Professor Laura Harkness-Brennan


Education Background:

  • A-levels (Physics, Maths, English Literature), MPhys Physics, PhD Physics

I always chose subjects I enjoyed doing.  At A-level, choosing English literature gave me a nice balance in my day!  It was something different to do than my maths and physics.  However, as time went on in my A-levels I enjoyed physics more and more.

Who/What inspired you to study/work in STEM

My A-level teacher was brilliant.  I didn’t always enjoy physics, I found it difficult when I first studied it but after a few years I started to really enjoy it, and the rest is history.

I am a naturally curious person, I love watching science programmes, especially anything by David Attenborough.  I always wanted to be a scientist or engineer.

Current Job/Role:

I am a Professor in the Department of Physics, and Associate Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Impact for the Faculty of Science and Engineering. I am part of the nuclear physics group and my research ranges from studying the properties of nuclei to developing new technologies for radiation detection in healthcare. I interact a lot with students, either directly through teaching or through supervising research projects.  I also get to do my own research and sometimes this involves travelling to exotic places.  My most recent trip was to a nuclear structure physics experiment in Japan.

Previous Job/Role:

After my PhD, I spent a year as a postdoctoral researcher, and then moved to work for a radiation detector company. I really enjoyed both of these but returned to academia to develop my own research proposals and teach the next generation of scientists.

What is interesting about what you do:

I really like interacting with lots of different people.  Some of my research involves me working with clinicians, engineers, environmental scientists and energy experts. I am currently trying to develop new methods to detect radiation, which can impact in science and society.

Interesting facts about you/your work:

  • I am developing new technology that will help discover new properties of exotic nuclei
  • One of my research projects could help improve radiotherapy plans in the future
  • PhD students I have supervised are now working as physicists in labs and hospitals all over the world.

Resources