British Science Week: City Girls in Science - Charlotte Bird
In this article we meet Birmingham Girl’s Charlotte to discuss her journey into science and what it means to her.
At City Girl, we are committed to showcasing and developing opportunities for our community, in this case, through highlighting the amazing work our members do in science. We are using British Science Week to focus on the scientific talents hidden among us to discover some of the stories behind the careers/outreach activities our ladies have in this field.
Everyone’s journey into and opinion of science is different, but we want to encourage discussion and networking with like-minded members. So, we’ve asked a few City Girl’s to share their stories and bring women in science to the forefront.
Presenting my MSci research at the Lapworth Museum of Geology, University of Birmingham (2019)
MEET THE GIRL
I’m a Doctoral Researcher in Vertebrate Palaeontology at the University of Birmingham, studying brain evolution in mammal ancestors (cynodonts) through digital reconstruction techniques. It sounds fancy, but it’s essentially scientific paint by numbers until the hardcore analysis starts...
Following four years of studying Geology there, I decided to continue my love of research formally, but I’ve been involved in science outreach for many years. From volunteering with my local geology museum at community events in my teens, to being an Assistant Curator for the Virtual Natural History Museum (a fab educational resource in the works) alongside my studies, I enjoy helping people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in science.
The unsung heroine of English fossil collecting - Mary Anning.
WHAT DOES A DAY IN THE LIFE OF YOUR ROLE LOOK LIKE?
Typically, my role involves sitting in front of a computer, either making 3D models of brains from CT scans, reading papers or writing notes towards future publications and my thesis (it’s never too early to start)! Not every day is exciting, but I’ve found a growing love of podcasts and Country Hits Radio to keep me occupied and focussed as I work. However, there are some really cool aspects, like going into the collections at the Natural History Museum (London) or attending talks and networking with renowned experts in my field.
WHY IS SCIENCE IMPORTANT TO YOU?
There’s a saying in Geology - the present is the key to the past. But the past is also the key to the present. Looking at Earth’s history helps us to solve real world problems today. Marine microfossils reveal past temperature changes that shed light on what we may see as global temperatures rise. We can learn about mechanisms of ore deposit formation to more efficiently extract Earth’s resources in an environmentally conscious way as is possible. Or perhaps understand ground stability so we know why it’s a really bad idea to build a house somewhere. Science is full of questions and solutions - that’s why I love it!
The Story of my PhD so far.
WHAT ACHIEVEMENTS WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE IN YOUR SCIENTIFIC FIELD?
By the end of 2021, my goal is to have a paper submitted/published in an academic journal, showcasing some of my research so far. In academia, publications are important for encouraging collaborations across the globe, accessing more specimens, learning new analysis techniques, and so much more. It’s a great way to get your name out there and for me, a publication will be a significant milestone to say “yes, I know what I’m doing and I’m good at it”!
Talking to people about my science journey to hopefully inspire them to find their own path, doing something they love.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WANTING TO GET INTO SCIENCE/YOUR ROLE?
The best advice is to get involved in as much as possible. Step out of your comfort zone, learn new things - you never know when they could be useful in your future. For me, the weekend assistance at my local museum helped me to get a PhD nearly 10 years later. Skills are invaluable to life and your career, it’s never too late to learn more and they will stay with you for life. Plus, getting involved in outreach allowed me to meet a NASA astronaut, Dr Michael Foale. It’s surprising what can happen if you set your mind to it.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST SCIENCE FACT?
Many people don’t know that dinosaurs still walk the Earth … in the form of birds!
Travelling the world in the name of research (one day). Is it only me that sees a dinosaur looking at lunch?
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Written by Charlotte Bird