What did you study at A-level equivalent and why did you select those subjects?
Maths, Physics, Geology, English and French. I wanted to become an astrophysicist, so picking sciences as the majority of my specialist modules was a must. I picked Geology and French because the teachers were really inspirational, and I’ve always enjoyed learning languages.
What degree/PhD did you study?
I completed a BA in French Language with a minor in Italian and a specialisation in Canadian history, followed by a BSc in Geophysics. I’m currently pursuing a PhD in Electrical Engineering and Electronics.
What inspired you to choose and study your degree subject?
I enjoyed French in A-level equivalent, and I needed a break from the sciences, which is why I chose it for my first degree. The Canadian history specialisation came about during a semester abroad—I wanted to learn something entirely new. Partway through my BA, I found myself missing the sciences, so I took Geology and also chose Maths as an optional module. That decision convinced me to switch to Geophysics so I could keep doing more Maths.
During my BSc, I did a programming-based project that I really enjoyed, which led me to look for something programming-related for my next step. That’s when I discovered my current PhD project—it sounded fascinating, so I applied.
What key skills did you learn at university?
Resilience and adaptability. It’s about keeping going when things get tough and being able to adjust to changing circumstances—whether personally, at university, or in the broader world.
What jobs have you had during your career?
During A-levels (equivalent) and my first degrees, I worked part-time and over holidays as a bookseller. In my second undergrad and the early years of my PhD, I was also an international student ambassador. The summer before starting my PhD, I did an internship as a Geophysicist at an energy company. I’ve also worked as a postgraduate demonstrator alongside my PhD studies.
What is your current job and what do you enjoy about it?
I’m currently a PhD student with the Distributed Algorithms Centre for Doctoral Training. I really like the flexibility—it allows me to work at times and in places that suit me best. I also enjoy being able to take the time to deeply understand something before moving forward.
Do you have an area of research?
I focus on Faster Uncertainty Quantification of Hydrocodes. Hydrocodes are large computer simulations using principles of fluid dynamics, and my project touches on topics within Statistics, Physics, Computer Science, Chemistry, as well as Electrical Engineering and Electronics.
What has been your most exciting project or career role?
Helping to organise a conference. It was really fun to collaborate with others to bring the event together—and then to actually see it all happen.
What are your top tips for working in your sector?
Build on your strengths, and find collaborators whose strengths complement yours. That’s the best way to stand out and to develop good ideas and solutions.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Always apply or ask for opportunities, even if you’re not sure you qualify—the worst that can happen is someone says no.
Any advice you’d like to share?
Go to talks and networking events. Talk to people, even if it doesn’t seem directly relevant to your research. Ideas and help often come when you least expect them. Say yes to roles and opportunities. Be open about yourself and your work—good things generally come from it.
Why are you passionate about STEM?
It’s all connected! Physics, Chemistry, Geology, and Engineering often use similar methods for different challenges—or different methods for similar ones. Each discipline contributes a piece of the puzzle that helps us understand the world around us. And there’s always more to learn—it’s an ever-growing pool of cool and fascinating ideas.
More resources:
Research group: Centre for Doctoral Training in Distributed Algorithms