About Us
Illumination Educational Software
The company was founded in 2002 by Dr Tina Read and Bob Read. We aim to engage people in genetics and biotechnology through our online resource Gene Journey and our multimedia workshops. We also run animation projects with children and adults.
Tina and Bob Read
Collaborations with Scientific Experts
Workshop at Warwick University, 2009.
Left to right: Dr Kevin Moffat, Prof Maj Hulten, Daniel Hardy, Dr Tina Read and Lucy
Blackwell.
We have developed Gene Journey with a number of scientific experts; for example, we work closely with Prof Maj Hulten and Dr Kevin Moffat from Warwick University.
Virtual Cytogenetics Laboratory
The advice of Gavin Cuthbert and other staff at the Institute of Human Genetics, Newcastle has also been invaluable; the virtual cytogenetics lab is based on the actual Prenatal Cytogenetics laboratory at the Institute. The chromosome identification quiz, Chromosome Challenge, in Gene Journey is used in the training of cytogeneticists for the NHS.
Tina has an inherited bone condition called Hereditary Multiple Exostoses (HME). She is planning to work with scientists to develop animations which show how a faulty gene can lead to a range of clinical symptoms in HME.
Gene Journey and our Multimedia Workshops
Students rise to the
[Chromosome] Challenge!
Gene Journey is our regularly updated online resource on genetics. Tina has filmed a number of scientists and people affected by condition genetics. These video clips appear in the Video Viewpoints section of Gene Journey; this is a great resource for debates on genetics, biotechnology and ethics.
Natalie appears in the Video Viewpoints section of Gene Journey. She explains why she does not want to pass on her inherited condition.
Bob's technical expertise has been invaluable in the development of the many innovative interactive features on the site, including the Virtual Cytogenetics Laboratory, the Chromosome Challenge and the new voting software Voter's Views.
Tina runs workshops with students at schools, colleges and universities using Gene Journey. She also runs workshops for science teachers.
A recent exciting development is the debates using the new Voter's Views section of Gene Journey.
Tina running a debate between English and Indian students using Gene Journey and Skype. Click image to play
Tina has found being a member of the Human Genetics Commission Consultative Panel to be really helpful in keeping her up to date for running these debates. The Human Genetics Commission is the advisory body to the government on new developments in human genetics and how they impact on individual lives. The Consultative Panel is made up of people affected by genetic conditions, and it acts as a sounding board for the reports and recommendations of the Commission.
Animation Workshops
Tina has several years experience of running animation workshops with groups of adults with learning disabilities and more recently with school children.
Tina has worked as a tutor for the Workers' Educational Association (WEA) since 2003, mainly with adults with learning disabilities based at the Oakfield Day Service in Liverpool. She has mostly worked on animation projects. In recognition of this work, as well as her work in software development, Tina was highly commended in the learning category of Merseyside Woman of the Year 2007.
Animation group at the BBC Big Screen, Liverpool.
In 2009, Tina made an animation with her students from the Oakfield Day Service. She also produced a documentary about how the animation was made. The animation, From Oakfiends to Ironmen, depicts the adventures of Dr Who on a trip to Liverpool! In February 2009 the animation and documentary were shown on the BBC Big Screen in Liverpool.
In July 2009, the animation was premiered at the FACT cinema in Liverpool. The animation and documentary won the Vesbim Award at the Wirral International Film Festival. Some of this work can be viewed at WEA Galleryonline (items 8 and 18).
Tina worked with the same group of learners from the Oakfield Day Service in 2009/2010 to produce an animation/video called Jack's Journey. A summary version is currently showing in the Liverpool Pavilion at the World Expo 2010, Shanghai.
Animation group from Greasby Junior School with headmaster, Mr Martin. Isla Read, front row, Laurie Read, far right.
Tina and Bob have worked with children from Greasby Junior School to make an animation which won the Children's Award at the Wirral International Film Festival, 2009. The group included their children, Laurie and Isla.