SCD Industrial Placement Student Profiles
Rebecca Humble – Communication and Impact Assistant 2020 - 21
Rebecca Humble, from Sunderland, is currently studying BSci Astrophysics at Nottingham Trent University. Alongside her studies, she also supports the on-site Trent Astronomical Observatory as an Observatory Support Officer and her fellow students as a Physics Student Ambassador.
Rebecca works in the Scientific Computing Department (SCD) as a communication and impact assistant, helping to raise awareness of the research carried out in the department and the impact that this has on the advancement of science, as well as the UK's economy and wider society.
Rebecca recalls, “A University friend had an amazing experience while on placement here and once I got to know all about what STFC does, it really made me want to be a part of it! My degree requires a lot of problem solving and technical thinking, however I love to write, so I decided to apply for this role in particular as I wanted to experience the communication side of the industry, which is the perfect merge of both science and writing!"
Describing her day-to-day responsibilities, Rebecca adds, “I write articles that help put a spotlight on different SCD divisions, case studies that highlight the exciting research that's happening, and help with the social media which showcases research, staff, job opportunities and much more!" She has also had the opportunity to volunteer with the SCD and RoE public engagement teams. “So far I've been able to help run mini coding sessions and run virtual astronomy events with the scouts and other uniformed groups."
When asked about her favourite part of working at STFC, Rebecca says, “knowing that the skills I am learning now, I'll be using through the rest of my life, whether that be in further studies or my future career."
So what is remote working life like at STFC? Rebecca tells us, “STFC have really done so much to replace the usual experiences you would get in an office environment. Within my team, we have informal morning chats so that you feel that you are a part of a team and not isolated. The public engagement team have also made their events virtual so we are still able to get involved with some exciting things outside our day to day roles. As well as this, we have regular organized virtual networking chats for the whole of STFC and specifically placement students so that we are still able to connect with people. All of this at the comfort of your own home!"
For students who may be considering applying for an STFC Industrial Placement, Rebecca suggests, “Go for it! STFC is a great place to work. They not only support your learning and development, but also give you so many opportunities to get involved in things outside your role, building a huge network of friends and colleagues all along the way."
Outside of work, Rebecca is an avid reader, who always has two or three books on the go. She is currently enjoying The Last Wish by A.Sapkowski, Northmen by J.Haywood, and The Silk Road by P.Frankopan, noting that her favourite genres are histories and fantasies.
