Women in Science The Institute is a respected, globally recognised research organisation that delivers fundamental and applied science to drive the sustainable use of land and natural resources. The Institute delivers independent, world-class scientific research tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges relating to food and environmental security and sustainable development. The context is significant global changes in population, increased demand for natural resources, a changing climate, and economic and geopolitical developments.

Our scientists follow the inspiration of James Hutton, whose observations on ’s rock, soils, and landscapes forever changed the way we think about the world. We deliver global impact through excellent science, collaboration and innovation and like Hutton, are willing to challenge conventional wisdom.

For every £1 received in public funding, the generates £12.75 of benefit in the wider economy. Every job at the Institute supports 6 other jobs in the UK. Our research and areas of interest cover a vast span of scientific disciplines including:

Hydrology Mineralogy Genomics Sociology Crop science Zoology Statistics Psychology Genetics Bio-informatics Microbiology Epidemiology Metabolomics Chemistry Systems analysis Systems Food chemistry Plant physiology Bio-geochemistry Economics Virology Agro-ecology Soil science Geo-informatics Plant breeding Plant Data mapping chemistry Analytical Plant pathology Landscape Ecology Modelling

Ecology Physics Pedology Geography Introduction

Being a scientist is a way of making a difference and improving people’s lives. It is generally accepted that research and scientists are crucial in providing solutions to global challenges like climate change, or food insecurity. However, science is not always considered as a potential career and women in particular remain under-represented in many science areas.

This booklet hopes to help address the imbalance by describing the role of 21 of the 204 female scientists and technicians who work at the James Hutton Institute. It highlights some of the vast array of interesting, rewarding and appealing jobs and careers there are in science and social science. The work is often in other countries, typically with a very international community of colleagues and partners. Some of the women featured here have moved across or between science disciplines as opportunities and interests have evolved, while others have chosen to become specialists in their field.

It’s increasingly recognised that gender-diverse workplaces are more innovative and productive, so gender equality has real economic benefits. This is just as true in science as other sectors. In contrast to the image often associated with science, most research projects nowadays involve people from a wide variety of science or social science backgrounds working together to solve complex problems. At the James Hutton Institute, much of the work we do is interdisciplinary, team-based research that calls for people who can communicate well and deal with different opinions and uncertainties as well as scientific and technical skills.

Thanks to all those who contributed to this booklet for their time and willingness to share their experience. We hope it inspires interest and contributes to a future generation of female scientists.

Professors Deb Roberts and Lesley Torrance Directors of Science The James Hutton Institute

2 The James Hutton Institute Contents

Introduction 2

Dr Andrea Britton 4

Dr Carol-Ann Craig 5

Carol Kyle 6

Claire Abel 7

Clare Macaulay 8

Debbie Fielding 9

Prof Deb Roberts 10

Helen Watson 11

Dr Ina Pohle 12

Dr Jean Robertson 13

Dr Jessica Maxwell 14

Dr Katherine Irvine 15

Dr Lee-Ann Sutherland 16

Prof Lorna Dawson 17

Dr Louise Shepherd 18

Dr Pauline Miller 19

Dr Rowan Ellis 20

Dr Samia Richards 21

Dr Vivian Blok 22

Dr Christine Hackett 23

Dr Helen Kettle 24

Women in Science 3 How did you get into it? I’ve always been interested in the natural world and enjoy being outdoors, but I first got seriously interested in ecology at uni, where I went intending to do molecular biology, but came out with a degree in ecology. My PhD was on lowland heathland ecology, but as a keen mountaineer I was very interested in upland management issues. When I moved to Scotland for my first post- doctoral job I found very little research being done on alpine systems in Scotland so I moved into that area and have been working on it ever since.

Essential qualities for this kind of role? Dr Andrea 1994 BSc in Ecology, Much of ecology is about understanding Britton Conservation and how the different elements of complex Environment York natural systems fit together. You need a University keen eye for detail, while being able to keep the bigger picture in mind. On a What do you do? practical note, ecological projects often I am an ecosystem scientist researching 1994-95 involve team working; it helps to be how natural and man-made factors Assistant Conservation good at getting along with colleagues, influence plant communities and the OfficerWildlife Trust for and to have good time management consequences of this for ecosystem Bedfordshire and planning skills. Working in mountain functioning, habitat management environments requires an extra dose of and conservation. My work focusses determination when the weather is not on alpine habitats in Scotland: I 1998 on your side! investigate the effects of the deposition PhD in Applied Plant of pollutants, and climate change. I Ecology University of Best thing about your job? explore how these factors affect the Liverpool of plant communities and Being outside in the mountains and knowing I am contributing to soil organisms such as mites and fungi 1999 understanding how these ecosystems which are important for controlling Plant Ecologist Macaulay work and how we can conserve them. decomposition and nutrient cycling. I Research I love the ‘eureka’ moments when our look at the effects on carbon storage in Institute soil and vegetation and how this affects data show us something surprising or water quality in upland areas. Most unexpected. of my day to day work is office based; planning and designing experiments, Anything you would change? managing projects, supervising PhD Science can be a very competitive career students, analysing data and writing up 2009 path and many people work long hours. research results for scientific journals Senior Plant Ecologist When you have a young family it can be but I also do a significant amount of Macaulay Land Use difficult to achieve work-life balance. outdoor work; plant and soil sampling in Research Institute the mountains. What might surprise people about what your work involves? 2012 An important aspect of science is First child born communicating your work to people from all walks of life. I once appeared on 2013 TV to explain how lichens might make End of maternity leave and Rudolf’s nose glow in the dark! begin part time working

4 The James Hutton Institute How did you get into it? I had always wanted to be a scientist and apparently told my primary school teacher I was going to become an environmental advisor to the UN. My father taught Chemistry at the university and I spent my holidays there with him. I was always fascinated by the equipment and instruments (and smell!). As someone who loves nature and has a logical and questioning mind, the environmental sciences suited me perfectly. During my MSc I fell in love with lab work using multiple instruments and techniques and have pursued a lab career since. I also love organising and this led me to my QM role where I can put systems into place and make current ones more efficient and fool-proof.

