Dr. Shini Somara translates cutting-edge science into warm-hearted and engaging television. She has always enjoyed demystifying the secrets behind pioneering technology and innovation. Her work can be seen on a variety of networks including BBC World News, BBC America, Sky and Discovery and PBS Digital Studios. Shini is now based in London, where her most recent work can be seen on the BBC. Before then, most of her broadcast experience was gained in the USA, hosting TechKnow for Al Jazeera America from Los Angeles.
Shini's fascination for innovation is insatiable and diverse. She has reported on stories on subjects including climate change, food, health and renewable energy. Shini feels most comfortable putting herself in the middle of an experiment or interacting with the technology to provide a more effective explanation.
Shini began her career as a mechanical engineer at Brunel University (London), completing a Bachelors of Engineering (BEng(Hons)) and then an Engineering Doctorate (EngD) by the age of 24 years old. Shini specialised in Fluid Dynamics, where computer simulations are used to 'visualise the invisible'. This expertise enables engineers to understand how air flows over things like, aircraft wings, Formula1 cars and within high-rise buildings.
With all her experience in STEM communication, Shini wants most, to help people help themselves through education. As part of this incentive, she hosted Crash Course: Physics for PBS Digital in 2016. But her most rewarding work will feature many of the scientists she has met throughout her career. During her speech at the United Nations in February 2017 for ‘Women and Girls in Science’ day, Shini remarked on the importance of role-models. Broadcasting on digital platforms, Shini hopes to share more personal stories of the career journeys of these incredible role models, with the aim of inspiring others to fulfill their own greatest potentials in STEM.