Women in STEM
Celebrating the work and achievements of women within the University of Plymouth

I do photorealistic drawings as a hobby. It is easy to draw on paper, engineering is my art made useful and put into practice.
Engineering student and Women's Engineering Society Founder and President
"My work investigates how neural stem cells could be used to treat conditions like dementia or brain cancer, and for me the most important aspect of a career in science is to be passionate about it - I am always inspired when scientists talk enthusiastically about their work."
Lecturer in Neuroscience
"Coming into a scientific career from a non-traditional background can be challenging. It might not be obvious where you’re going at the start, but don't be put off if your route isn't clear; follow your curiosity and let it carve your path. It might just be that your non-traditional background is exactly what makes you stand out."
Lecturer in Biomedical Science
Geologists study 4.6 billion years of history and entire planets, we travel the world from the macro to micro-scale. Whoever you are, being an Earth scientist is an exciting adventure every day.
Lecturer in Neotectonics
Find out more about SarahBeing a clinician and a researcher is a real privilege. Our patients are our inspiration and motivate us in our quest to understand their conditions and find hope for the future.
Honorary Consultant Neurologist
Find out more about CamilleBig Data are everywhere. My goal is to inspire and support new generations of data scientists from any nationality and gender. I teach and research how to extract from data underlying messages and useful insights that change the way we see the world.
Lecturer in Statistics
Find out more about LucianaMy advice to those aspiring to an academic career? Don't let others tell you that you can't do it because of your sex, background or school education.
Lecturer in Psychology
Find out more about AlisonAs a clinical professor, it's a great privilege to mentor nurses to develop research skills alongside their 'day job' - science is everybody's business and the joy of that first publication or conference presentation is unforgettable.Find out more about Ruth
What does it mean to be a 'woman in science'? - Surely the same as what it means to be a man in science….. I make observations, formulate hypotheses, conduct tests and write papers about things that fascinate me. It’s fun.
Lecturer in Environmental Science
Find out more about LouiseAs a scientist in healthcare, I have the privilege of working towards developing treatments that could benefit people’s health and happiness.
Lecturer in Optometry
Find out more about CatrionaI always look to my students and excellent work colleagues who always keep me enthused, passionate and completely engaged in my love of academia, higher education and clinical practice.
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Susannah reflects on her career in science
"It seems to me that the very best chance we have of developing people who will shape the future and their own destiny is for us to accept that learning (especially in health care) is a social process involving not just knowledge, but an understanding of others feelings, beliefs and preferences."
Associate Dean for Equality and Inclusion/Foundation Dean Peninsula
Dental School
I’m very proud to be a structural engineer and academic. My advice to women who want to be an academic in an engineering discipline is believe in what you can do and never give up.
Assistant Head of School of Marine Science and Engineering (Civil Engineering)
Find out more about BoksunA scientist is a scientist regardless of gender, which means that men and women should have an equal opportunity to pursue a research career.
PhD Student, School of Marine Science and Engineering
Find out more about GuiomarBeing a biomedical scientist has always been about making a difference to peoples’ lives by understanding more about diseases and human biology.
Senior Research Fellow and Laboratory Manager for the University of Plymouth Systems Biology Centre
Find out more about Tracey
"My research involves a critical evaluation of how research is prioritised, conducted and implemented and, to understand the best ways with which to identify and address current gaps in knowledge. I am very lucky to work with a diverse group of scientists from different countries, men and women with different life experiences. These diversities are crucial to ensure a constructive discussions in science on how we can find better ways to conduct research."
Clinical Lecturer in Evidence Based Dentistry
Find out more about MonaUnderstanding how people think, decide and behave is important to addressing our biggest societal challenges. I bring behavioural science to topics such as energy efficiency and marine plastics.
Associate Professor in Psychology
Find out more about SabineAn open mind perceives unexpected opportunities.
NMA Chair in Public Understanding of Marine Science and Human Health
Find out more about CamilleStriving within the clinical research community to help stop diabetic related lower limb amputations gives each day true purpose.
Lecturer in Podiatry
Find out more about JoanneWorking to translate basic plant biology from the lab to the field, into results that can contribute to food security.
Lecturer in Plant Biosciences
Find out more about AnneFor me it's about communicating the latest in nutrition research, so that people can use that knowledge in their everyday lives.
Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences
Find out more about GailI find it immensely rewarding to know that my research helps to unlock the potential for patients and doctors to work together in a mutually beneficial relationship that supports improvements in both medicine and wider society.
Lecturer in Medical Humanities
Find out more about Sam
"Find something that inspires you and let that drive you forward. I love that my career makes me feel like an explorer, both from the thrill of scientific discovery and because I see parts of the deep ocean that no one has seen before. That feeling will help me get through anything."
PhD Student, School of Marine Science and Engineering
Find out more about Rebecca
"Thanks to the historical efforts of women in science to achieve academic equality, being a woman in science in 2016 is amazing. I work with fishers, government and marine biologists from all over the world on research projects to make a difference for marine conservation."
Marine Institute Research Fellow
A career in engineering I believe is for everyone regardless of sex, gender and other social constructs. The world need problem solvers, so pick up the mantle and discover a career in engineering.
Student and Civil Engineering Society President
We're a long-term supporter of the Athena SWAN programme. This is a national scheme, focused on advancing equality for women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine in higher education.Find out more about our Athena work