Q1 What are you studying and where/what is your job?

I am a Scientist at the National Physical Laboratory in London, currently working on an European Space Agency mission (TRUTHS)  to calibrate detectors for satellites in space, helping to tackle the climate emergency. I hold an MPhys in Physics from the University of Oxford, where I focused on Astrophysics and Atmospheric Physics.

Q2 What is it like to study Science/Maths/ Engineering/Computer Science at University?

Being a student at Oxford can definitely get busy at times, where multiple problem sheets each week take several hours to complete. However, it's absolutely worth it in the long run. The process not only teaches you how to approach complex problems but also how to communicate your reasoning in tutorials—an invaluable skill I use every day at work.

Q3 What has been the most exciting/interesting topic you have studied at university?

I was fascinated by General Relativity when I studied it at university. One of Einstein's greatest achievements, it completely reshaped my understanding of the universe. The idea that matter and energy can warp spacetime was mind-blowing, and thinking about black holes only deepened my sense of awe. This fueled my desire to specialize in Astrophysics in my final year, where I delved deeper into the physics of black holes, gravitational waves and why the Universe is the way we see it today.

Q4 Do you have a favourite memory about studying Science/Maths/Engineering/ Comp Science at NLA?

A highlight of studying Maths at NLA was coming 3rd place in the Regional Team Maths Olympiad! We beat schools such as Carmel college that had 100s, if not a 1000 in their Sixth Form, when our cohort was only 60 big. I also really enjoyed studying A-Level Physics. The teacher would often bring in gadgets such as his VR headset that let us be an Astronaut on the ISS- silly things like that, that actually made the class a lot more enjoyable! I was lucky enough to go to a lot of summer schools at Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial, and received a lot of support from everyone at NLA.

Q5 Would you recommend studying Science/Maths/Engineering/Computer Science and if so, why?

Studying Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or Computer Science equips you with problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and a deep understanding of how the world works. These fields drive innovation, from tackling climate change to advancing artificial intelligence for example. Plus, they open doors to lots of career opportunities in scientific research, technology, finance, and beyond. I have friends who studied Physics with me who have gone on to become bankers, and mates who have gone on to do PhD - what you do is up to you!