1993 Started BSc in Computing Essential qualities for this kind Science of role? Having a logical and organised outlook is very useful for working in a lab as well as being manually dexterous. Being focused and stubborn can also be very useful 1994 when dealing with “problem” samples Switched to Environmental or uncooperative instruments! Good Geoscience University of communication is required to be able Dr Carol- to discuss and present results to various audiences. Ann Craig 1997 Obtained degree Best thing about your job? It’s a tie between that satisfaction from 1998 What do you do? your work helping the environment MSc in Environmental somehow, and working with such a I mainly work in the laboratory preparing Analysis and Assessment diverse and interesting group of people. and analysing various samples for their isotopes. The samples types that I receive to analyse range from rocks, Anything you would change? waters, soils and food to teeth and 2003 In my career path I would have probably bone. Depending on what is required, PhD in dating geologically done better to focus on a “pure” I either break the sample down or young samples using science for my undergraduate and extract it, then chemically purify it isotopes University of only specialise later on. (Don’t tell my so that all that is left is the element I London Dad!) Workwise I would like funding am interested in. I then load it into a for environmental research to be Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometer 2003-2004 improved and more time to develop (TIMS) and measure the ratio between Various jobs from draped ideas that may not be profitable but are the different isotopes. The data are used life model to social services worthwhile. either to date how old the sample is in call handler geological timescales or to trace where What might surprise people it came from. As quality manager I have 2004-present Macaulay Enterprises/ about what your work involves? to make sure that all our accredited Institute, later James Sometime I find imprint fossils in the methods are being followed correctly Hutton Institute lab rock samples I analyse. For one of the and are fully traceable. assistant through various chemicals I use I have had to sign a positions to section head declaration that I’m not making weapons and quality manager of mass destruction.

Women in Science 5 of analytical skills, completed a HNC in Biology, achieved promotion and learned how to use the latest invention- a desktop computer! At the Macaulay my focus became more ecological and environmental, investigating the effects of environmental oestrogens (chemicals released from plastics) with particular emphases on invertebrates (cockroaches and earthworms!). When Macaulay merged with SCRI and became Hutton, the start-up workshops showed me how much I enjoyed people- focussed work and that’s been the area I’ve enjoyed since.

Essential qualities for this kind Cutting peat during a trip to the Shetland Isles where I was undertaking interviews with the islanders to explore their perceptions of the importance of their peatlands in the face of climate change. of role? I’ve embraced many changes throughout my 40 year career and I believe that this ability to adapt is still vital. The pressures 1977 on our world are increasing and ever Carol Kyle Age 17 joined Rowett changing and scientists have to be able Research Institute straight to respond and react quickly. from school What do you do? Best thing about your job? I’m a research assistant working in I love the variety of different projects I’m social, economic and geographical 1983 involved with, there’s always something sciences. My job involves interviewing HNC biology Robert new to learn. People are fascinating. . I people, running focus groups and larger Gordon University can honestly say that I find it rewarding workshops, handling data, writing and challenging and I’ve loved every reports and travelling. I’m involved minute of it. with multiple projects (e.g. improving food security, assessing the effects of climate change, commercial poultry Anything you would change? production and the backyard owner); Getting funding for research is becoming the opportunities are endless and 1998 very difficult and puts a real strain on varied. Despite having no social science joined Macaulay Research researchers. In an ideal world I’d like to qualifications I have a natural aptitude Institute see easier access to more funding and with people, I love to organise and I am permanent contracts for all staff. flexible and willing to learn.

What might surprise people How did you get into it? about what your work involves? Initially, I wanted to work with animals I think the picture above says it all! but there were few opportunities apart from as a vet, (not clever enough!) kennel maid or groom (I didn’t want 2011 my hobby to be my job) and a job at began running & facilitating the Rowett allowed me to spend many workshops at new James happy hours interacting with cattle, Hutton Institute sheep and pigs, feeding new-fangled diets like ammonia-treated straw and whisky bi-products and analysing 2013 the ‘outputs’. During my time there became research assistant I also worked with red deer, llamas in SocioEconomic & and dairy goats, developed a number Georgraphical group at Hutton

6 The James Hutton Institute and discovered how much I enjoyed this type of work. The hospital role in public health broadened my knowledge of pathogenic bacteria and I was involved in the investigation into an E.coli 0157 outbreak. Scottish Water’s microbiology lab was very busy with a massive throughput of samples and led me into algae identification as we had to look for algae species in reservoirs, especially blue-green algae which are harmful to humans and animals. The move was motivated by convenience but it was here that I had the opportunity to gain formal qualifications; an HND in Environmental Management. Claire Abel Essential qualities for this kind of role? What do you do? 1990 Willingness to learn new skills as my Microbiology lab work, food I’m a Research Assistant in job has developed in new directions manufacturer, Dyce Environmental and Biochemical since I originally started. Being able Sciences. The main part of my job to communicate with members of the involves carrying out molecular and public is essential, whether with farmers microbiological techniques including or householders who have agreed DNA extractions and analysis, and to take part in one of our projects. bacterial culture work. I have also been Working away from home is required 1995 involved in a long-term project looking and organisational skills are essential for Public Health Laboratory at the chemical and biological effects of organising sampling regimes for sites all work, Forresterhill Hospital pollution from farming in a catchment over Scotland. area near Forfar, going on fieldwork Aberdeen to collect samples, using monitoring Best thing about your job? equipment, and analysis of the samples Meeting different people who are taking in the lab. Identifying diatoms (a type part in our projects is an enjoyable part of algae) is also part of my role. I look of my job and building a rapport with at their community structures to assess them is very satisfying. I love the great nutrient levels in watercourses. I also variety of tasks in my role and specific 2000 identify diatoms for our Forensics tasks like diatom identification are very Scottish Water department, helping establish whether interesting and often challenging. microbiology lab, Turriff a body or missing person has been in a particular waterbody from diatoms Anything you would change? that have adhered to their clothing. Sometimes I have to work in difficult More recently, I’ve organised sampling 2002 conditions outdoors, such as trying regimes and analysis on projects looking Macaulay Land Use to download data from one of our at the effectiveness of UV systems on Research Institute data loggers in the rain! Some of the private water supplies and developing molecular work I do can be frustrating new technologies for the provision of when things don’t work the first time - safe public drinking water. typical of this type of work. A lot of time is spent running repeats, trying to work How did you get into it? out what went wrong! I have been interested in science and learning about nature from a young What might surprise people age. I had a microscope when I was about what your work involves? around 10 years old and that was great The sheer variety of my work. For for finding out about things. When I example, one day I can be out working 2010 in a stream or river in a pair of waders left school I wasn’t exactly sure what HND in Environmental collecting water quality data, and the I wanted to study at University took Management an ‘interim’ job in a microbiology lab next day I can be sitting at a microscope identifying diatoms.

