RPS celebrates the United Nations International Day of Women and Girls in Science (Part 2)
11 Feb 2019
RPS is excited to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11th. To understand what a career in science offers, we interviewed several staff members. These women use their deep expertise in a variety of sectors to provide complex solutions to our clients and solve challenging problems.
Here are some of their responses:
Nuala Page, Senior Coastal Engineer - Australia
What inspired you to choose a career in science?
My love for the environment and natural world, in particular the ocean and a curiosity to learn more about it. Science and maths were my strongest subjects at school, so when it came to choosing a career I thought that environmental engineering would combine my strengths and interests.
What do you like most about your job?
The wide variety of projects and types of work that I get to be involved with, my job is always challenging and interesting.
Why do you think it is important for women and girls to consider careers in science?
I think it is important that women and girls should feel they are able to choose whatever career they truly want to. Science, engineering and innovative fields will benefit from having a broader range of different points of view and more diversity of problem solving skills available.
Tammy Illingworth, Analyst, Analytical Services - United Kingdom
What inspired you to choose a career in science?
I always enjoyed science at school and it was one of my strengths so I went down the path of science, It suits my inquisitive mind.
What do you like most about your job?
I love my job. There's so much variety on a daily basis, it has its challenges but then life would be boring without a challenge. I take great pride in my work, delivering accurate results to customers in a timely manner. My job has also given me so much more confidence and belief in myself.
Who has inspired you most?
The person who inspires me most is my mum. She always put her children before herself and still managed to work, take care of us and go to university as a mature student and graduated with a first class honours degree.
Why do you think it is important for women and girls to consider careers in science?
I believe women are just as intelligent and capable as men, we should all strive for the best in everything we do. Women who enjoy science should definitely consider it as a career prospect, who knows where they could end up!
Marina Leal, Extraction Chemist - United Kingdom
What inspired you to choose a career in science?
I am fascinated by how life works at a molecular level and how that affects our day to day lives.
What do you like most about your job?
I particularly enjoy understanding why things work the way they do. I also like to know why things don’t work and what I can learn from that and how each change in methodology can affect the ultimate outcome.
Who has inspired you most?
My parents as they have taught me to learn from my mistakes, better myself and work hard.
Why do you think it is important for women and girls to consider careers in science?
The opportunities for learning and development in science never stop. I believe the attention to detail women bring can make a real difference in this industry.