​SCD Industrial Placement Student Profiles

Evelyn Greeves – Communication and Impact Assistant 2019 - 20​

During her time at STFC, Evelyn worked in the Scientific Computing Department (SCD) as a communication and impact assistant. She acted as an interface, relaying the new science and research produced by the department, to a wider audience.

“SCD provides computing infrastructure and resources to underpin the majority of STFC's science, so there was always lots to talk about. I developed leaflets, posters and web articles, as well as looking after content on social media and the SCD website. I was also involved in public engagement activities, mostly for visiting school groups."

Recalling what attracted her to the role, she remembers, “I was interested in science communication, as I've always enjoyed writing and explaining concepts to new audiences. There weren't many science communication placements around, but I liked the look of STFC due to its interdisciplinary science focus, its rapid research turnover and the sheer scale of the science taking place."

Evelyn looked back fondly on her time in the SCD department, saying, “I really enjoyed the laidback, supportive atmosphere at STFC. I also really appreciated the flexible working and good work-life balance offered. Most of all, I loved how enthusiastic everyone I was working with was about the science they were involved with."

Unlike the current intake of industrial placement students, Evelyn began her professional career working on-site in an office environment, before transitioning to working remotely for her last six months (due to COVID-19). She recalls, “I found it difficult to start with, but once I got used to it I actually really enjoyed working from home. It gave me a lot more flexibility in my working style. It meant that when I was struggling to focus or had writer's block, I could get up and do something different, like washing up or watering the garden. I believe this actually made me more productive because I was able to stimulate my brain in different ways. Compared to most other placement students, I could do a lot of my work from home so not much changed with regards to my day-to-day tasks. We also had morning meetings and virtual social events which made the transition much easier - the hardest part to start with was the lack of social contact."

Offering advice for future student applicants to the industrial placement programme at SCD, Evelyn says, “If you enjoy science and want to work with skilled, enthusiastic people, there couldn't be a better place to start out. The working environment is laidback and you will be genuinely valued for your contributions as an employee. The science happening at STFC is mind-bogglingly diverse, exciting and relevant, so there's always something new to learn about. STFC is a fantastic place to do your placement."

When Evelyn isn't getting stuck into learning about the newest advances in science, she likes to relax by doing more creative things – particularly knitting and sewing! More recently, she has also found a passion for cooking and baking alongside her partner, with endeavours including sourdough bread and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.​​​
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