Women in Science 7 Essential qualities for this kind of role? Over the years, the technologies and Clare 1994 equipment I use have changed and Degree in Biological continue to change rapidly. This brings Sciences Edinburgh the opportunity for me to learn new Macaulay University skills and techniques and assist in What do you do? developing new protocols. Our group has some of the most specialised and For the past 20 years I have been costly equipment onsite. The work I do running the Sanger Sequencing and demands a high degree of organisation, Genotyping service for the institute. accuracy, multitasking skills and the Our group - Genome Technologies - knowledge and expertise to provide also offers a DNA extraction service, troubleshooting advice to customers. DNA/RNA quality and quantification, 1995 gene expression microarrays, library Best thing about your job? Joined SCRI (now preparation and next generation James ) as Providing a service requires me to sequencing. We provide a valuable Hutton Institute Laboratory Technician interact with over 100 customers across resource to the institute, supporting the institute. I particularly enjoy meeting many different and varied research and helping the variety of phd students projects with analysis and information and scientists who come here to work that underpins the insights they are form all around the world. I also enjoy seeking. giving tours of our facility to visiting How did you get into it? workers, students and school pupils. After completing my degree I decided Anything you would change? not to study further and instead, Providing a service means our work load choose to pursue a career working in changes with demand. We must respond the laboratory. In my first job at SCRI I rapidly to sudden increases and ensure provided technical support on a research colleagues and customers get their project on RNA transcription. In this results back quickly. I would love to be role i spent almost three years gaining able to spread out the workload to avoid valuable experience in molecular biology these peaks and troughs in demand. techniques before taking up the position running the Sanger Sequencing and What might surprise people Genotyping service. 1997-Present about what your work involves? Began running the I’m amazed how rapidly the equipment institute’s Sanger and technologies have advanced in Sequencing and Genotyping Sequencing. The amount of data which service. we can generate today has increased 50,000 fold since I started the job.

8 The James Hutton Institute How did you get into it? 2005 I always enjoyed spending time BSc (Hons), Environmental outdoors and was interested in nature Conservation University of from a young age. This led me to Wales Bangor study Environmental Conservation at University. My inquisitive mind and enjoyment of experimentation led to me to pursue a career in ecological research. Before this research assistant role, I had a couple of short term contracts where I gained useful skills for my current role. I also developed my practical survey 2006 skills through voluntary work which MSc, Conservation and Land supplemented the theory I learnt at Management University of university. Wales Bangor Essential qualities for this kind of role? This job requires a high level of flexibility. Some work is highly seasonal. Due to the remoteness of many sites, long hours are sometimes required. Unfortunately Debbie the sun doesn’t always shine, so a 2007 willingness to work in all weather Fielding Seasonal Field Surveyor conditions is a must, as is an ability to Thomson Ecology Ltd walk long distances on uneven terrain carrying lots of field kit! What do you do? I work across a variety of projects, Best thing about your job? most of which focus on how land The opportunity to work in some management affects biodiversity. As amazing places across Scotland. a research assistant I provide support to the researchers. This can involve Anything you would change? contributing ideas during the early stages of project development, Spending lots of time away from home offering suggestions on appropriate and the anti-social hours worked when 2007-2008 methodology, collecting and managing carrying out bird surveys can be quite Conservation Officer data, as well as assisting with data disruptive to social activities. Countryside Council for analysis and report writing. However, Wales (CCW) as the projects I work on tend to have a What might surprise people large fieldwork component, much of my about what your work involves? time is spent organising and carrying out One day I might be recording plant fieldwork. This often involves obtaining species, while another day I might be access to sites, preparing maps and seeing what scavengers feed on deer datasheets for use in the field, ensuring carcasses, tracking deer with GPS collars we have all the kit to collect the data or chasing sheep and cattle back into and collecting the data itself. Vegetation experimental plots and repairing fences surveying is my main area of expertise, 2008-Present so they don’t escape again! however my fieldwork can be quite Research Assistant in the varied, involving vegetation monitoring, Ecological Science Group at soil sampling and surveys of birds, the James Hutton Institute mammals and earth worms.

Women in Science 9 accepted the offer of a PhD scholarship 1986 just after I graduated. From then BSc Agriculture and on, I followed a fairly conventional Agricultural Economics career path although my teaching and (Wales) research has changed focus a lot over time. If I’m honest, this wasn’t always 1989 a result of proactive choice but more Lecturer in Agricultural a case of having to adapt to changing Economics, University of circumstances and opportunities but it Manchester definitely helped broaden my horizons and increased my confidence in dealing with change. 1992 PhD in Agricultural Essential qualities for this kind Economics (Manchester) of role? First and foremost the role requires a 1994 belief in the importance of research in First son born addressing critical societal challenges 1995 like climate change or food insecurity. Second son born At a more pragmatic level, having good listening, negotiating and 1996 communication skills is also important as Prof Deb Research Fellow, University the job is mainly about supporting and of Aberdeen bringing other people together.

1997 Best thing about your job? Roberts Third son born Constantly learning and meeting lots 1998 and lots of people from a wide variety What do you do? Senior Economist, of backgrounds, including the general Macaulay Research public, other scientists, farmers, civil My work is really varied but essentially I Institute, Aberdeen servants and government ministers. am responsible for ensuring the Institute delivers research which contributes to 1999 food and environmental security and Anything you would change? Fourth son born rural wellbeing. This means making I wish I had done chemistry at school. sure that the science we do is relevant 2003 (has impact) and is high quality (robust Senior Lecturer, University What might surprise people and credible). It also means ensuring of Aberdeen about what your work involves? the scientists in the Institute have the support and facilities to allow them The scientists I work with at the to conduct world-leading research. I 2006 Institute come from all over the world have a part-time appointment at the Reader, University of and cover a huge range of disciplinary which allows me Aberdeen backgrounds, from molecular biologists to continue to do some research myself looking at ways of improving crop traits and also supervise PhD students. through to anthropologists looking at 2012 the social impacts of onshore wind Professor, University of farms. How did you get into it? Aberdeen I come from a farming background and my choice of undergraduate degree 2012 reflects the fact that I hoped to get Science Group Leader, job in the agriculture sector. I had no James Hutton Institute aspirations to become an academic (partly because I did very badly in my A-levels) but I really enjoyed my degree, 2016 especially the dissertation which was my Director of Science first experience of doing research, and

10 The James Hutton Institute How did you get into it? I was brought up on a farm and loved being out of doors. After completing my studies I wanted to remain based in Scotland so that I had easy access to mountains and open spaces but when I applied for “science jobs” for a couple of months nothing came up so I decided to take time out to go mountaineering in South America (funding the trip by shop work). I returned, hopeful that I’d find something, and 4 months later I successfully applied for a job at the Macaulay Institute in Aberdeen. I enjoyed studying whilst I was a university student, but my real sense of satisfaction came from practical work. I was fortunate enough to see a post advertised for a research assistant and thought I might be a good fit. When my son was born around 5 years ago I took a year off but returned to the same post and I continue to work full time. I’ve been in this role for around 20 years and promoted a couple of times.

