• Question: Why did you want to be a scientist? At what age did you decide?

    Asked by snowdona to Alastair, Emma, Hywel, Keith, Vicki on 17 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Alastair Sloan

      Alastair Sloan answered on 17 Jun 2010:

      I wanted to know how things worked – especially the human body and how microorganisms caused disease. I also was fascinated about space and the planets. I was probably around 8 when I got interested in science but only really decided I wanted to be a scientist when I was doing my GCSEs

    • Photo: Vicki Stevenson

      Vicki Stevenson answered on 17 Jun 2010:

      Although I did well in science exams through school, I only decided I wanted to study science at university and look for a science career when I was 16. I went with my grandfather to an open day at an engineering company which made mining equipment – they had a huge machine where all the copper wire had been replaced with fibre optics – this reduced the possibility of igniting an explosion underground. I suddenly realised that science could save lives!

    • Photo: Keith Brain

      Keith Brain answered on 17 Jun 2010:

      It wasn’t for the money! Please note, science, in general, doesn’t pay very well. I was interested in science in High School; I didn’t really know what jobs were possible for scientists, and that’s because there are so many, but there are relatively few of each type (if that makes sense). I also studied medicine, and qualified as a medical doctor; I enjoy doing that too, and it pays better, but I keep being drawn back to science because I enjoy doing it. I also have more control over my time; such as choosing to answer your very interesting questions!

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