Our Purpose

At Matthews CodeCraft, we are committed to increasing accessibility to STEM and highlighting its connection to the real world. Our goal is to bridge the gap between classroom learning and future careers by giving students the chance to explore immersive VR environments which replicate real-career scenarios across science, technology, engineering, healthcare and more. A hands-on experience such as this leaves students with a true understanding of what’s out there and empowers them to take the next steps with confidence.

Meet The Team

Alana Matthews PhD – Founder

I am an educator passionate about bringing young learners closer to the world of science. My background is in medical physics, studying Physics with Medical Physics at The University of Sheffield before undertaking a PhD in the Mathematical Modelling in Medicine research group, also at TUoS. My research was multidisciplinary, combining topics from engineering, physics and medicine, with my projects encompassing the following fields:

• Machine Learning
• Medical Imaging
• Virtual Reality in Surgical Planning
• Fluid Dynamics.

I completed my PhD in 2023 and took a role developing virtual reality laboratory simulations for undergraduate and postgraduate students in the university. I also ran the virtual reality laboratory sessions for undergraduate physics and engineering students, observing the high impact of immersive learning on students’ retention, engagement and understanding of the real-world application of their lecture content.

Since leaving the university, I have started Matthews CodeCraft, with a goal to bring the real world of scientific application to young learners. I work with professionals in a variety of STEM fields (please see below) to make realistic, engaging VR experiences. Young learners can then explore different careers and environments, performing experiments and following protocols, to make informed decisions about their future.

Dr John Fenner – Scientific Advisor

John Fenner has been a medical physicist for over 40 years, with his NHS Medical Physics training beginning in Glasgow in 1984. He subsequently provided scientific support to the department of Cardiac Surgery at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, where he also obtained his PhD in laser tissue interactions. His interests in imaging and lasers led him to co-develop a 3D laser scanner for monitoring artificial heart valve performance, which also sparked a deeper curiosity in characterising system performance through simulation. He joined a simulation group at the University of Sheffield in 1996 which provided further opportunity to strengthen his expertise in imaging technology, and involved teaching at all levels (undergraduate, postgraduate, professional etc.). Academic pursuits were strengthened further by involvement in a wide range of research programmes, both national and European, bolstered by numerous publications in his name. Particular technological developments that have recently influenced his perspective on imaging and simulation are 3D printing, virtual reality and AI. These have featured increasingly in his research and teaching activities, and although each brings significant advances in their own right, he is persuaded that in combination their impact can be profound. Recently retired, John Fenner continues to pursue these interests for personal satisfaction because – in his own words – ‘…they are so compelling that I just can’t leave them alone!’. John is acting in an advisory capacity for Matthews CodeCraft on general VR development and the medical physics experience.

Scientific Collaborators

Leila Stone MChem – Chemistry Consultant
Leila Stone is a dedicated analytical scientist with a First-Class MChem in Chemistry from the University of Warwick (2019).

During her time at Warwick, she conducted research into polymer-functionalised cyclic peptides for nanomedicine applications and completed an internship developing next-generation graphene membranes.

Since graduating, Leila has held a range of roles at the intersection of science, engineering, and innovation. As an Analytical Chemist and later Project Manager at Kingfield Electronics Ltd, she led functional testing of
miniature mass spectrometers, resolved complex product failures, and oversaw production and testing processes across departments. In 2022, she joined Faradion Ltd as a Battery Scientist, where she contributed to cutting-edge sodium-ion battery research. Her work included electrochemical characterisation, cell assembly, interdepartmental project coordination, training, and the optimisation of material processes.

Leila is currently collaborating on the design and development of our VR chemistry learning experience for KS4 and KS5 students, combining her technical expertise with a passion for science communication and education