At what stage of your studies are you?
I am currently in-between degrees. I have just finished my bachelor's in physics with nuclear science and about to begin my masters in Radiometric: Instrumentation and Modelling.
Tell us a little about your research project.
My research project was split into two parts. First, I characterised an environmental chamber quantifying its ability to emulate temperatures of –25°C to 60°C to give a relationship between set temperature and average chamber temperature. The second part of my project was investigating the temperature dependence of cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) radiation detectors. We used a radiation source in the Oliver Lodge laboratory to analyse the charge collection signals at varying temperatures.
Laura working with a CZT radiation detector.
What skills have you developed during your research?
During my project I developed a range of skills, I developed my coding skills learning a new coding environment MATLAB to produce high quality plots in three dimensions. I was able to develop my research skills, this project focused on novel research, so I was able to develop my own experimental method with guidance from my supervisors to perform the investigation of the temperature dependence of the CZT charge collection signals.
Any final thoughts on your placement?
I really enjoyed my placement, having the opportunity to work with the nuclear structure research group over the course of my project was amazing. The work was appropriately challenging and being able to perform my on experimental methods allowed me to develop as a physicist. My supervisors were encouraging and offered great guidance when I encountered problems.
So, what’s next?
I am about to start my master's degree so I can put my new skills to use within my course, especially in my final project at the end of the year.
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