I think I’ll be away for about 6–9 months but it’s open ended, so we’ll see. When I’m back I’d like to work outdoors again, maybe work for an environmental focused company or organisation doing some fieldwork… but Techniquest will always hold a special little place in my heart so never say never — you might see me again!

Finally, here are some quickfire questions for you: what’s your favourite Christmas film?

Santa Claus: The Movie — I also have a special soft spot for ‘Nadolig yng Nghwm Rhyd y Chwadods’.

Winter or Summer?

Summer.

Biology, chemistry or physics?

Physics.

Milk or teabag first?

Teabag, always!

Favourite Techniquest exhibit?

The Interactive Sandbox.

The Retro Area or the Low Light Zone?

The Retro Area!

What’s your favourite thing to do in Cardiff Bay outside of Techniquest?

I like to walk down to the Wetlands and feed the ducks.

We’d like to say thank you again to Ffion for all her fantastic work in the KLA Lab, and for enriching the experience of all our visitors that enjoyed a workshop on their visits.