As a child, I found wonder in the simplest of things. I vividly remember explaining my theory about why the sky is blue to my family, a small glimpse into the curiosity that would shape my future. From an early age, I was drawn to the mysteries of space and the complexities of the universe. Little did I know that this fascination would pave the way for my journey to peruse research in physics.
My fascination with science extended beyond the classroom. I devoured books on everything from anatomy to astronomy, immersing myself in the wonders of the natural world. A visit to the Kennedy Space Center further ignited my curiosity, I was more excited for this than any roller coaster. Meeting an engineer from the Atlantis shuttle left me awestruck, sparking a desire to learn more about the intricacies of space exploration and scientific innovation.
High school was a time of inspiration and revelation. My physics teacher’s tales of her university lectures, including captivating discussions on the first seconds of the universe, stirred a newfound curiosity for physics within me. Before this I’d never considered that Physics could be the speciality for me, let alone that I could pursue this as a career.
Despite an early affinity for coding and computer science, my journey encountered its share of obstacles. I vividly recall an A-level open day where a prospective computing teacher's discouraging words echoed, suggesting that I should pursue computing only if fully committed. Such biases, encountered at a young age, only fuelled my determination to defy expectations. In a world that often dictates narrow career paths, I felt compelled to pursue a more "conventional" route. Software engineer was a career that fit this bill for me, it was the only way I could use my coding skills and get paid, right? However, my heart yearned for something more meaningful, something that resonated with my passion for science and discovery.
The turning point came during a career’s focused physics class in college, where I learned about the pivotal role of medical physicists in the treatment of conditions such as cancer, something that is very close to my heart. Inspired by the prospect of making a tangible difference in people's lives, I set my sights on a career in medical physics and decided a BSc in Physics at the University of Liverpool was the right fit for me.
A BSc was never going to satisfy my want for answers and more knowledge of the world around me, fuelled by the prospect of studying abroad I made a switch to MPhys Physics during second year. However, it was during an internship in Portugal that my trajectory took an unexpected turn. Immersed in the world of particle physics, I discovered a newfound passion for data analysis and computational modeling. The challenges of working with tools like ROOT only fueled my determination, and I soon found myself captivated by the intricacies of particle interactions and a world beyond the standard model of particle physics.
My journey culminated in pursuing a master's and now a Ph.D. in particle physics, with a focus on the groundbreaking research being conducted with the FASER detector at CERN. The road hasn't always been easy, but the support of my peers and mentors, especially within the majority female FASER group at Liverpool, has been invaluable. Now my work day includes lots of coding, data analysis and reading … and I love every second of it!
As a woman in STEM, the pursuit of gender equality remains close to my heart. Adversities encountered along my journey, including discouragement in pursuing coding and being the lone woman in the room, have fuelled my commitment to fostering inclusive environments. Events like CUWiP and Women in Physics coffee mornings have been instrumental in addressing these issues, yet the journey toward gender equality in physics is far from over. I am reminded every day that every challenge overcome, every triumph celebrated, stands as a testament to the resilience and tenacity of women in STEM. Physics should be a place where everyone is welcome, and there remains an upmost importance in the continuation of diversity and inclusion in this and every field of STEM.