Women in STEM: How the next generation of scientists are saving the planet

---

At the Grantham Institute, the next generation of women in STEM is tackling some of the planet’s most urgent environmental challenges, while also fostering a more inclusive and diverse scientific community committed to planetary health. From safeguarding vulnerable coastlines to creating sustainable energy storage, and exploring how polar ecosystems respond to climate change, these scientists are redefining what it means to be at the forefront of environmental science.

We spoke to four PhD researchers to learn about their research, what inclusivity and diversity mean to them, how they manage the demands of their work, what they have learned, and their advice for aspiring researchers.

What’s your research about? How is it relevant for society and climate change?

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face significant sustainability challenges, including high exposure to climate change impacts like sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and biodiversity loss. Their coastal zones, crucial for economic and cultural resources, are increasingly vulnerable, making monitoring essential for protection and adaptation.

My research adopts a data-driven approach using remote sensing from satellites like Landsat and Sentinel to track coastal changes, focusing on the Maldives.  I identify patterns of erosion and accretion to inform environmental policies and enhance the resilience of coastal ecosystems in SIDS.

What does inclusivity mean to you?

For me, inclusivity means that differences are seamlessly incorporated into our society. New ways of thinking, approaches, interconnections, ideas, and projects are welcomed and seen as strengths rather than threats. It also means intersectionality: taking into account the intricacy of human brains and bodies. Inclusivity ensures that no one is afraid to express their identity, and everyone feels celebrated and loved for who they are, what they believe in, and their contributions to the world’s wellbeing. It means that no one hesitates to take action, participate in something, or create, because accommodations will always be provided. I hope that one day difference won’t even need to be acknowledged, as it will have become the new normal.

What is your most useful pastime/stress reliever when working on your PhD?

There are three main pillars: taking care of my physical needs, reassessing my mental strength and resilience, and surrounding myself with my community.

Firstly, I am very sensitive to poor physical conditions – lack of sleep, hunger, a sedentary lifestyle, body aches – so I always make sure to address these needs and remind myself that I can’t help the world if I don’t take care of myself. Secondly, I try to turn anxiety into action by reminding myself that I am doing my best and that my contribution to the world matters, even if it seems infinitesimal. Thirdly, I seek out people who match my energy and cultivate relationships that are supportive and rewarding. Activities that bring me purpose and joy include open-water swimming and triathlon (I am currently training for an Ironman), improvisational theatre, cycling around London, connecting with nature, reading fantasy books, and sharing unique moments with friends.

What’s your research about? How is it relevant for society and climate change?

The Earth’s Radiation Budget captures the balance between incoming sunlight and the loss of energy to space. This budget is currently unbalanced because of human activities trapping more energy, leading to a rise in average global temperatures. Models suggest that around half of the thermal energy emitted by Earth is within the longwave part of the infrared region called the far-infrared.

Despite this, we have a limited understanding of how things like clouds and water vapour impact the energy loss at these wavelengths. My research focuses on improving this understanding by exploiting ground and aircraft-based observations of everything, from snow in the ground to ice crystals in the air.

What does diversity in science mean to you?

Science, particularly climate science, is a field that benefits from contrasting viewpoints. For example, when looking at observations we should ideally have multiple instruments – all built using different methods by different people and using different techniques – pointing at the same target and getting the same result. This same concept can be applied to other fields like climate modelling or even climate policy, where different legislation must be enacted in each country to reach a common goal. The more diverse your team, the more weaknesses you’ll be able to identify, and the stronger your science will get.

If you could give your past self one piece of advice before starting the PhD, what would it be?

There will be a lot of things that just don’t work. Sometimes they don’t work for very dumb reasons, but in the end that doesn’t matter. PhDs are about exploring the field, and no one is the same. Your research ability increases exponentially as you progress: it comes to a point where something that once took you two years now takes a month at most. Let your first year be about getting comfortable in your field and your research group and trying as many new things as possible.

What’s your research about? How is it relevant for society and climate change?

Approximately 50% of the energy consumed globally is used to generate heating. This is still largely acquired from burning fossil fuels, producing over 40% of the total global CO₂ emissions each year. Therefore, the decarbonisation of this sector is critical in achieving net-zero emissions targets.

To support an increase in sustainable heat generation using renewable energy technologies (e.g. solar thermal energy), it will be necessary to invest more in thermal energy storage (TES) systems. Energy generated by renewable resources can be intermittent, therefore, it becomes useful to have a means to store as much heat energy as possible when it becomes available, for later use.

My research investigates a type of TES system that uses Phase Change Materials (PCMs), which can absorb and store latent heat when changing phase. Notable examples include Water (used for cold-chain supply) and Sodium Acetate Trihydrate (used in gel handwarmers). Investigating the heat transfer characteristics of such materials is essential to optimise the way in which sustainable heat energy can be stored and released.

What does inclusivity mean to you?

Inclusivity, for me, is about recognising and valuing individuals and their contributions, irrespective of differences. This is essential to create a welcoming and collaborative environment, where individuals feel supported to learn and share ideas that have been uniquely crafted from personal experiences.

Do you have any advice for students who are at the beginning of their PhD?

My advice would be to try and create a schedule that loosely defines daily/weekly objectives that you would like to accomplish. Although this will not always go to plan (which is ok!), it makes it easier to be consistent, focused, and productive in the long run. Most importantly, having a schedule can be a reminder to prioritise your personal well-being, so be sure to allocate some time for yourself away from academia.

What’s your research about? How is it relevant for society and climate change?

My research focuses on the evolution of photosynthesis in polar cyanobacteria (photosynthetic microorganisms also known as blue-green algae). Photosynthesis in the poles is a challenging feat as the turbulent light exposure and temperature require incredibly robust and flexible organisms.

Given that the polar regions are far more sensitive to the effects of climate change than the rest of the planet, the response of primary producers (organisms that derive energy from light and water) can tell us a lot of about how these kinds of organisms have, can, and might adapt to a dramatically changing climate. You could say that they are our global canaries in the coal mine.

What does diversity in science mean to you?

Science in the most basic sense is trying to understand the world and how it works. How can we ever do that if only a small fraction of people are able to contribute? Diversity in science means opening up channels to encourage anyone and everyone to pursue the sciences, but also giving space and respect to non-academic sources of knowledge that may have previously been overlooked, taken for more granted, and unacknowledged.

What has been your favourite aspect of your PhD so far?

I have enjoyed developing a wide array of new skills in my field, from new DNA sequencing techniques to coding skills, to polar field work skills.