Meet the Science and Nature Team
Our courses are taught by experts in their fields.
Our tutors are passionate specialists, ranging from academic researchers to conservationists and horticulturalists, who bring depth, insight, and real-world experience to every course. With intellectually rigorous teaching and a shared love of discovery, they guide our learners through the complexities and wonders of science and the natural world.
Christopher Collier trained as an artist, before gaining an MA in Cultural Studies at Goldsmiths and a PhD in Art History and Theory from the University of Essex. He has taught at institutions including the University of Essex, Cambridge School of Art, and Winchester School of Art, as well as presenting internationally at a range of workshops and conferences, including at the ICA, London and CCA, Glasgow. His broad range of interests includes the intersections of art and the more-than-human world, along with art's relations to wider political economy and cultural theory. He is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Gary obtained his Phd in Philosophy of Physics from Kings College London in 2006. Gary began his teaching career in computing, going on to teach philosophy for the WEA and Mary Ward Centre, and physics and mathematics at both Birkbeck College London and the Open University. He currently teaches various science related courses, spanning topics in physics, chemistry and mathematics, at City Lit. Alongside his science teaching, Gary has a deep interest in the Cornish language, which he began studying at City Lit in 1998. After achieving distinction in the grade three exam and assisting his tutor Jo P’rhys for several years, he was appointed to teach the beginners class and now leads both beginners and lower intermediate Cornish courses.
Judy holds degrees in biology, chemistry and criminology and has worked in the care and education sectors. Now teaching, working as a lab technician and running her own pottery class, Judy likes to keep busy and wants to bring people into her subjects to expand their horizons. Judy is excited to start teaching at City Lit where she will offer courses in forensic science. If you are curious, want inspiration for your whodunnit novel or play or want to brush up on your science classes, Judy’s classes are for you!
Letta Jones, MA, is a Lecturer in Horticulture and Garden History. She taught at Capel Manor College and and Birkbeck, University of London for 15 years. She now teaches classes at the City Lit, Marlborough College Summer School, Woodbrooke, Denman, Glenthorne and Knuston Hall. She is part of the Garden History Grapevine/Gardens Trust group. A guide at the Chelsea Physic Garden for 18 years, Letta now teaches on their education programme. She is a Green Flag Park judge and she also leads her own garden study tours abroad.
Louise has spent over 15 years studying and working in geoscience, including working as a geoscientist for an oil & gas consultancy and as a university researcher. She holds a degree in Geology and a PhD in Palaeomagnetism, a branch of geophysics that looks at the behaviour of the Earth’s past magnetic field. Most recently Louise worked as an editor, reviewing high-impact papers for the science journal Nature Geoscience. She has also worked as a Public Explainer at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, teaching the public about planetary geology, and a demonstrator teaching undergraduates about different aspects of geology, including palaeontology.
Nathalie Puget is a Garden Designer, Horticulturalist and experienced Lecturer. Nathalie has a Diploma in Garden Design and the RHS Level 3 Diploma in The Principles and Practices of Horticulture, she has been teaching Garden Design and Planting Design Qualifications for the past twelve years as well as running her own Garden Design Practice. Nathalie studied History and History of Art at the Sorbonne University in Paris, before moving to London in the 1980s, history being a key part of understanding Garden Design today, Nathalie has taken many groups of students to gardens and parks in and around London to discover the fascinating connections to wider historical developments and understand where our familiar garden features come from.
Radmila heads-up Science & Engineering at Kaplan International College in London Bridge, having spent more than seven years at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich developing and delivering world-class education programmes. She holds a degree in Physics with Astrophysics and a PhD in Astrochemistry, and has taught physics, maths and astronomy for almost ten years. Her biggest passions are quantum physics and astrobiology.