After every event we ask the winning scientists to write a short post to be sent to all the students who took part in the zone. It’s the perfect way for the scientists to reflect on the previous two weeks, thank all the students for voting for them, and talk about how they plan to use their €500 prize money.
Here’s what November’s winners had to say…
Hugh Manning, AMBER Centre, New Materials Zone
I don’t think I was quite prepared for the huge variety of questions, or the intense fast-paced nature of the online chats. Questions of all types came flooding in; from my favourite animal to my own hobbies to my interest in dinosaurs. This event is so important as it lets students experience first-hand that scientists are people too and a career in STEM is readily achievable if you have a love of science and a passion for knowledge.
Sheila Castilho, ADAPT Centre, Smart Data Zone
I am very happy now that I get to run a ‘Girls in STEM day’ with the prize. I think girls are really underrepresented and we need to motivate more of us to be involved with science and technology. And this is one of the goals in my career: to show girls that, yes, they can build robots, machine translation systems, computers, cars, or anything if they want to! And don’t let anyone tell them that this is ‘a boy’s thing’! And mostly, show them that together we are stronger and we can do more!
Sonia Lenehan, INFANT Centre, Neon Zone
I had such an amazing time talking to all the schools and answering all the smart, well thought out questions that every student had for me. Participating in I’m a Scientist has been a really worthwhile experience and I love how I always learn so much from doing STEM engagements. The kids had such a vast amount of questions that ranged from ‘when will the sun explode’ to ‘how can we best look after developing brains’. These kids are already amazing scientists and I learnt a lot about space the last 2 weeks!
Fiana Ní Ghrálaigh, Trinity College Dublin, Genes Zone
I am certain that over the past two weeks I have spoken to the scientists of the next generation. Each student and each school brought something so different to the event. I am grateful to every single one of you for the part you played. The questions you have asked me have changed my view of my own research and have inspired me to think about problems from a different angle. You all have bright futures ahead I am sure.
Jasmine Headlam, National University of Ireland Galway, Environmental Care Zone
Sometimes a PhD can be difficult, a lot of the time it can be stressful, and quite often I ask myself why I’m doing this. A lot of you asked me why I became a scientist and I was reminded that I became a scientist because I love to learn and make new discoveries! Your questions have rejuvenated me and have given me the “oomph” to finish my PhD with the same energy that I started it with and I will forever be grateful.
If you’re up for the challenge, want to answer some downright weird questions, even learn things from students…
I’m a Scientist, Get me out of here runs every November. It only takes 2 minutes and one sentence to apply!
