Rupo Mapanga- 2nd year Chemistry Student at Loughborough University. I do STEM Public Engagement at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source.
I chose my job because it was a diversion from the expected route of a chemistry degree, which is going into labs or pharmaceuticals. Plus I think communicating science in a way that it becomes available to everyone whether as an influence to pursue it in higher education or just to spar curiosity in how the world works.
I wear a lot of hats in my jobs so it is hard to narrow my responsibilities because one day I am editing videos and other days I’m making posters or interacting with children. But my main ‘responsibility’ so to speak is showing people science is for everyone.
The best thing about being based at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory on the Harwell Campus is that everything is here. At first the sheer size of the site is daunting but as you get used to it, you get to see all the things that are on from going to the park and playing yoga, the science talks, to learning an instrument (which I am currently doing) in the recreation society.
To be cheesy, I think the people make STFC the best place to work, because they only want to help boost your confidence and your achievements so that you can get to the career that you want. Plus there are so many other placement students here, you feel comfortable to share any issues that you have because chances are they are all feeling the same way.
