Jessica Marshall
How did your journey into Physics begin?
I always wanted to find out how things worked and I always wanted to create. I found all the sciences fascinating but physics is what underpins everything. In materials science you find out how things work and how to solve problems with materials.
What is your favourite thing about your research area?
For me it is the fact it is new and there is a great deal of freedom within this field and many opportunities for collaboration, which in my case is radiation-dense materials for nuclear and radiation shielding. For me, it is very exciting that my research will contribute to sustainable energy and decarbonization in terms of contributing to making nuclear fusion a practical power source.
Why do you think it is important to highlight women and gender minorities in science? What does it mean to you?
Representation is important in any group since people will be less likely to participate if they do not see themselves represented. When working in STEM and working to solve problems it is important to have as many diverse perspectives as possible. Although I have seen more women in STEM now than when I was getting started in the 2000s, the number of girls at undergraduate levels seems to be mostly static. Alongside this, we need to make STEM more accessible to people from non-traditional backgrounds or coming in from a non-academic backgrounds. Ultimately, STEM is a career for everyone who has curiosity, insight and can develop the skills to realise their goals.
