(Physics PhD, 2013)
We need to encourage everyone to follow fields that they love and especially encourage those whose dreams and desires are impeded by stereotypes. Regarding women in STEM, multiple studies have shown that diversity benefits research and innovation.
Tell us about your journey before you came to Queen Mary to do your PhD.I was born and raised in Athens, Greece. As a young student I was fascinated by how physics can explain the world around us. I eventually decided that this is what I wanted to study. I received my BSc in Physics in the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. While I was exploring my options for postgraduate studies abroad, I spent a few months doing a post-bachelor's project at the National Hellenic Research Foundation. This is when I discovered how much I was enjoying computational research. When the opportunity for a PhD in Physics at Queen Mary arose, it became the obvious option.
Why did you decide to undertake a PhD in Physics at Queen Mary? I was attracted by the topic of the PhD, which was on computational research in materials for nuclear energy - it was clear that energy will always be an important issue for humanity. My interview experience at Queen Mary was wonderful and it was clear that doing a PhD there would be a great experience. The fact that I had been to London before and I already found it appealing as a city was definitely a plus. I was also impressed by the history of Queen Mary going back to the 18th century!
My PhD studies opened this new world of research and problem solving which I continue to be in. The experience of pursuing a PhD taught me patience and perseverance more than any other experience before.
What was the focus of your PhD and what were your overall findings?For my PhD I investigated short time and length processes that take place in the materials in nuclear reactors at the very initial stages of their interaction with radiation. When ion radiation interacts with the atoms of the materials it creates collisions that displace the atoms — think of the collisions of the billiard balls on a pool table. However, in reality atoms have electrons that also play a role in the heat transfer generated by the radiation and eventually in the radiation induced damage. The role of the electrons in these processes using atomistic modeling was the focus of my PhD. I found that while their role had been traditionally ignored, taking them into account results in different damage levels and damage morphology.
What did you enjoy most about your time at Queen Mary?
I remember my time at Queen Mary very fondly. The multicultural character of Queen Mary and of London overall is one of the things I particularly enjoyed. As a PhD candidate, I had a very supportive advisor and I had many chances to present my work. One of these chances was what led me to Oak Ridge National laboratory which is where I am now.
What are you doing now and how has your PhD remained relevant?
Research background-wise, my PhD work was relevant to nuclear energy, which is a clean energy form. I am still a strong supporter of nuclear energy and I still work in this field. Experience-wise, my PhD studies opened this new world of research and problem solving which I continue to be in. The experience of pursuing a PhD taught me patience and perseverance more than any other experience before. Both of these are needed in a research career — and not only!
What do you find most exciting about your role at Oak Ridge National Laboratory?
ORNL is a place with great diversity of research areas. Working at ORNL allows me to not only continue working on areas that I have worked in for a long time and I am an expert in, such as radiation effects in materials, but it also allows me to expand my expertise by participating in different projects, discovering new passions. Another thing I love about ORNL are the opportunities to be involved with the Lab community and support diversity and inclusion actively. For example, after serving as the elected Vice President, this year I serve as the President of the Women's Alliance Council Employee Resource Group, which aims to empower women and create an inclusive environment, and create and identify opportunities for development, mentoring and support.
What research are you working on now and what are the possible implications of this research?
My main research interests include the behaviour of different materials in extreme conditions such as radiation, high temperatures and pressures and stress environments. I look into processes that take place in short length scales and how the microstructure and the properties of the material is affected. Materials of interest span from metals and alloys to ceramic materials and liquids. The processes I am looking into are important to fundamentally understand materials, but they are also relevant to a wide range of applications, such as nuclear energy, design of materials with improved properties and material modification for better performance.
What has your experience been like as a woman in STEM both during your studies and in the workplace?
In my path I have met many people who have been my mentors and allies and part of my support network. At the same time there have been and still are challenges that I face and that women in STEM in general face. At a personal level I can recall bias incidents from my earlier years. For example, I was once told that PC engineering is not a field a woman should be in. During my undergraduate studies, a professor at the university had told me my brain does not work for his class. Another time I was told that I don't look like a physicist. As an example of long-term challenges, even though efforts are definitely more intentional these days, the lack of representation and inclusion in committees and conferences is something that we still face. Conferences or meetings where there is no representation of women in the invited or keynote speakers or on the planning committees seem very uninviting to me. At times I have communicated this observation with the responsible parties, without getting a response. Another common issue is the lack of role models in the workplace. Implicit bias is something that all underrepresented groups - including women - face at work and in society in general. I am very passionate about diversity and inclusion, not only gender diversity but diversity in general, and I am trying to help everyone understand that diversity and inclusion is everybody's business.
Something I live by is that we should not compare ourselves to others. We all have our unique paths and there is more than one way to achieve something.
Despite some progress, a gender gap persists at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Why would you encourage more women to study STEM subjects and pursue STEM careers?
It is true that we indeed need to encourage everyone to follow fields that they love and especially encourage those whose dreams and desires are impeded by stereotypes. Regarding women in STEM, multiple studies have shown that diversity benefits research and innovation. If we want to solve the world's problems, we should make sure that everyone, including women, have a seat at the table!
What are some of the biggest life and career lessons you have learnt to date?
Over the years I have realised the importance of having a support network. This may consist of people from our work environment and our personal life and both from peers and mentors. Relationships where we support and lift each other are very important for our well-being and also our development. I find that having mentors makes a huge difference in navigating our careers, both in good times and in challenging times. I have also come to realise that having more than one mentor is even more helpful.
Something else that I live by is that we should not compare ourselves to others. We all have our unique paths and there is more than one way to achieve something.
I have also learnt that we need to get out of our comfort zone once in a while and remember that we are our best advocate. People around me often hear me say "if you don't ask, you don't get".
Finally, outside of work, what do you do in your spare time?
I have tried several hobbies and activities over the years, but the ones I always stick with are taking walks (I love both the buzz of a big city and the calm of nature) and reading (from biographies to science fiction, graphic novels and comics). Another hobby that I have and I find very relaxing is making jewelry — this often surprises people as it reveals an artistic side of me which is normally not shown.
If you would like to get in touch with Eva or engage them in your work, please contact the Alumni Engagement team at alumni@qmul.ac.uk.