International day of women and girls in science

How long have you been an environmental scientist?

I graduated University and went straight into my first science role in April 2020 where I was a Quality Assurance Scientist, providing technical support to Sales/Product Development about biological and chemical requirements in the medical device industry.

Working at Thames Water as a Process Scientist was where I made the transition towards more "Environmental Science"; although never officially titled one, the premise of the role was the same. It gave me insight into the importance of protecting our environment at the cause of the problem rather than attempting to repair it after.

What about your role gets you excited and what are you particularly passionate about?

Working in environmental science bridges the gap between Humanities and STEM; I love the fact my role incorporates all natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics), engineering and maths, as well as policy & law. It focuses on building an understanding of the cause and effect we as humans have on the environment.

Due to the deteriorating state of the environment, it is important that there is continuous R&D into sustainable solutions and alternatives to current practices in all industries. I am eager to start researching more natural and sustainable alternatives to chemicals used in wastewater treatment currently.

It's very easy for industries to look at environmental regulators as an enemy. Having worked closely with the Environment Agency over the past 18 months I am passionate about promoting that we all have the same goal and it's important businesses and regulators work together to achieve that. My role as Environmental Scientist for a solutions-providing business is to provide knowledge and expertise to link both parties together.

What do you find rewarding about your work?

Seeing the process through from inheriting a problem, breaking it down and delivering a solution, while also explaining it to wider business functions.

Often, it is important as part of my role to communicate problems and solutions in a straightforward way so it can be understood cross-functionally. Sometimes it can be challenging to communicate with multiple stakeholders and so when I can put my findings/solutions across successfully, it always feels rewarding.

What would you say to individuals who were thinking about a role in environmental science or science in general?

After I graduated, I said to myself that I never wanted to stop learning but I knew I didn't want to enrol in post-graduate study at the time. I think there is a myth that to succeed in a professional STEM career then you need to have an MSc / PhD straight after you finish your undergraduate degree. With the everchanging environmental stability/condition, and therefore tightening of legislation, Environmental Science has proven to be the discipline that will ensure I am never too comfortable with what I already know and challenge me to continue learning in my professional career.

I am a very matter-of-fact person who enjoys learning and understanding processes surrounding "how things work". Making the decision to go into science seemed logical for me and so when I was 16 I chose to do Maths, Biology and Physics at A Level. I wasn't quite sure what science I wanted to specialise in at University because I was worried how it would determine my career opportunities, but my advice would be to find something that genuinely interests you and you will enjoy. My A Level choices meant I could have gone into the majority of STEM courses at university. I chose to study Biomedical Science, and although I haven't pursued a career as a Biomedical Scientist, I developed and refined a skillset that can be transferred to other science disciplines I have chosen to do in my career so far.

As long as you work hard and enjoy what you do, overtime you will build a professional network and the opportunities to excel in STEM will present themselves.