Kristen Coppin

"Kristen works in a university, lecturing in Maths, Physics and Astrophysics and carrying out research into Astrophysics.Kristen is persistent and methodical, and the ‘Quality Controller’ type matches well with her sense that all people should be treated fairly and equally. This fits in with the ‘Coordinator’ type and might explain why she has ended up as Chair of her university's equality and diversity committee! Kristen also feels that the ‘Explorer’ type is very apt for an astronomer researching Astrophysics!"

"Kristen works in a university, she teaches Maths, Physics and Astrophysics, and supervises PhD students. She also carries out an independent programme of astrophysics research. Kristen’s work includes writing and reviewing research grants, telescope proposals (applying for observation time on observatory telescopes), and scientific papers. Her role involves a lot of work at the computer, answering emails, analysing data, and reviewing and writing papers and proposals. She attends formal meetings to do with teaching and informal meetings with students about their progress and work, as well as having get-togethers in her department to discuss the latest research. She prepares teaching materials and delivers lectures for undergraduates and postgraduate students. Several times a year, she works to give a research seminar on her group's work to other astronomy groups in the UK or at international conferences."

"Kristen has always wanted to learn about space. She grew up in Canada and as a child was lucky enough to go to Space Academy in the USA! She thought she might like to be an astronaut and that learning about space would help her if she ever wanted to apply to the astronaut programme. Kristen didn't really think an academic path would be realistic for her, but assumed that she would get her degree and then figure out what to do afterwards. She went on to do an undergraduate degree at university which included a work placement. She always knew she wanted to include something like this in her degree. She is quite practical and thought it would help her to not only fund her education, but also to have the opportunity to ‘test’ out the profession before committing to it long term. It was an amazing experience and was where she realised she definitely would enjoy a research career in astronomy. From there, Kristen did an MSc and a PhD in Astronomy, and then worked as a postdoc at two universities in the UK and Canada before getting her current permanent post. As a research scientist she had opportunity to work all over the world."

"Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters and their family dog. She also does yoga to destress and to fit in some exercise! With her work, she often has the chance to travel to exotic locations like China for workshops and conferences, and loves meeting up with astronomers from all over the world. She also gets to visit telescopes which tend to be on remote mountaintops and has travelled to Hawaii, Chile and Australia for this. Since joining her current workplace, Kirsten has been promoted from senior lecturer to reader after only 4 years, including one year of maternity leave. Becoming a professor is the next step and Kristen would love to do this one day!"