About my current job
I write, direct and produce documentaries - mostly on subjects relating to science. This can be anything from how the universe began to nuclear power to how a baby learns to talk. This involves researching the subject with scientists (and the wonderful privilege of just being able to call them up and ask questions) and then, during filming, interviewing them on camera. What's especially fun is making connections and asking questions that would be 'off-piste' in an academic context; so sometimes the scientist you're interviewing hasn't thought about things in that particular way. They can look at you like you're crazy, but often they enjoy that process too (or seem to!).
Something important I learned during my time at EP
Precision in writing. My tutor, Dr Mellanby, in particular called me out on the flowery language I started out with. That advice was useful for my degree, but also for progressing into journalism afterwards.
How did my education influence my career path?
It enabled me to go into journalism (and then film-making) by having a specialism to write about.
Fond memories of my time at EP
There was amazing Pecan Pie at the department! My friend Cheryl and I spent a lot of time talking about that pecan pie - and eating it of course.
Did you have a favourite tutor/lecturer/prof, and how did they inspire you?
My tutor, Dr Jane Mellanby, was an inspiration on many fronts. She encouraged unconventional yet disciplined thinking. And she championed women in a very real way (with actions not just words). I still have great admiration for her. There was also a great lecturer, Brian Rogers, who specialised in Perception (extremely interesting!) and I really enjoyed his lectures. He often used the phrase "throwing the baby out with the bathwater" which was - for some inexplicable reason - always very entertaining.
How did friends made during your time at EP influence your life?
I am still I touch with friends from EP! They are some of the most interesting and clever people I've ever met.
Do you have a lesson or advice that you'd give to current students/researchers at EP?
Enjoy the resources - and make the most of them.... meaning the people of the department. It's so wonderful to be surrounded by all those great and interesting minds. Talk to them!
With the benefit of hindsight, do you have any advice you'd give your younger self?
Don't write your essays in the middle of the night!! Maybe write them in the daytime so you can actually think about the content more - and even enjoy them...
