NORTH STAR 2026

A SCIENCE SUMMER SCHOOL EVENT

18.11.26

GULLIVERS VALLEY

Presenters

Alex Gardner – Host

Alex has been a proud associate of The Work-wise Foundation for over a decade, supporting young people and adults to explore, experience and succeed in STEM careers. 
 
On behalf of Work-wise, she has delivered STEM sessions to primary and secondary schools, run Women into Construction programmes, and supported initiatives helping unemployed adults back into engineering and manufacturing. Alex is passionate about inspiring the next generation and absolutely loves the NorthStar event and engaging with the young people who attend.
 
She was also with us at the very start of Skills Street, playing an instrumental role in securing the initial engagement from businesses and helping to build the interest and investment that has helped make this amazing facility a reality
 
Alex also gives her time to good causes. As an Ambassador for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, Alex has hosted the Fundraiser Awards for the last seven years, as well as their annual Glow In The Park Christmas Event and Quiz Night. She has also compèred events for Weston Park Cancer Charity and the Sheffield Cathedral Archer Project.
 
Alex shares her experience with the wider business world as a Board Member of the British Association of Women Entrepreneurs (BAWE), who she will proudly represent at their World Congress in Athens later in 2025.

If Alex can help in any way, you can reach her at alex@smilebusiness.support

Rowan Campbell-Pilling

Rowan is an 18-year-old racing driver from Sheffield, South Yorkshire. He is a rising star of British motorsport and aims to compete at the pinnacle of the sport in Formula 1.

Currently racing with JHR Developments, Rowan is two seasons into his FIA British Formula 4 career and has already collected numerous podiums, awards and trophies along the way.

Earlier this year, Rowan helped make history by racing at the 2025 Formula 1 Qatar Airways British Grand Prix at Silverstone – as part of F1’s 75th anniversary celebrations – as Formula 4 joined Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3 on the same event schedule for the very first time.

Outside of racing, Rowan is a Children’s Champion and Ambassador for The Children’s Hospital Charity and an active representative for his hometown, proudly standing as Sheffield’s only Formula 4 driver.

Emma Moate

Emma Moate is a freelance Camera Operator/Supervisor with over 20 years experience in the television industry. Covering live sports events and light entertainment. Credits include FIFA World Cup, Wimbledon, Premier League, Olympics, Dragons Den, The Voice and I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! 

Gaz Lawrence

The Art of Astrophysics

Gaz Lawrence (he/him) is an interdisciplinary artist and STEAM educator from Bristol, UK. Painting at the intersection of science, tech and fine art. He also regularly collaborates with scientists through his outreach business, The MoSAIC (www.themosaic.uk). His collaboration with astrophysicist Dr Sebastian von Hausegger from the University of Oxford has led to the creation of the first paintings that can only be viewed in infrared. Currently working with astrophysicist Dr Martin Rey from the University of Bath to explore how infrared art can be used to share Dr Rey’s research of space. The pair were awarded the UKRI funded Spark Award for Public Engagement for their work with infrared art. Gaz has since developed these collaborations into The Art of Astrophysics, a live show combining art, science and comedy, which he took to the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe.

Amy Young

Dean Furniss - AI Guy