What sort of organisation do you work for? 

National research institute. 

Where else could you work in your role? 

At many places, from national laboratories / research facilities, to out in the field to collect meteorites. 

Did you have a career break or career change? 

Yes, I have had two children and have two phases of career break. I have also worked for the government in nature conservation for a year before I begin my postdoc fellowship at NASA. 

If this wasn’t your first job after your studies, what did you do in-between? 

I worked as nature conservation officer as part of my childhood passion was nature conservation - I volunteered for many green organisations when I was little.  

Do you travel, either within the UK or overseas, in your role? How often?  

I wish that I can travel more often if my children are old enough, but right now, as they are still young, I can at most travel 3 times a year, and as a mother, I find it already too much. 

Do you work a regular length day/week, or are shifts involved?  

Regular. 

What advice or extra information do you wish you’d had before starting this career? 

I think throughout my study I have been very lucky to be advised of how challenging this can be, but something that I did not have, was how extra-challenging this career can be when I started a family and had my babies. 

What opportunities do you have for developing your skills in your current role? 

I figured my NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship was filled with research and networking opportunities and I would highly recommend that early career researchers go for it. 

What position would you like to hold in 5 years? 

Professorship.