About Sciad
Our Team
A shared passion for scientific innovation
The Sciad Team
Our team of scientists, communicators, designers and marketeers share a passion for scientific innovation
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Founder and Managing Partner
Deborah Cockerill
Empowering innovators to bring their ideas to life by delivering digital campaigns with maximum impactFounder and Managing Partner
Deborah Cockerill
Deborah founded Sciad in 2008 after spending 12 years working in science publishing and advertising after graduating from UCL with a biology BSc.
Inspired by her passion for business and science communications and with extensive experience in online marketing and communication strategies, Deborah now advises and works with companies across all areas of life science, health and engineering. Deborah’s role includes overseeing corporate awareness, PR, brand recognition and revenue growth campaigns, advising on website design and build, and implementing digital marketing strategies, including search engine optimisation, Google Ads, social media and online advertising campaigns.
Deborah has built the talented team of science communicators, marketeers and designers at Sciad from the ground up to provide an excellent service for the agency’s clients and plans to grow the company further in the coming years.
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Managing Partner
Richard Anderson
I provide expertise in brand strategy, PR and marketing to help our clients achieve their potentialManaging Partner
Richard Anderson
Richard is a highly experienced strategic consultant to science and healthcare companies, advising on brand strategy, PR and marketing.
In a career of over 30 years, Richard has advised leading healthcare companies , academic institutions and numerous innovation-driven start-ups and scale-ups across Europe and the US. These include work for companies such as Roche, Amgen and GSK, Imperial College London and the Royal Veterinary College.
Richard was previously co-Chair of Burson-Marsteller’s health practice across EMEA. Before that he was Managing Director of Healthcare PR at Chime Communications after leading his own agency for sixteen years.
Richard is also Chair of Bowel Cancer UK and a Trustee of Independent Age.
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Managing Partner
Maria Patey
A communications specialist with extensive experience in driving innovative strategyManaging Partner
Maria Patey
A health and life-science brand and communications specialist, Maria has spent over 20 years leading programmes at world-class marketing and communication agencies.
She has provided leadership and advice to global brands in pharma, consumer health, FMCG and food tech, and is passionate about working with ambitious teams in companies led by innovation.
Maria supports CEOs, CMOs and brand leads, and enjoys working directly with the founders of start-ups and SMEs through transformational stages of their business. Energised by the challenge of unravelling the complexity of a technical business story, and building the business or brand reputation, she is committed to ensuring clients feel the return on their investment by demonstrating the difference effective communication can make.
Maria has worked with a range of mid-sized companies in the pharma sector, including Danone, P&G, Roche, Bayer, Sanofi-Aventis and Molecular Partners, as well as supporting entrepreneurs participating in international innovation accelerators such as SynbiCITE and EIT Food – the world’s largest and most dynamic food innovation community.
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Project Director
Paula Burton
I deliver successful marketing and communications programmes to help your business grow.Project Director
Paula Burton
Paula has over 25 years’ experience in senior marketing roles, having specialised in the management education and veterinary/life science sectors, developing and implementing marketing and communications activities.
Paula’s skills include brand strategy development, market research, PR and media relations, alumni relations, web development, digital marketing, business development, and customer relationship and reputation management.
Most recently, Paula led marketing for the Royal Veterinary College and its business incubator, the London BioScience Innovation Centre. Subsequently, she joined the team at the University of Surrey’s new School of Veterinary Medicine, working to establish the school as a key player in the sector.
As Project Director at Sciad, Paula helps coordinate, support and manage clients’ projects across all areas of her expertise.
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Head of Design & Web
Alex Curtis
I listen to clients’ needs and provide design solutions that are creative, innovative and impactfulHead of Design & Web
Alex Curtis
Alex has over 20 years’ experience in graphic and web design.
Focusing on the most up-to-date digital technologies and utilising the latest design software, Alex prides himself on listening to clients’ needs and providing creative and innovative design solutions. He is used to working with a varied client base, including BioMed Central, Domainex, Check4Cancer, and British Heart Foundation.
Alex’s work for Sciad ranges from website design and build to advising clients on Google Analytics, SEO and other technical issues.
