Cherie Gardiner
Postdoctoral Researcher at Queen's University Belfast
Go for it. It is a really rewarding career.
About Cherie...
Who am I?
"The three main results of Explorer, Investigator and Developer are the main personality traits of Engineers. I want to explore different solutions, investigate results and what made them happen in that way and develop better methods for the future."
What do I do?
"I am a research student at the engineering department of my university. I read other research and select information from that to help my work. I then use a 3D printer to print new materials and then test the materials on other machines and study the results to see what has improved. I share this information through papers, conferences and meetings. I am also a teaching assistant to the undergraduate students. I enjoy job variation and that I am responsible for my project development. Every day is different when you are working on machines and solving problems. There are lots of opportunities to travel to international conferences. To progress I can stay in research and the university or I can change careers and work in a lot of different industries as my skills are transferrable."
How did I get here?
"I had to look to a variety of different role models for certain individual characteristics. I looked at my Auntie for her ambition and work ethic and my old boss for his technical skill and approachability."
The life I live
"I enjoy dancing, cooking and going for walks."
My typical day
"Every day is totally different in my job, which I love and it is up to me to set what gets done each day. Some days I am at my computer answering emails, creating presentations and using Excel. Other days I am in the laboratories running experiments on machines."
My qualifications
"Secondary education (GCSE/O-Levels) GCSEs (A*s and As) specialising in Additional Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Technology and DesignPost secondary education (College, A-levels, NVQ3 or equivalent) AS Levels in Maths, Physics and Technology and Design (3 As)ACCESS Course (98% average in all modules) Post-graduate degree (MSc, MA, etc.) -MEng Degree in Mechanical Engineering with Year in Industry (First Class Honours)Duke of EdinburghSentinus Engineering Programme."
Cherie's Photos
