For International Women’s Day 2024, we caught up with a couple of alumni from the Science and Solutions for a Changing Planet Doctoral Training Partnership (SSCP DTP), a unique and prestigious doctoral training programme, funded by NERC and based at the Grantham Institute.
They share their experiences as women in the early stages of their STEM and climate careers, with the goal of encouraging other women to pursue careers in these fields.
Laura Warwick, Research Fellow, European Space Agency
Tell us a bit about your current role
I am a Research Fellow at the European Space Agency. I work in the Netherlands on a new satellite called FORUM which is due to be launched in 2027. It will be the first satellite to make systematic and high-resolution measurements of the far-infrared thermal radiation leaving Earth, which is vital for understanding and predicting future climate change.
My favourite part of my job is undertaking field work to collect test data. Last year I travelled to Norway, above the Arctic circle, to take measurements of Arctic clouds. There were some long, cold days and technical problems, but I loved the challenge and privilege of collecting unique and valuable data in a breathtaking location.
Are there any key people, ideas or experiences that inspired you to embark on your career?
I’m lucky that I have had great mentors and colleagues throughout my education and career. I decided to study physics at university because of an inspiring teacher that I had at sixth form college who managed to make physics exciting and the lessons funny.
During my undergraduate studies, I took part in a research project in the Institute of Shock Physics at Imperial where I was testing how metal mesh can be used to dampen the effect of blast waves. This project really fired my enthusiasm for experimental work and being in a research environment. It led me to choose a PhD where I could put my love of practical physics to (slightly less explosive) use.
What is one message you would give to a woman or girl considering studying or working in your field?
If you enjoy science, then go for it! Having people with a variety of backgrounds and experiences is vital to ensure that we manage the climate crisis in an innovative and equitable way.
How did the Science and Solutions for a Changing Planet DTP help equip you for your career?
Through the SSCP DTP, I had the opportunity to help run a stall at the Great Exhibition Road Festival, which is an event open to members of the public. Explaining scientific concepts to a range of people was definitely a challenge, but it put me in good stead for my career to work with a variety of people and justify our work to representatives from the European Space Agency’s member states.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to reach out to colleagues and peers for support! Don’t spend ages struggling with a problem quietly; either other people will have ideas and solutions or the act of explaining the problem will help spark some fresh ideas.
Toral Shah, Biodiversity Coordinator, Plan Vivo Foundation
Tell us a bit about your current role
I am the Biodiversity Coordinator at the Plan Vivo Foundation. I’m responsible for steering the development of a new initiative that channels responsible investment towards climate sensitive communities, which in turn empowers them to make sustainable land use choices and incentivises conservation and restoration of biodiversity.
The Plan Vivo Foundation is a UK charity that supports vulnerable rural communities, largely in the Global South, to develop innovative nature-based solutions to reduce poverty, conserve and restore important ecosystems and tackle climate change.
My role is really exciting as we bring innovative technologies and approaches to biodiversity conservation while ensuring community engagement and inclusion of local knowledge.
Are there any key people, ideas or experiences that inspired you to embark on your career?
Wangari Maathai has always been my inspiration to keep pushing forward towards the goals I am trying to achieve. She was a Kenyan environmental and political activist, always fighting for what was right beyond the norm, making huge steps towards women’s rights, democracy, and environmental conservation and restoration.
Being surrounded by many inspirational and driven people at my previous work at the Royal Botanic Gardens and being supported by my family and partner has shaped my passion in conservation and science, teaching me to look closely at the details and always think about the practicalities of my work.
What is one message you would give to a woman or girl considering studying or working in your field?
For every uphill there is a downhill, so keep going! Be adventurous and take chances on different experiences because you never know what you will learn and how it will shape your career path.
How did the Science and Solutions for a Changing Planet DTP help equip you for your career?
The SSCP DTP allowed me to have the best of both worlds. By having a PhD based at a partner institute whilst still being involved with the university and my DTP cohort, I got to engage with people from multiple disciplines and at varying stages of their professional career. This helped me look at things through multiple lenses and learn how to find solutions. It also helped me develop a broad professional network enabling collaboration and knowledge sharing.
What advice would you give your younger self?
It’s ok to ask for help or support. If you are facing a challenge, it’s most likely someone else is too or has before. So don’t be afraid to reach out to people and learn from their experiences. Sharing is caring.
Learn more about the Science and Solutions for a Changing Planet Doctoral Training Partnership (SSCP DTP) and explore more of our International Women’s Day content: International Women’s Day 2024: Inspiring Inclusion in Innovation and An Equitable Climate Innovator: Meet Anzen’s Preethi Jayakumar.
