Details

Last Updated on Monday, 08 October 2012 10:44

Co-ordinator of International Relations (CIR) and

IFUW Council Representative

Professor Cynthia V. Burek, FGS, FHEA

Cynthia is the first Professor of Geoconservation in the world and is a geologist by training. . Her catch phrase is ‘Geodiversity underpins biodiversity’.

She was born a cockney and went to school in the East end of London. She gained her first degree in geology, geography and archaeology and her geological PhD from the University of Leicester and her MSc in Information Science from City University in London. She works at the University of Chester and the Open University in Wales teaching geology, forensic science, sustainable development and conservation.

She has belonged to both the British Federation for over 40 years and the American Association of University Women for five years. At present she is convenor for the IFUW Fellowship Committee having served two terms. She also served for seven years on the British Federation Academic Awards Committee. She was president of the Syracuse branch of AAUW and the BFWG Cheshire Association but originally belonged to the Leicester branch after graduation when her professor’s wife suggested she join. She has two graduate geological daughters both of whom are independent members of the British Federation. She passionately believes in a holistic approach to conservation, women’s right to education at all levels and generosity of spirit.

Co-ordinator of European Relations (CER)

Sheila Youngs BA(Hons)

B.A.(Hons.) French, with German subsidiary- University of Reading
Cours de Civilisation Francaise , Sorbonne University, Paris
Post Graduate Certificate in Education (University of London)
Master of Studies, International Relations (University of Cambridge)
ITQ (OCR Level 2 NVQ)

Work experience includes time as a research assistant in an international department of the Foreign Office, a year in the international department of a German political party’s headquarters in Bonn, Germany, many years as a research and negotiations representative of a school travel agency and several more years, until retirement, teaching, mainly French, at a local boys’ Preparatory School. I also served for several years as a co-opted member of the Enfield Education Committee and governor of 3 local schools. In my spare time I served on the committee of Saracens mini-rugby club where my son played for a while.  I became a member of BFWG in 1998, since when I have attended all the IFUW Triennials and most of the last 8 UWE AGMs. My main interests include attending WEA courses, usually on world history and international affairs , running a cottage letting business in Suffolk, gardening, doing cryptic crosswords and knitting for my three grand-daughters.