Profile

Photo:

emilyw

    • About Me:

      I am a astrophysics PhD student in Manchester 🛰️ My research involves studying stars in galaxies that are ‘close’ to us.

      Outside of research I like to keep active with going to the gym & running! I love my dog 🐶, travelling and reading 📖!

       

    • My pronouns are:

      she/her

    • How I use Science in my work:

      I use science in my work every day. Mainly when analysing data about supernova remnants and using physics to try and understand different expansion and evolution mechanisms of these dying stars. Specifically looking at measuring acceleration and speed at which these stars expand at.

    • My Work:

      I’m a PhD student; my research studies different phases of stars and measuring their activity in one specific galaxy called M82. From when stars are born all the way up until they die and explode!💥

    • Read more

      I do this by using over 40 years worth of data collected by different radio telescopes located in the UK and across the world!

    • My Typical Day:

      I’m in my first year of my PhD! Currently I get to the office about 9:30am and make a cup of tea (very essential), then I start by checking my emails and any images that I have been cleaning overnight. Sometimes I will have a group science meeting about 11am where we discuss our findings and anything interesting going on in the radio  group! Then I will discuss with my supervisor throughout the day various tasks and projects to work on – at the moment I’m currently processing some data from 2015 on M82. Typically I will go home at about 5pm, make dinner then go to the gym!

    • What I'd do with the prize money:

      I’d like to use the prize money to help invite schools and students interested in space to visit Jodrell Bank and the Lovell telescope, where I work!

    CV

    • Education:

      I went to high school in Liverpool and then Cronton Sixth Form College for my A levels.
      After college, I went to Lancaster University to study physics, astrophysics, and cosmology for my bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
      Now I’m completing a PhD in astrophysics at the University of Manchester.

    • Qualifications:

      GCSEs: English literature & language, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Spanish, Computer Science (Grades 9-6)

      A levels: Maths, Physics, Chemistry & EPQ (AAAA)

      Master of Physics in Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology

    • Work History:

      I worked in a restaurant when I was 16-18 as a waitress.

      During university I worked as a student ambassador for the physics department, which included showing new students around the university and telling them all about life at university.

      Post-university, I worked for Zara for 10 months while I applied for PhDs!

    • Current Job:

      My current job is being a PhD student in astrophysics. Which involves researching big and small problems related to my project, teaching other university students, and travelling to conferences in the UK and across the world!

    • Employer:

      University of Manchester.

    • My Interview

      • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        Observing active galaxies

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        Something space related

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        Only once!

        If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?

        Biomedical engineer

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        Lana Del Rey

        What's your favourite food?

        Sushi

        If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!

        I would wish to go into space to see the galaxies that I’ve worked on, be able to dye my hair any colour and change it back instantly and for my dog to live forever!

        Tell us a joke.

        What is the worst word in nuclear physics? Oops