Bethan Charles

"Bethan is a PhD Researcher researching new materials for future solar cells to convert the sun’s energy into electricity. Bethan is organised and self-motivated and she is the Quality Controller, Explorer and Coordinator types. The highest score she got on the quiz was the ‘Quality Controller’ type, which she thinks fits well with the work she does. She says that in science it is important to be honest, and that researchers have a responsibility to be truthful about information they publish, which means being sure that the information is correct and reliable. However, she also finds it important to be curious and determined, which probably explains why ‘Explorer’ type was her second highest score!"

"Solar cells allow us to use the light from the sun to make electricity; this is a really important way to reduce the impact on the environment from other energy sources. In her research, Bethan uses x-rays and lasers to better understand the properties of materials that could be used to make solar cells.Bethan looks at samples thinner than a human hair. This usually involves being in a laboratory, making new materials, shining lasers and x-rays onto them, analysing data and writing about the results. The goal is to publish her work in academic journals, but she also presents it at national and international conferences where she really enjoys meeting people who work in similar areas. Conferences also help her to meet and work with other research groups so they can use each other's expertise."

"Bethan has always been interested in science so studying Physics at university felt like a natural next step. The degree was challenging, but that helped her decide what she enjoyed and what she was good at. At first, she enjoyed astronomy most, but she realised she was more interested in learning about things at very small scale so she switched to ‘condensed matter physics’. When she graduated, she worked for a technology consulting firm in London, on a starting salary of £31,500 a year. However, she missed science, so she went back to university to start her PhD in Materials Science."

"Bethan is passionate about her work but she believes it is important to keep a work-life balance. She enjoys attending dance classes most weeks.Bethan thinks it is important to have a 1-year plan but she doesn't see much point planning beyond that because life likes to surprise you!Throughout her career, Bethan has heard lots of stereotyping comments. She says “when someone makes a comment that stereotypes you or someone else, challenge it!”"

"Days are very varied in the life of a research scientist! Some days may involve a lot of time on a computer analysing data and writing about results, but others may be spent in the lab doing experiments. Bethan's work involves using big machines which fire x-rays or intense laser light at the materials she is interested in learning more about. "

"After her GCSEs Bethan took A-Levels in Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology in 2009 which lead to her reading Physics at Durham University. Bethan was awarded her Masters degree in Physics at Durham in 2013 before going onto gain another Masters degree at the University of Bath in 2016. Bethan is currently working towards her PhD in Materials Science at the University of Bath. "