• Question: What inspired you to become a scientist?

    Asked by anon-185143 to Adam, Alice, William, Rebecca on 5 Nov 2018. This question was also asked by anon-185680, anon-185064, anon-185617, anon-185131, anon-185139.
    • Photo: Adam Berlie

      Adam Berlie answered on 5 Nov 2018:


      Nothing really, I just did. Growing up, I paid much more attention to music and my guitars. I just found science easy and enjoyable at school so I sort of fell into it. I know people always want you to say some one like “Albert Einstein” or “Marie Curie” because they are so wonderful, and don’t get me wrong, they are, but it always seems a bit false. I guess my mum allowed me to do what ever I wanted and that helped a lot; there’s nothing worse with being pushed down particular routes. Honestly, you’ve just got to inspire yourself and that way you will hopefully find enjoyment in what you do.

    • Photo: Alice Loasby

      Alice Loasby answered on 6 Nov 2018:


      Similar to Adam I always found science easier at school, Chemistry and Biology were always my strongest subjects. When I was younger my dad spent a lot of time teaching me about biology as he was a biology teacher. I spent most of my time as a kid outside catching things in the pond! When I got to sixth form I wasn’t actually that sure what I wanted to do a degree in, but Biochemistry seemed to just suit the parts of biology I had found the most interesting. A couple of the academics I currently work with definitely inspire me to stay in science, but I wouldn’t say I ever took inspiration from a famous scientist. Although, when I was younger I was a bit obsessed with Charles Darwin and Gerald Durrell. I read all of Gerald Durrells books, but my dad told me not to become a zoologist as there was no money in it! I would say that was bad advice! Like Adam I think it’s important to just do what you’re interested in, as you will always naturally learn more about something if you find it interesting!

    • Photo: Rebecca Roddan

      Rebecca Roddan answered on 13 Nov 2018:


      One of my teachers at school really encouraged me to go for it and study Chemistry at university. I guess the rest has just followed as I just followed what I was most interested in.

    • Photo: William Glass

      William Glass answered on 15 Nov 2018:


      Lots of things really but my teachers had a large influence. I enjoyed finding out how things worked and for me science was the best way to do that. I continue to be inspired by others around me to do science and find out more about how the world works. I think it’s a combination of your own personal drive as well as the contribution and help from this around you.

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