Testimonials

“Dr Holmes provided useful feedback, communication tips and much-needed encouragement when drafting and refining my early research presentations at masters and PhD level. They helped me refine my message, improve my clarity of communication, and ensure that my presentation was both visually impressive and tailored to the specialisation level of my audience. This allowed me to engage with a wider audience without sacrificing technical detail for the specialists. Dr Holmes and I have had many thought-provoking conversations about the vital importance of finding a shared language between the speaker and their audience — a seriously under-appreciated but critical key to delivering any successful presentation.”
– Matthew Lawrence, PhD Student
(1 to 1 Consultations)

“Kate was fantastic to work with at the Pride in STEM events hosted at the Royal Institution. Kate was great at explaining the science demonstrations linked to asexual and aromantic experiences and brought in their own
perspective experiences. They were warm and friendly to those who came to our table and encouraged attendees to try out the activities. The demonstrations were received well by the audience – they asked numerous questions, which Kate responded effectively to. Kate and I have since worked together on delivering a talk about asexual, aromantic and
agender experiences.I hope to work with them on another project some point soon!”
– Sarah Cosgriff, Science Communicator and Co-Founders of Aces in STEM.
(In reference to the events at the Royal Institution. Previously, work for Sarah and Aces in STEM included facilitating Speed Science)

“Before the fellowship I had minimal interest in improv, but through Kate’s encouragement and guidance, it has become one of my favourite things to do! Her friendly and inclusive approach helped me improve my confidence in public talking, which is a skill I used all the time in my work. She made every class feel like a safe space where I could try things without any judgment.”
– Isa Colorado, PhD student
(10-Week Communications Course)

“Kate is an amazing improv facilitator, always coming to sessions they are running well organized and prepared, and taking extra steps to create a safe and reassuring environment to ensure all improvisors feel comfortable. Their background in both improv and science/educational communication shines through in their activities, with consideration of pedagogical methods and benefits that makes them not just a great improvisor, but a great teacher and facilitator too.”
– Max Hughes, Manager of MathsWorld
(Improv Workshop for Science Communicators and Wednesdays Improv Meets)

“Katherine was wonderful to work with from day one. Not only did she come with some great ideas, but was receptive to feedback and put a lot of effort into refining her story. And what a story! The delivery was spot-on, and Katherine clearly took everyone in the audience along on their emotional journey. We’d be happy to have them back at Story Collider!”
– Richard Kemeny, Science Journalist
(The Story Collider LGBTQ+ SciComm talk)

“Kate was very proactive in organising this panel, for Aromantic awareness week, she reached out to her extensive network and the people who responded gave a fascinating insight into the issues they face as minority members of the LGBTQIA+ community and other intersectional issues affect their lives.
She took guidance well and we worked as part of a team effort to bring about this event. You would never know it was her first timing chairing a panel, keeping to time, allowing everyone to say their piece, being open, warm and inclusive to the audience. She trod a careful line between being an expert herself and giving the mic to others. A pleasure to work with her.”
– Simon Levey, Imperial College London, Head of News and Media, and co-chair of Imperial 600.
(The Aromantic Awareness Week Panel + Consultations)

“Kate is a very welcoming and encouraging leader of improv. They are a dynamic and enthusiastic person whose joy is obvious especially when improvising! Clear with their boundaries, they provide a safe space where I feel comfortable and confident to draw my own without that interfering in the fun! Kate is a great improviser and has come up with several games which are hilarious to be a part of.”
– Patrick McGovern, teacher.
(Wednesdays Improv Meets)

“Kate was a fantastic guest on the Aspec Podcast! They brought fabulous insights to our discussions around navigating and challenging assumptions around amatonormativity, as well as navigating Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in STEM disciplines! As the podcasts were streamed live, there was a substantial amount of audience participation, and Kate’s ability to incorporate and build onto discussion points from the audience, and other panellists shows they are a skilled facilitator.”
– Tyeewhyee, Host of the Aspec Podcast.
(Reoccurring Guest for the Aspec Podcast)

“Kate’s online improv taster session was so good! They were great at creating a chilled, welcoming and engaging environment to have fun and be playful and creative again. They ensured everyone was able to participate in a way they felt comfortable and encouraged us throughout which personally for me helped take the pressure and nerves off and allowed me to just be present, imperfect and enjoy it! Would definitely attend another one of their sessions.”
– Anonymous
(Online Improv Taster Sessions for the Leeds LGBTQ+ Community Consortium)