Emma Horton

Emma exemplifies all of the University's values, she is an inspiring, driven, and deeply collaborative professional who is making a real difference — not just at the University, but in schools and communities across the world.

Alison Buxton, Senior Innovation Fellow, School of Education

Can you sum up what you do in one sentence?

My job is to bridge the gap between academic research and schools. I develop creative and practical resources for teachers to use, to help them to bring more hands-on making into the classroom.

You were nominated as an inspiration to others, how does it feel to be recognised?

I think it's really important that the real-world work that goes on in the University is recognised in this way. 

I have a background of 15 years as a classroom teacher, so I'm well aware of how demanding that profession is, and how hard teachers work to inspire curiosity and passion in children.

This recognition is a wonderful reminder that our work is resonating with them in the UK and internationally, and that it's making a meaningful difference.

What part of your work brings you the most pride or joy?

It's the light bulb moments. 

Lots of teachers come to us and they might be unsure about some of the tech that we're advocating that they use. Maybe they're apprehensive about the mess, but as they go through the programme and they work with us they seem more confident. 

Then when they see the impact in their classrooms, for their children, they come back to us buzzing about that. That is incredibly rewarding.

Emma's work reflects a profound sense of responsibility — a belief that technical expertise and educational innovation can, and should, transform lives. By working to bring high-quality maker education and teacher professional development to schools in both the UK and Nigeria, she is contributing to a more equitable and empowered world.

Alison Buxton, Senior Innovation Fellow, School of Education

How does your work create an impact in research, innovation and education?

My work is in the intersection of all three. 

In terms of education, we are democratising access to innovative, high-tech, practical experiences for children, so they are available to everyone. This is especially true for state schools in the UK, as well as schools internationally.

In terms of innovation, we take complex, cutting-edge, often phenomenally expensive tools, and we translate them so that they can be accessible for every school in every classroom, ensuring these spaces are appropriate for today's world. 

In terms of research, because I work so closely alongside teachers, they give us their real-world insights, and that really does inform our academic research. We look at how hands-on making can improve meaningful outcomes for children, boosting everything from their classroom engagement to their academic achievement. 

What is one thing about your workspace or role that would surprise people? 

If you hear the word technician, you might think about a sterile lab or someone sitting quietly at a computer. But my work is highly collaborative — it's a bit of a cross between a Fab Lab and a primary school arts trolley. We have 3D printers sitting alongside cardboard boxes and bottle tops, and that's just how it is.

Are there any upcoming projects or new technologies that you’re particularly excited to be working on? 

I'm really excited about integrating low-cost, open-source new technologies with hands-on crafts, some that might have perhaps fallen by the wayside, combining them into smart, programmable technology. 

This helps schools to be able to provide really high quality, relevant making experiences for their children, but on a budget. And so, redefining what a modern classroom might look like is a challenge that I can't wait to tackle next.