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Account Director
Juliette Craggs
I harness my scientific background to create strategic PR and digital marketing campaignsAccount Director
Juliette Craggs
Juliette is a communications professional with a first-class master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Sheffield.
Juliette’s role at Sciad includes the creation and management of strategic marketing campaigns for a range of clients, including branding and message development, content marketing, PR and digital marketing. As well as over five years’ experience in science communication, her previous roles included digital content and communications in the education and property industries.
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SEO and Content Specialist
Sarah Harrison
I deliver digital campaigns to the highest editorial standards, reaching the audiences that matter to our clientsSEO and Content Specialist
Sarah Harrison
Sarah has a degree in biochemistry from the University of Sussex and over 20 years’ experience in the science marketing sector
She began her career as an in-house editor at the Current Science Group before going on to commission and produce a wide range of books and journals for the Biochemical Society. As a project manager for Blackwell Healthcare Communications and Avenue HKM, she then gained extensive experience working for clients in the pharmaceutical industry, delivering a range of publishing and marketing assets, including technical articles and conference materials.
Sarah’s work for Sciad focuses on digital marketing, SEO and website content – always delivering projects to exemplary editorial standards with the highest attention to detail.
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Account Director
Sophie Protheroe
I use my storytelling skills to help clients make an impact on the audiences that matterAccount Director
Sophie Protheroe
Sophie has a first-class bachelor’s degree in natural sciences from the University of Cambridge and a master’s in science communication from Imperial College London.
Sophie works closely with clients to plan and implement integrated PR, communications and digital marketing strategies to help them achieve their goals. Having previously worked for a science university in Japan and an Asian research news publication, she is experienced in translating complex science into compelling content for international audiences.
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Digital Manager
Tarryn Wensley
As a digital marketing expert, I enjoy collaborating with clients and providing clear and concise insights to inform strategyDigital Manager
Tarryn Wensley
Tarryn has over 15 years’ experience in marketing and communications and has a passion for digital marketing and technology.
Her previous experience in marketing, digital and communications spans several industries, including IT, newspaper publishing, retail and politics. Tarryn is a certified Digital Marketing Specialist and holds qualifications and accreditations in digital marketing, SEO and PPC. She has also an International Diploma in Comprehensive Computer Programming from the University of Cambridge.
Tarryn’s role at Sciad spans the field of digital marketing – from SEO to PPC advertising on Google, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
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Senior Account Manager
Jasmin Shearan
My flair for content creation and media liaison generates PR campaigns that deliver standout resultsSenior Account Manager
Jasmin Shearan
Jasmin has extensive experience in delivering international strategic PR to scientific and engineering businesses.
Knowing how great PR can transform a business, Jasmin’s role as Account Manager at Sciad includes campaign management, content creation and media liaison.
Jasmin has a passion for communications and elevating a client’s image. With years of experience working with technical clients and a biology degree under her belt, Jasmin has a talent for understanding complex processes and communicating them creatively.
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Web & Graphic Designer
Ethan Squibb
From branding and social media to website design, I’ll help you visually tell your storyWeb & Graphic Designer
Ethan Squibb
Ethan began working for Sciad as a freelance designer after graduating from Arts University Bournemouth with a BA(Hons) Graphic Design, and was taken on as a full-time Web & Graphic Designer a short while later.
Ethan has a passion for creating engaging and impactful designs. He specialises in branding, website design, and graphics, and is dedicated to helping clients bring their vision to life. With a keen eye for detail and a focus on user experience, he works collaboratively with our other designers and our clients to develop creative solutions that effectively communicate their message and achieve their goals. From concept to execution, he is committed to delivering high-quality designs that exceed expectations and leave a lasting impression.
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Digital Executive
Esther Gibson
I utilise my passion for science, combined with analytical skills, to develop outstanding PPC campaignsDigital Executive
Esther Gibson
Esther is a graduate of the University of Birmingham with a first-class degree in Biomedical Science.
Having completed her degree, Esther now utilises her passion for science and analytical skills to carry out her role as a Digital Marketing Executive, in which she specialises in pay-per-click (PPC) advertising on Google, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. Esther also enjoys analysing client account data, optimising ads to increase their performance and reporting on results in an easy-to-understand way.
