What is your current job and what do you enjoy about it?
I am a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow and Senior Lecturer in Materials Science and Engineering. I enjoy pushing the boundaries in multi-disciplinary research in advanced materials, complex fluids and manufacturing, creating new knowledge and answering questions that no one else has answered before. I enjoy being part of the academic community, supporting and facilitating the development of enthusiastic and committed junior researchers and students, for example through mentoring and training.
What has been your most exciting project or career role?
The UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship has been one of my most exciting and fulfilling projects, designing and setting up a new lab, and leading a group of students and researchers to deliver high quality outputs. I am also a mother to three children!
What did you study to get where you are today?
I studied A-Levels in Chemistry, Physics and Maths and had a passion for science. I then went on to study Chemical Engineering at degree level. There were more subjects that I was interested in, but chemical engineering had many of the topics I like, chemistry, materials and general engineering.
Do you have an area of expertise / research?
Advanced Materials Processing, Complex Fluids and Manufacturing.
Do you have any advice for current/future students and people working in this industry?
Continue to find joy and find your purpose through the challenges that you will certainly encounter. And don't forget to celebrate big and small successes, I perhaps don't do that enough.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given? and any advice you'd like to share?
Focus on the strengths, on what works, and carefully reflect on what doesn't to navigate the difficult moments. Focus on the priorities that lead you to progress.
Why are you passionate about your subject / career / research / STEMM?
I am passionate about science in general, I can't choose one topic over the other, this is why I enjoy the multi-disciplinary aspects of my research. My curiosity and love for learning never end. Being at the boundaries of different research areas keeps things interesting and challenging!