“Don’t let anyone tell you no… EVER!”

On the 23rd of February, Professor Gemma Atrill, a Physicist from the Defence Science & Technology Laboratory visited our school to give a fascinating talk on her experiences in the Space Science sector. She spoke to us about her journey from leaving high school, all the way to where she is today.

We found out about her experiences at Aberystwyth University at the University Centre on Svalbard (in the High Arctic) where she studied Radar Diagnostics of Space Plasma (relating to Space Physics) and The Upper Polar Atmosphere (relating to her research within the Ionospheric Physics sector of Astrophysics). It was clear that studying in this remote location was an incredible experience for her! When we asked her to describe what it was like to study there, she simply replied, “It’s not like visiting another country, it’s more like entering a whole new world, a completely different planet.”

We then went on to discuss her career path. After completing her undergraduate degree at university, she began as a researcher at the Harvard Centre for Astrophysics. After this, she moved on to become a Systems Engineer at the DSTL, Ministry of Defence. Following this, she gained her Chartered Physicist (CPhys) accreditation from The Institute of Physics. Being a chartered Physicist is a highly-regarded achievement which provides validation of your skills, knowledge and expertise as a leader in your field. At the moment, she is the Chief Scientist of Space Weather and has recently become a visiting professor at the University of Bath, specialising in Electronic & Electrical Engineering. However, her previous titles also include: Chief Scientist; Space Weather Lead Scientist; Space Systems Program Project Technical Authority and Space Scientist.

As well as her inspiring journey throughout her career, she has (quite literally) been on countless exciting journeys around the globe, studying in places such as Japan, the USA and the High Arctic!

Finally, we ended on the topics of space weather, the ionosphere, the upcoming IRIS & CIRCE Mission, life-work balance and why it is important to pick a career you absolutely love.

Professor Atrill gave an eye-opening talk and we all really appreciate her coming in and sharing her story with us. Here are some quotes of hers that we found really inspiring…

“Don’t let anyone tell you no… EVER!”
“If you need to get somewhere, just make yourself a door!”

Anaiya S
Year 9
Astrogazers, Crew Operations & Resources Engineer