Esther started at the CRUK City of London Radiation Research Centre in June and supports public engagement activities related to radiation research.
What inspired you to pursue a career in public engagement with science?
My journey into this field began at the Science Museum and later at the Francis Crick Institute, where I discovered how powerful it can be to connect people with scientific ideas in creative and accessible ways. During my PhD, I continued this work, sharing my research and talking about science more broadly with a wide range of audiences.
What’s always driven me is the belief that science should be inclusive and approachable. I want people to see that scientists come from all kinds of backgrounds, and that science is something they can be part of, whether that means pursuing a career in it or feeling informed and being empowered. Public engagement is also just a lot of fun! It allows you to bring in your other passions, be creative, and explore science in ways that are meaningful to different communities.
What excites you most about joining the team at RadNet?
RadNet is such an exciting initiative because it brings together researchers from across disciplines to accelerate innovation in radiotherapy. While many people know that radiation can be used to treat cancer, there’s still a lot of work to do in raising awareness about how it works.
I’m especially excited to be part of a team that’s not only advancing the science but also thinking about how we communicate that science to the public. We’re building on fantastic work already done by colleagues, and I’m looking forward to helping shape how we do engagement, support researchers in thinking about public impact, and make sure that the public voice is part of the research process at all levels.
How do you like to unwind or recharge outside of work?
I have a lot of interests, so it’s hard to pick just one! I’m a proud plant parent and love spending time tending to my ever-growing indoor jungle. I also enjoy knitting and crochet, as it’s a great way to relax and create something tangible. When I’m in the mood for inspiration, I like visiting galleries and exhibitions, and when I want to escape into another world, I dive into Dungeons & Dragons. It’s a brilliant mix of storytelling, creativity, and collaboration – much like public engagement!
