Carrie Weidner
Senior Lecturer in Quantum Engineering, University of Bristol
What does it mean to be a woman in STEM?
I often find myself thinking about the giants upon whose shoulders I stand. That is, I think about the generations of women who faced such incredible barriers towards getting into the lab and doing experimental science. I honestly don’t think I would be here if those who came before me hadn’t bucked the norm and shown that women can be incredible scientists, just like men.
Why is gender equality important in STEM?
I think diversity in general is quite important, because the science shows that diverse teams work better. The diversity of thought and ideas that comes from bringing folks from different backgrounds together is invaluable when trying to do something ground-breaking. When considering gender equality in particular, I was very lucky to have strong female role models and mentors as I moved through secondary and higher education, and I feel a moral obligation to pay it forward to the next generations of young scientists.
What interested you in quantum?
I came to university wanting to study physics so I could work on nuclear fusion as a power source, but after I took my first quantum mechanics module, I was hooked on quantum. The mathematics and physics were just so elegant and cool. Then, when I realized I could play with some amazing toys in the lab (like lasers), I knew that I wanted to be a quantum physicist for the rest of my life, and I really never looked back, even if the road hasn’t been without its obstacles. I am constantly in awe that I make a living as a quantum physicist. This is the best job in the world.
What are you working on at the moment and what are the applications of this?
My work in the QEPNT Hub is focused on building a sensor of acceleration and rotation using very cold atoms, just fractions of a degree above absolute zero. This method of atom-based sensing of motion is relatively immature, but I think it holds a lot of promise, as well as a lot of interesting physics!
I hope that as we develop the technology further, we will end up with a robust and compact sensor that can be used to better track motion in the absence of GPS, like under water. My research is also focused on how we can make atom-based quantum technologies small and scalable, which is a key part of bringing them out of the lab.
A lot of my colleagues in the Hub have been working on this for years, and it’s great fun to get to pick their brains about how they have approached this problem. Finally, I’m really interested in using hot atom vapour for developing very precise magnetic field imaging, which could be useful in healthcare. Really, I like playing with atoms of varying temperatures—nature’s building blocks are also excellent quantum devices!
What are your hopes for the future and is there a particular application of quantum technologies that you are excited to see the development of in years to come?
Like most quantum physicists, I’m excited about seeing these technologies move out of the lab and into the real world. I’m particularly interested in the developments that will allow us to take a quantum system, something that is intrinsically quite fragile, and make it robust against all of the classical noise and decoherence that is so prevalent in the world. When we can do this, we will have unlocked the true potential of quantum technologies, enabling amazing quantum sensors, communication networks, and computers.
What transferrable skills do you think are the most important skills for a career in quantum?
I think a lot of people overlook the human side of things. Yes, you need to be interested in mathematics and physics, but so much of my job is based around talking to people, discussing ideas, presenting my work, or just generally networking. There’s a lot to be said for being someone who can convey an enthusiasm for amazing physics, along with ability to communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences.
Additionally, so much of what I do revolves around writing—that’s a critical skill to develop if you want to be an effective communicator. The days of the single scientist working alone are largely over. Communication is key because science today is so collaborative; we have to work together to push the boundaries of what we know.
What advice would you give to young people, who hope to pursue a career in STEM, particularly in quantum?
Embrace a growth mindset—you can cultivate the skills you need to succeed. Everyone has their own unique struggles—yes, even the people who look like they have it all figured out. As much as you can, don’t let the naysayers get you down. Find a support network, and support others in their journeys. Someone else’s success does not mean your failure, so build up your peers and allow them to build you up. You can do this. Most importantly: enjoy the ride!