Meet Your Founder

 Alyxandra Murdock MEng(Hons) CEng MIET

Hi, I’m Alyx — a Chartered Engineer, award-winning STEM outreach advocate, and mother to Mitch (aged 6), Mickie (aged 4) and Cleo (aged 2).

I graduated from Newcastle University with a First-Class Master’s degree in Civil and Structural Engineering and quickly returned to my roots in West Cumbria. For over 15 years, I’ve worked in the nuclear sector as a civil engineer — while always keeping my passion for STEM education alive through my role as a STEM Ambassador.

– Alyxandra Murdock, Founder & CEO of Solway STEM Academy

 

My Story

Since the start of my career, I’ve created and delivered STEM workshops for schools and organisations across the region. Through 15 years of volunteering as a STEM Ambassador, I saw first-hand just how few engaging, hands-on STEM activities there were for younger children — especially in Early Years and Key Stage 1.

Determined to change this, I began developing my own age-appropriate workshops and delivering them locally. Demand quickly grew, and what started as a passion project soon became Solway STEM Academy.

Solway STEM Academy was founded for my own children, my friends’ children, and young people across West Cumbria and beyond — to create exciting opportunities and show how learning STEM skills can open the door to an exciting future.

My Mission

I believe the key to inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists is strong collaboration between education and industry. Through Solway STEM Academy, I work with schools and educators to provide high-quality, curriculum-aligned STEM workshops that bring science, technology, engineering and maths to life — sparking curiosity and confidence in children as early as possible.

Why STEM outreach matters?

STEM careers are growing fast, with tech and engineering roles now making up nearly 1 in 5 UK jobs. But many children still don’t see how these subjects connect to their future. That’s why I’m passionate about giving them hands-on, real-world STEM experiences that build confidence, spark curiosity, and develop skills like problem solving and critical thinking from an early age.

As a Chartered Engineer, I design and deliver every session to combine industry insight with fun, practical learning that brings STEM to life. I aim to inspire every child to believe they can be part of the STEM world, and challenge outdated stereotypes of what an engineer should look like- showing up as a positive female role model working in the STEM sector.

the programme
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Testimonials

“Year 1 at Maryport C of E Primary School loved their Tiny Turbine session. Meeting a real engineer with first-hand experience really extended the children’s learning. The workshop linked brilliantly to the National Curriculum and helped embed their knowledge. The practical element was fantastic, as all of the children loved designing and creating their own turbine to take home and show their grown-ups! The Tiny Turbine experience was brilliant!”

Miss Mein Y1 Teacher

“The “Good for the Earth / Bad for the Earth” game was so much fun! I didn’t know that some ways of making electricity can hurt the Earth before this session”

Sophia, aged 6

My child always looks forward to Solway STEM Academy days. He comes home with so many stories and loves showing me what he’s made and how it works. It’s wonderful to see him so interested and proud — thank you for making learning so engaging.”

Sarah, mother to Sol, aged 6.