My name:
Scott Harvey-Whittle
My role:
Faculty Representative: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Information about my role:
The way I see it, ultimately my role is to represent the student body within the STEM faculty – to promote positive change to empower students to have their voice heard. Also, part of my role is to work with the Student Leadership Team (SLT), and work as a team to promote positive change to curriculum, policy and student experience.
My priorities for the 2024–26 term:
My priorities for the term 2024–2026 are based on improving policy, curriculum and student experience for neurodivergent students. I am aware that our previous President’s priorities (Margaret Greenaway) were to do the same, and I would like to continue that work to make positive change in this area.
Another one of my priorities is to promote the world of STEM, not only to OU students but the outside world. Figures show that there is a gender gap within the field of STEM, and it would be good to include more females into the STEM world.
What I’ve been up to and what I’m currently working on:
I have been working on my own self-development by looking and undergoing additional courses in relation to network engineering. I feel this will help in my aspirations towards my dream job.
What I’m studying:
I am currently studying BSc (Honours) Computing and IT. Although it is a long way off yet, I do aspire to do my MSc in computing (and hopefully a PhD).
What I do when I’m not studying:
I often geek out by creating videos or a bit of freelancing in IT-related tasks. Also, I am a trained singer, so I rehearse with the choir I am a member of. As well as the OU, the choir also gives me a sense of community and belonging.
My top study tips:
In short… the Pomodoro Technique.
For those of you who don’t know what this is, it’s a method in which you lay out your study time and breaks. Traditionally, you study for 20 minutes, followed by a five-minute break. This five-minute break must be away from the area that you are working. On your fourth break, you can take a 20 to 30-minute break – maybe even reward yourself on your fourth break. Then the cycle starts again.
If you feel that 20 minutes is too short for study time, I would extend it to 40 minutes maximum – but no longer than that as you would need regular breaks so that you remain focused.
How to contact me:
Email: oustudents-STEM@open.ac.uk
Please note that a handful of Association staff team members have access to this mailbox.
Twitter / X: @Open_STEM