What did you study at A-level and why did you select those subjects?
As I’m Spanish, I studied nine A-levels. I chose the most scientific ones (Maths, Physics, Chemistry), but also had other subjects such as Art, Geography, Grammar, and foreign languages (English, in my case). I’m glad I had the chance to study a broad range of subjects. I’m very passionate about science, but I strongly believe in general knowledge and making informed decisions when it comes to travelling the world or forming opinions on literature or politics.
In my mind, Maths and Physics are logical sciences—they make sense and give me satisfaction. Applying that logic to other subjects, such as Music (I did a GCSE in Music and can play a few instruments) or Latin (GCSE in Latin, which was full of formulas, just like Maths!) was fun.
What degree and PhD did you study?
I started my degree in Physics thinking I wanted to pursue Nuclear Physics. But halfway through, I was lucky to get involved in some of the research going on in the Physics department and became more interested in the properties of materials. After completing my degree, I began some postdoctoral work on ultra-high vacuum, designing a mass spectrometer in Spain.
During a conference in the UK, I was invited to participate in a Surface Science experiment at the synchrotron in Daresbury and decided to complete my PhD in Surface Science. I worked with chemists to understand how big molecules position themselves on surfaces to prevent corrosion, with biologists to study the chirality of thalidomide, and tried to understand the behaviour of catalysts on perfect crystalline structures.
What inspired you to choose and study your degree subject?
I liked Chemistry at A-level, but my memory isn’t that strong, and it required a lot of memorisation. I loved Maths, but university-level Maths became too abstract. Physics seemed like the perfect balance. My science teachers always encouraged my endless questions—they weren’t afraid of the difficult ones. If they didn’t know the answer, they pointed me toward someone who did.
What key skills did you learn at university?
I was used to learning everything for exams, but that was impossible at university. So I learned that you don’t always have all the answers—and that’s okay. You can try to figure things out with what you know. I realised that learning is like a spiderweb—you can follow it in many directions. I learned to enjoy the journey instead of stressing about it.
What jobs have you had during your career?
I’ve had a few. After finishing my doctorate, I did research at several universities. It’s such a joy to immerse yourself in a research project and try to untangle the unknowns. But after seven years of moving between universities, I was ready for a change.
I worked in industry for about a year—developing electronic equipment, advising electricians on how to use it, translating manuals, and sourcing new equipment. In the evenings, I volunteered to mentor school students. I loved it so much that I retrained as a physics teacher. I’ve been doing that for 20 years now.
What is your current job and what do you enjoy about it?
I liked the freedom of research, but you rarely know who’s using your work. Inspiring young students to get into science, helping them overcome their fear of physics, and watching them think and grow is a much more satisfying job.
Do you have an area of research?
Teachers do research too! I read and practise a lot on metacognition to help students become more independent in their learning—so they don’t need their teachers to tell them what to do to improve. I’ve learned that teachers should not just teach the subject, but also teach how to learn.
What has been your most exciting career role?
Definitely my work at the Maths School. We started the school from scratch—the first time we met, it was still a building site! Since then, we’ve developed the curriculum to engage more students in STEM subjects and connect their A-level learning with academic life at university. We’re very lucky to be based on a university campus.
What are your top tips for working in your industry/sector?
If you have a logical mind, STEM subjects are for you. Don’t think of them as separate—they are all part of the same block, even if we teach them separately in school.
Any advice you’d like to share?
Be kind. Be thoughtful. Don’t forget that life is about becoming happier and the best version of yourself. The rest is unimportant.
Why are you passionate about STEM?
While working in research, I was often overlooked for being a woman. But it’s clear to me that when solving real-world problems, you want different minds working together—and diversity gives you that. Getting more girls into STEM subjects is vital and absolutely necessary. That’s my mission!
More resources:
University of Liverpool Maths School
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