Organisers

Bio: Katie graduated from the University of Liverpool with an MPhys in Physics in 2022 and continued with the University as a particle physics PhD student on the MUonE and g-2 experiments, investigating the properties of muons and the Standard Model (SM). She is also part of the doctoral training school (CDT), LIV.INNO, and is now a 3rd year student.

She is also head of the "Women and Non-binary people in Physics" group and she aims to make a community for people facing the same struggles at similar research stages. She hopes the community will boost people’s confidence and minimise some of their anxieties.

Bio: Lauryn is a 3rd year PhD student in the Department of Physics. A member of the QUASAR group and LIV.INNO CDT, her research focuses on developing a novel, low-dose, low-cost 3D x-ray scanner in partnership with Oxford-based company Adaptix. In 2022, she completed her MPhys Physics with Astrophysics degree from the University of York. Lauryn is passionate about improving diversity and equality in physics and other STEM fields. Through active involvement in events like CUWiP and WoNDRS, she hopes to aid in ensuring that STEM is a place for everyone.

Bio: Brianna is a Professor of Chemical Physics at the University of Liverpool. Her research uses low temperatures to explore chemical reactivity. Techniques including laser cooling and the application of external electric and magnetic fields allow Brianna and members of her research group to control the properties of ions and radicals, providing information on how reactive collisions occur. She is Deputy Director of EDI in Physics and has a 7-year-old daughter. Brianna was a member of the 2023 CUWiP committee and is excited to be part of the team organising the WoNDRS conference!

Bio: Rebecca graduated from the University of Liverpool with an MMath in Mathematics in 2021, before continuing with the University as a PhD student in the School of Engineering. Her research includes the theoretical investigation of hydrodynamic instabilities and their effects on non-Newtonian fluid models, as well as the interaction of various applied flow fields with solid particles.

She is committed to improving equality, diversity and inclusion across STEM through her involvement with events like WoNDRS and wider outreach events across the faculty.

Bio: Erin is a second year PhD student in the Department of Materials, Design and Manufacturing Engineering. Erin graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2023 achieving an MEng in Mechanical Engineering with projects that included non-destructive testing of chemical pipes and, investigating the movement of soft actuators. Research now continues at the University of Liverpool with a PhD in scalable manufacturing of perovskite solar cells.

She is a role model in Engineering for LIVWISE (Liverpool Women in Science and Engineering) and aims to encourage more women and minority groups to choose a career in an Engineering discipline. She hopes for a future where there is more diversity seen across Engineering fields that boasts a welcoming community and safe environment.

Bio: Marina is a second year PhD student in the Particle Physics group at the Department of Physics. Her research focuses on Quantum Computing applications to neutrino-nucleus interactions, centred on fault-tolerant implementations. Prior to this, she attended the University of the Republic in Uruguay, graduating with BSc and MSc degrees in Physical Sciences. Other work includes the study of elastic proton-proton scattering at the Large Hadron Collider.

Through her work in WoNDRS she aims to foster community and open discussion amongst PhD students who might be facing similar challenges.

Bio: Having graduated from the University of Liverpool with an MPhys in Physics in 2024, Ellen is a first-year PhD candidate in the Department of Physics, joining the Physics Education Research group as their first postgraduate student. She was awarded the prestigious Jocelyn Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship to support her research exploring machine learning and artificial intelligence in physics education, with a focus on making physics teaching and learning more equitable and inclusive. Her current work utilises hierarchical logistic regression and machine learning techniques to track awarding gaps in UK physics degree programs, helping institutions to assess the impact of their educational interventions.

Beyond her research, Ellen is actively involved in outreach, regularly supporting events and initiatives that promote diversity and opportunity in STEM. She strongly believes in the power of a supportive community to break down barriers, which led her to join the WoNDRS 2025 organising committee. Ellen is excited to help showcase and celebrate inspiring gender minority role models in STEM.