Essential qualities for this kind of role? Some tenacity; things rarely work as you hope the first time!

Best thing about your job? I enjoy the variety in my day to day tasks and the challenge of solving problems: trying to get instruments to work, making emergency repairs to field 1995 equipment, collecting environmental BSc in Geography data from remote locations- It can be a Helen Aberdeen University real treat to be outside on a cold, bright snowy day!

1997 Anything you would change? Watson MSc Sustainable Agriculture No. In terms of my role I’m quite happy. Aberdeen University What do you do? What might surprise people 1998 about what your work involves? I am a research assistant in the Started at Macaulay I have collected samples by mountain Environmental and Biogeochemical Land Research Institute, bike, ski and snorkel (once, in a pond Science Group. Over the years I have Aberdeen (which became on the lawn of a stately home whilst a carried out a variety of field and part of the James Hutton wedding was taking place with the full laboratory work measuring water quality Institute in 2011) and quantity at our main research sites. knowledge of the bride and groom). I manage a small team of people and I’m responsible for leading a couple of small 2013 projects and for contributing to larger Birth of my son ones. 2014 Return from year’s maternity leave

Women in Science 11 2001-2003 BSc in hydrology Dresden University of Technology Germany

2003-2008 MSc in hydrology Dresden University of Technology

2005-2006 Exchange student Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia Essential qualities for this kind Dr Ina of role? 2006 Methods you will use in this role include Internships, Estonian statistics to analyse large data sets Pohle Meteorological and and programming to develop models. Hydrological Institute Apart from these skills you need to be curious not only about hydrology but What do you do? also related environmental and societal I work as a water resources model disciplines and constantly willing to 2007 developer. In this role I develop learn new technologies and topics. You Saxon Dam Authority and apply mathematical models for need to be eager to get to the bottom of computer simulations of river flow something but also be critical of the data and water quality. With these models and methods you use and cause-and- I can assess how river flow and water effect relationships. 2008 quality might change in the future Research Assistant, Dresden and investigate how to manage water University of Technology resources in a sustainable way. Best thing about your job? I enjoy working on different topics in interdisciplinary teams with other How did you get into it? 2010-2014 passionate scientists. There is always I’ve always been interested in nature PhD in hydrology something new to learn and new and the environment. A school project Brandenburg University of discoveries to be made. on the shrinking of the Aral Sea and Technology, Germany its implication on society and ecology motivated me to study hydrology What might surprise people (the science of the movement and about what your work involves? distribution of water on Earth). During 2014 Both the large amounts of data to be my studies, I realised hydrological Postdoctoral Researcher, analysed and included in the models and modelling using computer simulations Brandenburg University the complexity of simulations might be is a powerful tool to shed light on the of Technology Cottbus- surprising. To be honest, I was surprised processes of the water cycle and to Senftenberg about that myself. Had I known that, explore impacts of future scenarios. I would have put more focus on my programming skills earlier rather than 2016 learning it by doing. Post-doctoral researcher James Hutton Institute

12 The James Hutton Institute 1986 BSc Hons in Chemistry University of Aberdeen

1990 PhD in Organometallic Chemistry University of Aberdeen 1990-1991 Spent a year studying Conducting glasses (changing topic to allow me to remain in Aberdeen as I was now married to an Aberdeenshire farmer)

1991 went part time when daughter born and started to teach for the Open University

1992 6 month postdoc in organometallic chemistry and post teaching Chemistry at Aberdeen College Essential qualities for this kind Dr Jean of role? 1993 First son born An aptitude for problem solving and troubleshooting is definitely needed, as Robertson is the ability to communicate effectively. 1995 The ability to apply chemical knowledge Teaching fellow at to new and different areas of work is What do you do? University of Aberdeen also necessary. I use a technique called infrared 1996 spectroscopy to analyse all different Best thing about your job? Research Fellow developing types of materials and determine One of the best things is successfully thin film batteries what they are made of or how their solving problems, for clients or in composition has changed. The samples research. The diversity of the job and the I look at can be either for research amount of new things I am continually projects and are things such as rocks, learning is also great. 1998 soil, fungi or crops or are commercial Second son born samples such as chemicals and products Anything you would change? from industry. The many different roles, Having too much to do in too little time all part-time since 1991, were taken (both at home and work!) on to balance keeping an interesting 2002 science based job, while fitting round What might surprise people Lecturer in Chemistry at having a family and farm outside of about what your work involves? RGU work. All the problem solving and insight that I can give people, into both natural and How did you get into it? 2004 manmade systems, is essentially done joined the Macaulay The Institute need an Infrared through looking at a squiggly line on a Institute as an Infrared Spectroscopist and I had used this computer screen. People have told me Spectroscopist technique before during my PhD, that they thought I was just making it up although in a completely different type – until I was proved right! 2005 of work, and absolutely loved it. I was Head of the Infrared Section later appointed Head of the IR Section. at the James Hutton Institute Women in Science 13 transformative experience that has completely altered my world view, 2007 enhanced the types of methods that I BSc (Hons) Major in use, and broadened my understanding of Environmental Science sustainability challenges and solutions. Carleton University My research and work has focused on Ottawa, Canada natural resource management, land- use change, reducing environmental impacts, conserving biodiversity, and 2004-2009 stakeholder engagement. I have also Research Assistant and worked with intergovernmental, private, Teachers Assistant and civil society organisations. Carleton University I am passionate about the need for sustainable development because we 2005-2006 live on a finite planet. We must find Volunteer Communication new ways to support ourselves and OfficerNorth Andaman minimise our impact on the natural Tsunami Relief Thailand systems that all living things depend upon. Sustainable development can also help us reconnect with these natural 2009 Dr Jessica systems towards improved health and Master of Science, wellbeing. We can explore development Physical Geography opportunities while also equally Maxwell (Hydrology) Carleton sharing the benefits and minimising University environmental impacts. What do you do? Essential qualities for this kind I am a research Fellow in Placemaking, of role? Planning, and Ecosystem Services, 2008 looking at how they are connected, My Fellowship requires both team Intern Yukon Territorial working and independent research. I and aiming to build capacity and Government Canada understanding towards integrated land believe the most essential quality for this use planning. This research explores kind of role is adaptability. 2010 the role of placemaking in sustainable Best thing about your job? development in urban and peri-urban Project Coordinator United Freedom to think independently and areas, collaboratively involving people Nations Environment critically about a range of interesting in the design and planning of the Programme Switzerland environmental challenges and solutions. spaces where they work, live and play I also enjoy working within a diverse to strengthen the connections that 2011-2016 interdisciplinary team. exist between people and places. I also Project Management explore the role of the planning system Consultant (various clients, Anything you would change? in sustainable development by analysing international) Funding cycles can make forward the planning and governance structures strategic career planning challenging. used in different cities and regions. My It’s important to spend time lining two main projects focus on developing 2016 up potential future projects and a comprehensive knowledge base to Doctor of Philosophy collaborations but this inevitably takes enhance green infrastructure to benefit Environmental Change and time away from working on existing territorial development in different Sustainability projects/research. I also find academic European regions and cities, and how University of Edinburgh publishing a challenge as I don’t always existing policy instruments shape the feel it is the most useful way to real management of natural resources 2012-2017 impact. in Scotland, focusing especially on Course Coordinator and instruments designed to influence soil, Demonstrator What might surprise people water, and biodiversity. University of Edinburgh about what your work involves?