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Senior Account Executive
Maria Taylor
My passion for science, along with my communications and PR skills, make me an ideal team playerSenior Account Executive
Maria Taylor
Maria is a graduate of the University of Sussex with a first class degree in Biomedical science.
Starting as an intern at Sciad after finishing her degree, Maria’s role as a PR and digital marketing executive includes client PR and media liaison, social media management, content marketing and press release distribution. Maria is also involved in SEO, digital marketing and website management.
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Finance and HR Executive
Emily Blythe
I focus on providing financial management, HR and PA support for Sciad’s senior teamFinance and HR Executive
Emily Blythe
Emily has worked at Sciad for 14 years, coordinating finance and HR as well as providing PA support to the senior team.
Emily also speaks French and German – having studied both at Southampton University and The Institute of Education, University of London – and provides language support for our clients.
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Senior Graphic Designer
Rob Dicks
As an experienced graphic designer, I have a strong understanding of building branding that works for youSenior Graphic Designer
Rob Dicks
Rob has over 20 years’ experience in graphic design and branding within the STM industry.
Having previously worked for Nature Publishing Group as their Studio Design Manager, heading up their in-house design team, he created brand guidelines across the Nature Portfolio. In 2014 Rob established Gee St Design Ltd, and has continued to work within the scientific community for companies such as Springer Nature, Digital Science and The Biochemical Society. He is used to working with varied clients and has built strong relationships based on his creative ability, working ‘on brand’ and keen eye for detail. Rob works as a graphic designer developing marketing collateral for clients – from social media/online ad banners and infographics, to print brochures and large-format event graphics
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Digital Executive
Freya Smith
My scientific background and passion to communicate complex research to the public helps me to create effective ad campaignsDigital Executive
Freya Smith
Freya is a graduate from the University of Birmingham with a first-class degree in Biological Sciences.
During her time at university, Freya ran an Instagram page for a forest research institute where she gained insight into the world of digital marketing. This experience developed her passion for making science as influential and accessible as possible. Her role in Sciad involves developing Google and social media pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns, optimising and analysing ads, and writing content for clients.
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Developer
Paul Coates
As a web developer, I work closely with designers and their designs to create effective and engaging websitesDeveloper
Paul Coates
Paul’s work for Sciad includes the build of new websites and features as well as website maintenance, ensuring that each site is secure and runs efficiently.
Specialising in WordPress and Drupal, Paul keeps up to date with the latest technologies, whilst also ensuring that websites are accessible to all and supported by the most popular browsers. With a background in design, Paul is uniquely equipped to understand a designer’s vision and bring it to life.
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Digital Executive
Ushna Prema
I use my creative and analytical mindset to communicate innovative science through compelling digital marketing campaigns.Digital Executive
Ushna Prema
Ushna is a first-class MSci Biochemistry graduate from the University of Birmingham.
During her time at university, she gained valuable R&D experience in early-stage biopharmaceutical drug discovery during a placement at GSK, fuelling her interest in healthcare accessibility challenges. Her role in social media management for the School of Biosciences allowed her to combine her passion for life sciences and science communication, utilising creative strategies to raise awareness of emerging areas in scientific research.
At Sciad, Ushna develops content for pay-per-click (PPC) and social media campaigns on various digital platforms, from Google to LinkedIn. Alongside this she carries out optimisation and data analysis of paid ads to ensure they are performing to their greatest potential for our clients.
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PPC Tracking Consultant
Christian Benson
I provide strategy, technical guidance and support to deliver successful digital marketing campaigns.PPC Tracking Consultant
Christian Benson
Christian has a first-class bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and over five years’ experience in digital marketing.
After graduating, Christian gained research experience from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, where he worked on innate immunology projects, before shifting his career focus to digital marketing. He is extremely passionate about all things digital and his experience spans several industries including e-commerce, healthcare and biotech, and hospitality.
Christian’s responsibilities at Sciad include a wide range of digital marketing activities such as search engine marketing, SEO and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising on Google, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, as well as providing detailed knowledge of data analytics and conversions tracking. His previous experience includes launching his own swimwear brand, while working as a Business and Marketing Executive for an e-commerce brand in SE-Asia, and most recently supporting the digital needs of the biggest hospitality company in the world across EMEA.
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