Name: Katie Ferraby
Pronouns: She/her
Field: Physics
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 2nd 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.
Name: Lauryn Eley
Pronouns: She/Her
Field: Physics
Bio: Lauryn is a 2nd 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.
Name: Beth Slater
Pronouns: She/her
Field: Physics
Bio: Beth graduated from Lancaster University with an MPhys in Physics with Particle Physics and Cosmology in 2021. She is currently in the 3rd year of her PhD where she has specialised in neutrino physics, specifically engaging in the search for sterile neutrinos, a hypothesised fourth type of neutrino that could explain several experimental anomalies. Her work is based at the Short Baseline Near Detector at Fermilab, USA. Beth is actively involved in the board of this experiment, representing all the early career collaborators to ensure a fair, inclusive environment where all members can excel.
She is also the student chair of the Physics PGR SSLC where she is focused on improving the quality of life for everyone in the department. Beth is eager to be a part of the organising committee for WoNDRS and hopes the event will be valuable for all in attendance.
Name: Ana Pereira
Pronouns: she/her
Field: Theoretical Physics
Bio: Ana graduated from the University of Coimbra with a master’s in nuclear and particle physics. After working as a research assistant, she is now in her 1st year of a PhD in theoretical physics at the Maths Department at the University of Liverpool.
Her research focuses on phenomenology, specifically the development of 4-dimensional regularization schemes as well as the development of computational tools to optimize the computation of higher-order Feynman diagrams.
She aims to raise awareness about gender issues in science and work to promote equity between people.
Name: Jorge Romero
Pronouns: He/Him
Field: Physics
Bio: Jorge is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Nuclear Physics at the University of Liverpool. His research is based around the development of the MARA-LEB Facility at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä, in Finland. This facility serves to produce pure beams of radioactive nuclei, to explore the most exotic nuclear species via laser, mass and decay spectroscopy. Jorge is also passionate about the divulgation of science to a wider audience. He has been involved in outreach events such as Pint of Science, Binding Blocks and STFC Open Days. He is also a member of the Physics EDI Committee and is excited to be part of the organisation of WoNDRS!
Name: Cara Hawkins
Pronouns: She/Her
Field: Chemistry
Bio: Cara is a PhD student in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Liverpool, studying under the supervision of Prof. Matthew Rosseinsky FRS in the Materials Innovation Factory. Cara obtained her Master’s degree in Physics from the University of Liverpool in 2021, before moving into Chemistry as a postgraduate. Her current research focuses on the discovery of new inorganic materials for use in energy technologies. She is particularly interested in the synthesis of novel mixed anion compounds for solar absorbing applications, with the aim of engineering improved properties beyond single anion compositions.
Cara is also an enthusiastic supporter of science communication and outreach and hosts the award-winning podcast, 'The Liverpool Scientific', which meets the people behind the pioneering Science, Engineering, Technology & Maths (STEM) research happening at the University of Liverpool. Drawing on her experiences of working in both Physics and Chemistry, Cara hopes that the podcast will enable greater inclusivity within STEM by showcasing the inspiring and diverse role models working in scientific disciplines at Liverpool.
Name: Brianna Heazlewood
Pronouns: She/Her
Field: Physics
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 6-year-old daughter. Brianna was a member of the 2023 CUWiP committee and is excited to be part of the team organising the inaugural WoNDRS conference in 2024!
Name: Rebecca Hill
Pronouns: She/her
Field: Mechanical Engineering
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.
Name: Sophie Ashley
Pronouns: She/Her
Field: Chemistry
Bio: Sophie graduated from the University of Liverpool with an MChem Chemistry with Research in Industry in 2023; she is currently in the first year of her PhD and is based in the Materials Innovation Factory on campus. Here, she is looking at making novel co-polymers using transfer-dominated branching radical telomerisation which was recently developed within the Rannard group at Liverpool.
Outside of her work, Sophie is passionate about equal opportunities within the field of STEM, especially improving inclusivity and promoting networking within the PhD community. She is also a PhD Wellbeing Ambassador, organising monthly wellbeing initiatives for PhD students within the School of Physical Sciences at the university.
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