BSc (Hons) Physics, PhD
I cannot remember a time when I wasn’t interested in Science. My first memory of thinking about what I wanted to be when I ‘grew up’ centred around ‘being a scientist’. My interest in science was fed from an early age by books and T.V. documentaries.
I chose to study science at UCD because it afforded me the opportunity to sample a range of subjects before I specialised in my preferred choice of physics. After graduating with an honours degree in 2000, I began studying for a PhD in astrophysics with Dr John Quinn and Prof David Fegan. My postgraduate studies were a hugely enjoyable experience, where I was continually challenged by my research but still had time to make some great friends. My work required me to develop a number of additional skills including computer programming, data analysis, technical writing and presenting.
It was during the latter years of my PhD that I became interested in teaching, through presenting tutorials to undergraduates and I was attracted to it as a career by the chance to help others understand the importance and relevance of science.
Like all jobs, teaching has its difficult days where you leave frustrated and tired, however those days are the exception rather than the rule. Teaching reminds me in many ways of scientific research in that no two days are the same and you are required to use a wide range of skills - to communicate, to explain and to inspire.
As a science teacher there is also the opportunity to become in other initiatives such as BT Young Scientist and The Seismology in Schools Program, however the real joy of teaching is in the daily interaction with students who continually challenge you with the most original questions and points of view.
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