• Question: why do you work in science

    Asked by liamsevans71 to Andrew, Hina, Ian, Kathryn, Leah-Nani, Xu on 11 Jun 2018. This question was also asked by 683spcn34, 986spcn34.
    • Photo: Kathryn Burrows

      Kathryn Burrows answered on 11 Jun 2018:


      It suited me. When I was younger I wanted to be someone in a caring profession, like a nurse or medical doctor, but I am not very good with blood, surgery etc… So that would not have worked! At secondary school I was fascinated by and quite good at physics and mathematics. I kept asking questions that I was told I would have to ask a university professor, so I just kept going in that direction. I like working in science mainly because it is interesting, but it also feels like it has meaning, and a chance to make a difference. It is not the only way to do that of course, there are many worthy jobs that need doing in society, but this one suits me very well.

    • Photo: Hina Khan

      Hina Khan answered on 11 Jun 2018:


      Science has always fascinated me. I loved trying to figure something out and then getting to the conclusion, knowing that the decisions you made along the way led you to the correct result. The logic of science was of great interest to me, and I felt a sense of achievement when I got the right answer. As I went on I realised that sometimes there was no ‘right’ answer, but by following the scientific method you knew you did everything you could to make the correct deduction. Everything is linked through science and I loved being able to see the science in all sorts of things. It still excites me today.

    • Photo: Andrew Margetts-Kelly

      Andrew Margetts-Kelly answered on 11 Jun 2018:


      I serendipitously ended up working in science to start with. …by following what I wanted to do and what I thought would be the most fun.

      I’ve always had a thirst for knowledge. At school I use to ask so many questions because I wanted to understand more. When I was at home I used to pull old cassette players apart to see what was in them and to try and find out how it all worked.
      Now though I choose to stay working in science because of many reasons. It is a lot of fun, it’s very challenging, it pays well etc.; personally it is very rewarding. But now I see it’s a lot more than that. I get immense pride and satisfaction doing my work because I know it is for the betterment and benefit of all people around the world. The benefit to human kind that the space industry gives is almost immeasurable; without it for example we couldn’t grow as much food as we do now, we’re helping to feed the world.

    • Photo: Leah-Nani Alconcel

      Leah-Nani Alconcel answered on 12 Jun 2018:


      Very simply: It’s fun, it’s always interesting, and it pays well.

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