How did you get into it? I am often surprised and delighted that I 2016 get paid to read, think, and write. There I was in a science stream in high school Macaulay Development are worse ways to earn a living! and studied pure and applied science Trust Fellow at college. I switched from physical James Hutton Institute to social sciences during my PhD - a

14 The James Hutton Institute 1986 BA in Biology Haverford College (USA)

1986 Environmental Educator at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (USA) and Research Scientist in the Caribbean

1990 Environmental Education Consultant

programs in Africa and the Caribbean. Dr I saw first-hand how just being in the natural environment helped transform our outlook on the world. I decided to find out why. Katherine 1997 Essential qualities for this kind MSc in Natural Resource Irvine of role? Policy and Behaviour Patience: Science is a creative University of Michigan profession, often with no fixed time What do you do? by which we will find answers to the 1997 I study the relationship between people questions we have. Ability to work Lecturer at University of and natural environments, how contact with both words and numbers: some Michigan with nature might benefit our health researchers work almost exclusively and wellbeing, and how we might live with numbers, or with words; I use both. more sustainably. I work outdoors and Reading and writing academic literature indoors, both on my own and with to keep up with the research that other other researchers (some in different people are doing, as their findings can disciplines) as well as non-academics shed light on my work, and vice versa. using a variety of methods such as Science involves talking and working statistics and interviews. My projects with a wide range of people, sharing 2004 look at the wellbeing benefits of ideas and recruiting people to take part PhD in Environmental biodiverse environments, how to assess in my studies. Psychology University of the impact of nature-based activities Michigan such as group walks and how to involve Best thing about your job? people in creating a more sustainable The opportunity to play with ideas and world. see how different things fit together; a 2005 facet of being a researcher in general. Senior Researcher/ Senior How did you get into it? I like working to help bring us closer to Lecturer at Institute of I was going to go to medical school but the natural environment. Energy & Sustainable a summer on a sailing ship studying the Development De Montfort Anything you would change? marine environment reminded me how University Leicester much I loved being outside in nature. I I wish there were not so much took a job as an environmental educator paperwork associated with being a helping high school kids to explore researcher and more administrative help and learn about the Chesapeake Bay with ‘housekeeping’ jobs arising from in the USA. I went on to help foresters, the work. teachers, park managers and the like What might surprise people 2013 from around the world learn from each about what your work involves? Senior Researcher at the other, then worked as a consultant James Hutton Institute, helping set-up environmental education There are no lab coats. Aberdeen

Women in Science 15 occupations – the hours, the physical work, the emotional investment – and the rewards are so varied. Farmers get to be their own bosses, and have direct connection to their land, the seasons and their livestock. They spend more time with family, have fantastic work ethics and strong peer groups – it’s a real subculture. It’s risky business, though – fluctuating prices, subsidy changes – it takes courage to farm. I really admire them.

Essential qualities for this kind of role? You have to have real passion for your subject to get excited about each new Dr call for funding proposals and put your all into writing that next proposal, 1995 picking up the phone to ask farmers for Bachelor of Science in Lee-Ann interviews, analysing the data, speaking Occupational Therapy at conferences, and writing papers. Queen’s University Persistence is needed because proposals Sutherland Canada get rejected, farmers say ‘no’, and papers inevitably come back for revisions. And What do you do? it really helps to be organised – to keep I tell people I’m a ‘farmer whisperer’ – track of what the different teams on my research investigates why farmers each project are doing. 2000 make the decisions they do. I lead Best thing about your job? research into influences on decisions Master of Science in Rural Getting paid to learn about things farmers make, and how this is reflected Planning and Development I’m interested in and to travel around in larger patterns of change in the University of Guelph Europe to tell people about what agriculture sector like why farmers do Canada I’ve learned. I’ve also got a fair bit of and do not engage in agri-environmental freedom to set my own agenda – from schemes, renewable energy production what I’ll do in a given day, to the topics and organic farming. These topics are I’ll study and the partner countries I’ll important because of the amount of work with – and therefore visit. Italy and money governments put into trying 2005 France appear in my proposals a lot! to motivate farmers to take these Doctor of Philosophy, University of Aberdeen actions. I’ve also focused specifically Anything you would change? on issues relating to new entrants to Reporting! Of course funders need to farming, women in agriculture and non- 2005 know how their money is being spent, commercial farming (important social Social Scientist but it can be quite tedious and time justice issues), and I lead projects aimed Macaulay Land Use consuming. I also wish Aberdeen was at understanding how farmers learn. Research Institute a direct flight to more cities. I rack up a These days, most of my job is leading Aberdeen lot of air miles, but it’s not something bids for funding and project teams. I’m proud of – we need better How did you get into it? telecommunications to run European projects effectively without air travel. I grew up on a farm in Canada and wasn’t interested in being a farmer. I What might surprise people went to university and studied to be a about what your work involves? health care professional but it didn’t At present, very little actual talking suit me, so I went back to university to farmers! Most of the time is spent to study international development designing the research, reading and realised I was interested in 2011-Present what other people have written and agriculture after all – not how to farm, Senior Social Scientist: communicating it all. Post-docs do most but why farmers farm the way they do. James Hutton Institute of the interviewing and focus groups. Agriculture is so different from other Aberdeen

