• Question: What first inspired you to do the job you are doing now?

    Asked by elmo97 to Andrew, Emma, Marianne on 17 Jun 2010 in Categories: . This question was also asked by spudlington1, terrytibbs, custardcreams.
    • Photo: anon

      anon answered on 14 Jun 2010:

      A senior doctor who I admired was doing similar work and i thought I’d check it out. I think it’s not a bad policy to try to follow the example of someone you admire.

      I think Newton repeated an old saying about ‘seeing further by standing on the shoulders of giants’
      Basically, there’s no shame in learning from others’ examples and then trying to put your own spin on it.

    • Photo: Andrew Maynard

      Andrew Maynard answered on 15 Jun 2010:

      Hi elmo97 and spudlington1,

      Where do I begin?

      As to what inspired me to get into science, there were a number of things, including teachers, reading books and watching Dr Who! I’ve written more about those here: http://2020science.org/2009/09/03/hooked-on-science/

      My current job is a little different though, as it’s as much about helping people understand science – and how to use it to make good decisions – as it is about research. And a lot of the inspiration for this came from working with politicians, journalists and others in Washington DC for five years, where I realized how important it is to help others make sense of science, and help scientists understand the relevance of their work in society.

    • Photo: anon

      anon answered on 15 Jun 2010:

      Hi everyone! I had a Junior School teacher, Mr Snow, who was really into the environment (and he still is…apt name!) and in 1979 he was well ahead of his time because he was so inspirational. I joined a few environmental voluntary groups but actually went into a different part of science after my careers teacher told me at school I wouldn’t get a job in environmental science!! somebody should have sacked her!!!! Anyway, I did a Masters Degree about 10 years ago in environmental science and that got me into the job I do today:).

    • Photo: Marianne Baker

      Marianne Baker answered on 17 Jun 2010:

      My lab supervisor at university said I should do a PhD. Here I am!

      I wanted to work on cancer so the course I found advertised seemed like the perfect opportunity.

      It was quite a lucky break that I got the position actually, especially considering I’d had food poisoning for a few days when I went to my interview. That ended up lasting 2 weeks. But I still got the place! I must be *really* good in interviews. Cos I felt awful.

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