Daisy Shearer

"Explorer: My work is inherently involved with novel research, so being inquisitive and wanting to expand knowledge is essential as well as a thirst to know how things work. I carry out a lot of experiments in the laboratory so practical skills are a must. Reading published literature critically and using this to help you understand your field more is incredibly important as a researcher and can also inspire you to develop new techniques. Working within a university laboratory with inter-disciplinary collaboration allows us to expand the scope of our expertise but collaboration only comes about through listening to others and learning from them. Investigator: Solving research problems and producing new research wouldn't be possible without an investigative mind. I frequently have to sift through large amounts of information, thinking logically and joining the dots to find a cohesive argument to inform my work. Most often, researchers are part of a project and so need to operate within a group each with a slightly different area of expertise. For example, I am currently working with a researcher from another university to produce devices for me to measure and manipulate as well as having a close collaboration with my supervisor. Quality Controller: When working in the laboratory there are often hazards around so it is very important to be aware of the health and safety aspects. Part of being a researcher is research integrity which requires honesty and fairness and clarity with regard to where ideas have come from. As a PhD student, I have to make sure to contingency plan encase anything does not go to plan. Research is unpredictable and can take you in unforeseen directions so it is good to be able to anticipate any potential problem areas."

"I am a postgraduate researcher in condensed matter physics so my job involves doing research, reading scientific papers, doing laboratory demonstrations for undergraduates, designing experiments, doing computer modelling and data analysis. I also publish research papers, present work at conferences and share my findings with public audiences. My research is focused on developing new quantum technologies. After completing my PhD I want to explore jobs that require the skills of a research scientist. As a part of my funding, I can travel to conferences and facilities all over the world. For example, we frequently collaborate with the FELIX laboratory in the Netherlands and visit there to take measurements using their equipment."

"I took Maths, Chemistry and Physics A-Level. I was then accepted onto the BSc Physics programme at the University of Surrey and was able to 'upgrade' to the MPhys programme at the end of my second year. Once I was in my degree programme I was inspired by many of my lecturers, particularly those working in quantum technologies. I graduated with my Master's Degree and then, after applying for funding, took up a place as a postgraduate researcher in Physics at the University of Surrey's Advanced Technology Institute. I chose the Physics course at the University of Surrey as it included a year of research placement in industry or an academic institution. I wanted to try this out to see if research was something I enjoyed and wanted to pursue. I was accepted by the Centre for Integrated Photonics as an intern where carried out R&D for them on electroabsorption modulated lasers. This formed my master's thesis and cultivated a passion for applied research. Continuing as a postgraduate researcher allows me to take control of my own research and to develop/investigate something which has never been done before. I have always been motivated by my curiosity."

"In my spare time, I enjoy reading, gardening and baking. I also like scuba diving which I do with my dad from time to time and have a very cute cat!"

"On a typical day, I will be checking emails, reviewing new and relevant scientific literature, writing parts of my thesis, taking measurements in the laboratory, data analysis and interpretation of my results, discussing findings and ideas with colleagues and my supervisor. I love the pursuit of new knowledge and measuring a beautiful data set as well and the variety in my job."

"Secondary education (GCSE/O-Levels)Post secondary education (College, A-levels, NVQ3 or equivalent)Integrated Masters degree (MPhys) Physics/ Quantum Technologies\t"