16 The James Hutton Institute How did you get into it?

1980 I always loved the outdoors, and grew Bsc (Hons) Geography up on a farm. My dad was a Special University of Edinburgh Constable and I also always loved mystery books in my youth! I was initially motivated to help farmers produce better crops. Now I mainly 1984 work on criminal cases to help reach the PhD Soil Science truth and minimise human suffering. I Aberdeen University guess I’m motivated by helping improve people’s lives. 1984 Joined Macaulay Institute Essential qualities for this kind of role? I can sleep anywhere at any time so 1989 have been able to work long hours, and Eldest child born travel extensively, without it affecting my sleep pattern or appearance in public! I have an enquiring mind and 1991 am very determined to find an answer Prof Lorna Second child born to any question posed of me. I really enjoy being part of investigative teams working on cold cases and pulling Dawson information together; useful in forensic 1994 reporting and also in work with industry Third child born and policy. What do you do? I lead the Soil Forensic Group at the Best thing about your job? 2007 James Hutton Institute, which works Changed direction to The variety of the work - no two days across disciplines from forestry to Forensic soil science are ever the same, whether attending molecular biology. I work with police, a crime scene or speaking to primary forensic scientists and lawyers on areas school pupils about science. Another such as food authenticity, searching great thing about my job is working with for missing people, contaminated land, and meeting really interesting people. attending crime scenes, evaluating evidence, report writing, and presenting 2009 evidence in court. Another part of my Visiting professor at RGU Anything you would change? work involves coordinating information Apart from ‘more funding’, I’d encourage and expertise from 2009 scientists to communicate the outputs funded research on food, agriculture Chartered Scientist status and outcomes from their research better and environment and making sure it by working with science communicators. reaches and is used by people who will I would also try to promote people apply it to policy-making and industrial 2010 to work more across disciplines and practice. An extra thing I do is advise Expert Witness Certificate professions as I have gained so much crime writers and TV producers on Criminal law from marrying soil science with law and correct forensic practice and have had Cardiff University forensic science. the privilege of working with authors Val McDermid, Mark Billingham and others, and on shows like Vera and Silent 2010 What might surprise people Witness. I’ve also produced materials Registered Expert with the about what your work involves? National Crime Agency and teaching aids for school geography I work in really strange places at times, courses such as Soils posters for Higher such as in wet cold woodland to recover Geography. I was delighted to be a body, and I’ve had to work within the 2011 recognised with a Pride of Britain Award confines of a police interview room Science Communications in 2017 for assisting and communicating analysing golden artefacts so valuable Master Class in the criminal justice system. they had to stay in police custody!

Women in Science 17 post-doc on two externally-funded EU projects, after which I was promoted. Since then I have worked on a number of diverse projects.

Essential qualities for this kind of role? It is essential to be highly organised, with an eye for detail and able to co- ordinate my staff, as they may also be working on multiple projects as well as 1993 working on projects I lead. This requires BSc in Biological Sciences constant liaison with my team and other Dr Louise Project Leaders. Best thing about your job? Shepherd A colleague asked where I saw myself in 1994 10 years’ time and I replied ‘hopefully What do you do? MSc in Biotechnology still working here, with a promotion’. I trained as a plant biochemist and am Did I not have any aspirations to work in other institutes, perhaps in another now a Senior Research Scientist. I lead a 1994 research team of five on a diverse range country, they wondered, but why would joined SCRI on 1-year I want to? We have world-leading of projects, and now as a Project Leader placement I manage and co-ordinate my team’s scientists and all the technologies we efforts to ensure the delivery of science could possibly need to deliver high- outputs on time. Science-wise, my work quality science. I’ve loved my 24 years attempts to reduce bruise damage in here, am continually learning, get potato, which costs UK farmers about motivation from my peers, and great £26 million a year. I have used genetic mentoring. A bonus has been the modification techniques to successfully privilege of working with a dedicated, produce potatoes which do not bruise hard-working team, some wonderful or discolour. These have been analysed colleagues and making some wonderful using sophisticated methods to assess 1999 life-long friends. PhD in Plant Biochemistry whether any ‘unintended effects’ have Anything you would change? occurred. More recently my team and I I’d like to see more women taking up are researching the impact of reduced science as a career, and more senior nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium women in science. Male scientists in inputs on end-product quality in a range 2000 my group do provide mentoring, but I of crops, including potato, barley, wheat, Junior post-doctoral have no direct female mentor. Cross- oilseed rape and beans. This work is researcher SCRI disciplinary work means I do work with on-going. women more senior then myself and How did you get into it? look to them as examples of the female I always knew I wanted to pursue a scientist I strive to be, but it would be career in science, but my degree and nice to have more senior females in MSc projects were on animal systems, science everywhere. rather than plants. I met someone What might surprise people from the Institute who heard and was about what your work involves? impressed by my MSc talk and was My friends can’t believe I’ve spent offered a one-year position at the approximately 20 years working on the Institute, working on tomatoes. During ‘humble spud’. I can’t even begin to this time, I met a Department Leader explain how this has been possible, nor from the Institute at a cricket match how I will continue to do this for the (long story!) and heard he had a PhD foreseeable future, as there is still so opportunity on the use of genetic 2008 much to discover. modification to alter starch structure Promoted to Senior in potatoes. I applied successfully and Research Scientist have never looked back, working at the Institute ever since, first as a junior

18 The James Hutton Institute such as land surveying. Ultimately, my 2001 analytical and problem solving interests BSc (Hons) led me to study for a PhD and to my Topographic Science career as a research scientist. University of Glasgow

Essential qualities for this kind of role? The skills most important to my job are 2002 having an analytical mind and attention Field Data Engineer to detail, as well as a willingness Fugro FLI-MAP The Hague, to undertake field work and travel Netherlands internationally to conferences.

Best thing about your job? Dr Pauline I really enjoy the practical aspects of my role, including working with UAVs (drones) and getting outdoors to Miller undertake field work. 2007 PhD, Geomatics Newcastle Anything you would change? What do you do? University Scientific research often results in My BSc and PhD are in Geomatics, short term contracts. This can offer an which relates to surveying and 2007 opportunity to move around and see mapping sciences. I’ve worked as a Research Associate & School the world, but at my current life stage, I research scientist on various projects in Research Fellow Newcastle would like to have better job security. engineering and geosciences including University using aerial photographs and satellite imagery to measure trends in glacier What might surprise people change in Antarctica. I’m currently about what your work involves? investigating airborne laser scanning To work with UAVs, I had to learn how for precise mapping of changes to river to fly fixed wing model aircraft and environments for applications such understand a bit about flight dynamics, as flood modelling. I also work with which was actually quite interesting! unmanned aerial vehicles (‘drones’) to study processes such as landslides. My work includes collecting measurements or images in the field, and processing and analysing this and other data, 2015 sometimes using programming to MDT Fellowship in Remote write my own code. This allows me to Sensing James Hutton establish how effective a certain method Institute Aberdeen is for identifying features or trends in the environment.

