Esmee brings a background in pure mathematics and a visual approach to problem solving, shaped by a PhD in geometric group theory—focused on two-dimensional structures in three-dimensional space. Her academic path honed a deep, diagram-driven way of thinking that now informs her interdisciplinary role at IDEMS.
After completing her studies, Esmee sought work with more social relevance and less abstraction. Uninterested in academia or finance but unsure of alternatives, she connected with IDEMS following her volunteering with SAMI Maths Camps in Kenya and Ghana. That connection—and a shared desire to do meaningful, applied work—led her to join IDEMS in 2020 as a Postdoctoral Impact Activation Fellow.
Since then, Esmee has played several key roles at IDEMS, including Technical Lead on the PLH ParentApp and the Early Family Math App, where she guides tech development and content structure design. She also plays a central role in IDEMS’s accounting operations, and brings rigour, clarity, and a collaborative spirit to every aspect of her work.
What’s the most interesting project or problem you’re working on right now?
I’m working on the hierarchy of app deployments: How do we design a system that structures the content of app deployments in a way that accurately reflects their similarities and differences, avoids duplication, and also serves content authors and implementers? The aim is to enable them to efficiently create, review, and translate app content.
Do you have a dream collaboration that you’d like IDEMS to take on?
I would be thrilled if we secured funding for the Early Family Math collaboration so it can grow into something bigger and more impactful.
What’s most rewarding about working in transdisciplinary collaborations?
I love meeting new people and trying to understand their perspectives. Transdisciplinary collaborations are often a melting pot of experiences and ideas, which makes them intellectually stimulating and pushes me to challenge my own beliefs.
Where is home? Anything you want to share about the communities that matter to you in that home?
I moved to London in 2019 have been here ever since! Over the past few years, I’ve enjoyed volunteering with FoodCycle in my neighbourhood. We prepare meals from surplus food and share them with the local community. It’s a great way to meet new people—both volunteers and guests—and I love the change of pace from sitting behind my desk all day to chopping vegetables and chatting with others!
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