• Question: How did you choose your area of science and how did you know you wanted to work in that area?

    Asked by Perfect Particles to Angeline, Catherine, Luke, Philip, Shona on 9 Mar 2015. This question was also asked by rebel.
    • Photo: Angeline Burrell

      Angeline Burrell answered on 9 Mar 2015:


      I initially wanted to work in astronomy, because there is so much to be discovered and so much to explain! But after I got a job working at a space weather data center, I realized that I liked doing research that had a bigger impact on people’s daily lives. Of course, I still wanted at least one star to be involved! Space physics lets me explore the closest portions of space, which can affect power grids of countries like the UK and satellite communications.

    • Photo: Shona Whittam

      Shona Whittam answered on 10 Mar 2015:


      I first starting thinking about medical physics because of career events at University. I liked the idea of using my knowledge to help people. I knew people who had cancer so going into radiotherapy where we treat cancer made me feel I could do something worthwhile.

    • Photo: Philip Moriarty

      Philip Moriarty answered on 10 Mar 2015:


      I was inspired to do a PhD in scanning probe microscopy by the fascinating and pioneering work of Don Eigler and his colleagues, who were the first to manipulate atoms. [ http://researcher.watson.ibm.com/researcher/view_group.php?id=4245 ]

      I knew I wanted to work in single atom manipulation because it’s cool, exciting, and challenging.

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