How did you get into it?

I have always been obsessed with 2016 maps! At school, I decided I would like Birth of first child to become a cartographer, which led me to study for a BSc in Topographic Science. At university I was introduced me to other aspects of geomatics which allowed me to combine my 2017 mathematical strengths with fieldwork Return to work after maternity leave

Women in Science 19 demands of family life and conducting field research in a large foreign city. The day I had to bring my seven year old to a focus group because my childcare fell through started as a minor disaster but ended up building trust with participants who forever more gave me sweets and treats for her. The career change away from University employment has allowed me to find a work-life balance more suited to my role as a parent, as 2000 well as offering me new forms of work Birth of first child during my satisfaction through a combination of Dr Rowan second year at uni more locally as well as internationally based fieldwork.

Ellis 2004 Essential qualities for this kind Completed my degree of role? What do you do? in Urban Planning at the The ability to assimilate large quantities I work on a project which is designing University of Washington of information from diverse sources (you and implementing a decentralised Seattle, USA must love to read!), and then be able to wastewater treatment system in a effectively communicate the key ideas school in rural India. It’s a model of from this information. (You must love low cost, low energy, environmentally to write!) Equally essential is a genuine 2006 sustainable options to address shortfalls interest in understanding the world MSc in Geography in sanitation provision in the Global from diverse perspectives, and in talking University of Washington South. Decades of sanitation projects in and listening to people from all sorts of India have failed to improve sanitation backgrounds. There is also a need to be innovative and identify new and exciting conditions, primarily because they are 2009 research opportunities. not appropriate to the social context. Postdoctoral researcher, My role as a social scientist is to better University of Aberdeen Best thing about your job? understand the social factors that shape The opportunity to spend my days demand for sanitation services. I am 2010 thinking, reading, writing, and talking particularly interested in the challenges PhD in Geography about subjects I find really interesting! that women and girls face in accessing University of Washington improved sanitation, as well as in I am also fortunate to work with influencing decision-making processes and around people who are equally 2013 around the provision of sanitation passionate about their research Lecturer University of services. I am working with participatory interests. Edinburgh research methods. Anything you would change? How did you get into it? 2013 There’s a risk that research work can Birth of second child During my undergraduate degree creep into your free time. Sometimes I became especially interested in your commitments to research processes of public consultation around participants, or just the intellectually 2015 infrastructure development. However demanding nature of the work, means Birth of third child and the time I spent living in India as a it is hard to ‘shut off’. It is also an career break single mother with a young daughter unfortunate reality of scientific inquiry, that we spend a lot of time worrying very much shaped my interest in 2016 about how our work will be funded in gender and natural resource access and Part-time Research the future. management. I experienced first-hand Assistant, James Hutton how the consequences of environmental Institute What might surprise people degradation were experienced in about what your work involves? socially unequal ways. Fifteen months Geography is about much more than of fieldwork in urban India as the maps! Social science work can be very mother of a young child was particularly 2018 creative too. Recently I was working with challenging and we did our best to New role as Environment Indian colleagues on a children’s story negotiate the sometimes contradictory and Development about the journey of a poo from toilet to and sometimes complementary Geographer treatment to effluent.

20 The James Hutton Institute of direction. I decided to study a 1988 subject that answered some important Degree in Art and Interior questions, satisfied my curiosity and Design was something that I had enjoyed at school. I enrolled to study science with 1988-1991 the Open University and gained a BSc Various administrative jobs (Hons) degree in Natural Sciences with Chemistry. It was hard work and at times I questioned my decision, but at 1991 the end it was truly worth it. The new Birth of my fist son qualification let me work in different scientific establishments (oil and non-oil related) gaining theoretical and practical 1993 experience in chemical, physical and Birth of my second son microbial laboratories. In 2008, I joined the James Hutton Institute, investigating various research topics including phosphorus in soils and its mobility from soil to water. While working here I 2000 completed a PhD from Bangor University Started my Open University in soil and environmental pollution. course Dr Samia Essential qualities for this kind of role? It is advantageous to be naturally Richards inquisitive, observant, open minded; persevere and don’t give up when the results do not make sense and always be What do you do? 2006 optimistic. I am an environmental water and soil Graduated BSc Natural scientist with expertise in surface water Sciences with Chemistry Best thing about your job? quality and pollution from sources such The best thing about my work is that as septic tanks and sewage discharges it allows me to investigate various 2006 to streams and rivers impacting the environmental issues that concern Synthesis Chemist in oil environment. This covers various and have impacts on all of us including company environmental issues such as drinking future generations, such as surface and water quality and water safety plans in drinking water quality or the use of Scotland from water sources, through 2007 recycled materials as soil fertilizers to treatment to consumers’ tap; rainwater Chemical and increase productivity. harvesting; decentralised wastewater Microbiological Analyst for treatment in rural areas and nutrient oil services company Anything you would change? recycling in agriculture to maximise soil If I could change anything, it would be quality and crop productivity. 2008 starting my science journey earlier in my career to increase my contribution to How did you get into it? Joined James Hutton Institute science. Although I enjoyed and excelled in maths and science at school, studying What might surprise people and taking a career in science was about what your work involves? not on the cards when I looked at People are always surprised to know options for university. Instead, I was that I have been investigating septic directed to studying art and interior tanks and septic tanks discharges; not design. However, after finishing my something that women would choose! art degree, marrying and having 2016 children, I felt something was still PhD Bangor University missing and realised I needed a change Soil and Environmental Pollution

Women in Science 21 How did you get into it? 1980 BSc Uni of Waterloo As a child I enjoyed being outdoors Canada and I am fascinated with the natural world. I have been lucky to pursue a career that enables me to use my 1983 chosen academic field to work in applied MSc, Uni of Saskatchewan biology, particularly at time when the tools in biotechnology are developing 1984 spectacularly. Moved to the UK Essential qualities for this kind of role? Curiosity, patience, persistence, 1987 resilience, tenacity, commitment, Birth of first child attention to detail, thoughtfulness, industry, intelligence, interpersonal 1988 skills, self-motivation, flexibility, PhD and start of P/T post- creativity, good organisation and time doc, Uni of Cambridge management, willingness to travel, self-confidence, good communication 1989 (writing, speaking) Move to Scotland, start second P/T post-doc at Best thing about your job? SCRI (now James Hutton Institute) Having a career in my chosen field of “biology”, having the freedom to pursue Dr Vivian 1990 ideas and find solutions to problems, Back to full-time sharing discoveries with colleagues and students.

