Profile
![Photo:](https://imaproject.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/DSC02712-2-150x150.jpg)
Max Coleman
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About Me:
I am a botanist (name for a scientist who studies plants) who has moved into working on public engagement and communication.
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I live in Edinburgh and enjoy walking and cycling around the City and surrounding countryside. Plants have been a fascination for as long as I can remember, probably because I got out into nature a lot as a child. I count myself very fortunate for this early contact with the natural world. I put my plant knowledge to practical use by foraging for wild edible plants. A particular favourite is the few-flowered leek. The bright green leaves make a super pasta sauce with a garlic kick, so not for everyone!
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Inspiring and engaging people often relies on storytelling techniques. Facts and figures can be really dull and boring. I try to make plants and fungi relevant and relatable to people by showing how useful and important these organisms, that appear not to move and get easily overlooked, really are for our lives and even our survival. Of course plants and fungi do move, just really slowly. Although, if you have seen a Venus flytrap at work you will know that some plants can move at lightening speed.
How you communicate anything to people is really only limited by your own imagination, so I have used lots of different mediums of communication over the years. I think the newest and most exciting medium that I have used so far is a computer game about tree health. The player has the job of a forester who is trying to keep forests healthy, benefit forest wildlife and turn a profit. Not an easy challenge when so many new tree pests and diseases are arriving in the UK by accident due to global trade and the movement of people.
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Education
School education in London,
BSc degree in Botany from Bristol University,
Msc degree in Landscape Ecology from Wye College (Kent),
MSc degree in Taxonomy and Evolution of Plants from University of Edinburgh,
PhD in plant evolutionary biology from University of St Andrews. -
Qualifications
A Levels got me a place at university to study botany,
my first degree got me a place on a Masters course,
my first Masters led to work in the nature conservation sector,
my second Masters led to a PhD,
my PhD was needed to be able to apply for the job I now do. -
Work History
– Botanical surveyor for the Countryside Survey
– Conservation Officer for English Nature
– Plant Records Officer for the Euro+Med database
– Checkout staff for Sainsbury’s supermarket
– Community Tree Officer for City of Edinburgh Council -
Current Job
Science Communicator for the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
bike-mad botany geek
What was your favourite subject at school?
Geography
What did you want to be after you left school?
A botanist
Were you ever in trouble at school?
No
Who is your favourite singer or band?
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain
What's your favourite food?
Curry
What is the most fun thing you've done?
An expedition to a remote tropical island
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
Health, happiness and a bike frame built from Reynolds 653 tubing
Tell us a joke.
A man knocked on the doot of the Kremlin and said "is Len in?"
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