Blok 1992 Birth of second child, start Anything you would change? I would place a greater emphasis on What do you do? full-time research post at SCRI the important strategic challenges that I am a Nematologist in the plant are team driven rather than focusing pathology group at the James Hutton on individual career development. Institute: meaning that I study Also, more secure funding, diversity small organisms that live in the soil. 1998 and opportunities to “put one self in I am interested in using modern Promoted to Senior someone else’s shoes”. technologies to develop sustainable and Post-doc environmentally friendly methods to What might surprise people control pests that affect potato crops. about what your work involves? Potato is the fourth most important food crop and controlling pests and diseases International travel to conferences is an ongoing and global challenge. 2002 and project meetings has been an Promotion to Senior unexpected benefit, particularly through scientist at Hutton participation in EU projects. Nematodes are gorgeous!

22 The James Hutton Institute How did you get into it? The diploma in statistics showed me 1981-1984 many different statistical opportunities BA Maths University of – I realised I would have little interest in Cambridge applying statistics in, say, economics or finance but enjoyed the applications in genetics and biology. As I was finishing 1984-1985 my PhD in I successfully applied for Diploma in Statistics a position as a statistician with the The James Hutton Institute hosts Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland (BioSS), which provides University of Cambridge Scottish Agricultural Statistics Service quantitative expertise to underpin research in the (now BioSS), based at the Scottish Crop James Hutton Institute and its sister organisations Research Institute in Dundee (now the (Moredun Research Institute, Rowett Institute, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Scotland’s James Hutton Institute). The Scottish Rural College) Munros were part of the attraction 1985-1988 to the post! Initially I worked mainly PhD applying maths and analysing experiments on nematodes statistics to investigate damaging potatoes, but around 1990 an movements of plankton opportunity came up to work on crop in the Irish Sea University genetic data, and this has been my main College of North Wales area of work since then. Bangor Essential qualities for this kind 1988 of role? Statistician at Scottish Agricultural Statistics Firstly curiosity about a broad range of Service (now BioSS) science is key. It’s important to enjoy solving puzzles, especially logical or mathematical ones, and to be able to be persistent if the first approach doesn’t succeed. Another quality is to be a 1995 good listener, to make sure you hear Senior statistician everything about the science that is relevant for the analysis.

Best thing about your job? The best thing is to be involved in projects that make a real impact. Early 2001 in my time in Dundee I worked with Principal statistician a researcher visiting from Tanzania to study a disease damaging coffee 2002-2004 trees there. The statistics needed were Dr Career break to follow quite simple, but it was a privilege my interest in languages: to be involved in research that could worked in Nigeria analysing potentially help so many African farmers. Christine two unwritten languages Anything you would change? Hackett 2004 Unfortunately the longer you stay in this Returned to my job in job, the higher the proportion of time Dundee spent on managing projects and people What do you do? rather than doing statistics. I work with teams of scientists to design experiments efficiently and to analyse What might surprise people the results. The experiments can study about what your work involves? different fruits, crops or wild species and 2008 Detective work! It’s important to look can measure their genetics, chemistry, Began involvement in some out for clues in the statistical data that disease resistance, water requirements leadership of the statisticians the scientific explanation may be more and many other aspects. I also do based in Dundee. complicated than initially thought, and research on analysing data on crop to be imaginative in thinking how to genetics, and a little teaching. prove this.

Women in Science 23 How did you get into it? I loved maths, physics and geography when I was at school so I did a degree involving maths, environmental/geo- 1991-1994 physics. During my degree I realised Bsc Lancaster University applied maths was my true love so I did an MSc in mathematics of nonlinear models. After that I did a PhD on modelling solute dispersion in rivers. Following this I did two post-doctoral research posts at GeoSciences in Edinburgh University and then obtained 1995 a NERC personal Fellowship. Following Msc Heriot Watt University that I joined BioSS as a mathematical modeller and thus moved from environmental systems to biological systems.

Essential qualities for this kind of role? I think you need to enjoy problem solving and since a lot of the work relies 1996-1999 on collaborations with multiple people, PhD Lancaster University you need to enjoy trying to explain your ideas to people who aren’t experts in your field. Likewise you have to be committed to trying to understand new ideas and topics that you don’t Dr Helen necessarily have a background in. Kettle Best thing about your job? The best thing is the work is so interesting and I get to collaborate with talented and enthusiastic people! My job What do you do? 2000-2008 involves a very wide range of application I am a mathematical modeller Post doc and fellowship at areas so I feel like I am always learning at BioSS (Biomathematics and University of Edinburgh something new. Also I love problem Statistics Scotland). My work involves solving so programming is very enjoyable simulating biological systems which and satisfying – lots of little solvable span applications from gut bacteria problems! It is also very fulfilling when in humans to managing crop pests. I you write code (e.g. a software package) spend time developing the equations that other people start using. that describe how the system changes with time and then I write these into a Anything you would change? computer program so they can be solved Higher salary would be good but doing to produce a simulation/prediction of a job I love is (just about) sufficient what we think will happen in certain compensation! circumstances. We can then compare the results with any data we have to What might surprise people check if we really do understand the about what your work involves? system we are studying. People might be surprised how maths can be used to predict how your gut 2009-Present bacteria behave, how much methane Mathematical modeller at cows produce and how spiders and BioSS parasitic insects can be used to control pests that damage crops!

24 The James Hutton Institute The James Hutton Institute’s research activities have resonance across many of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Every strand of our work helps deliver on one or more of these goals.

Quality Zero Hunger Education

Clean Water and Affordable and Sanitation Clean Energy

Decent Work Industry, and Economic Innovation and Growth Infrastructure

Responsible Climate Consumption Action and Production

Partnerships Life On Land for the Goals Aberdeen Dundee Contact

The James Hutton Institute The James Hutton Institute Tel: +44 (0) 344 928 5428 Craigiebuckler Invergowrie Fax: +44 (0) 344 928 5429 Aberdeen AB15 8QH Dundee DD2 5DA Scotland Scotland [email protected] UK UK

Farms

Balruddery Research Farm Glensaugh Research Farm Hartwood Research Farm Invergowrie Laurencekirk Shotts Dundee DD2 5LJ Aberdeenshire AB30 1HB Lanarkshire ML7 4JY