Physics inclusivity working group
Tim Harries
I am a Professor of Astronomy and the Head of Physics and Astronomy. I am interested in how stars and planets form and study these processes using a combination of numerical modelling and multi-wavelength data. Currently, my team is looking for the signatures of planets using extreme adaptive optics systems to observe the dusty discs around protostars. My interest in modelling light transport through circumstellar dust has led me to biomedical modelling of cancer diagnosis, where the scattering processes (and the techniques used to model them) are the same as those used in astrophysics. We are looking at how to improve the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer and the diagnosis of breast cancer. I am passionate about higher education, and I am fully committed to providing a working environment where people from all genders and backgrounds are treated equally and given the opportunity to thrive.
Claire Davies
As an E&S-track Lecturer, my role in the department is teaching-focused. I tutor 1st year undergraduates, coordinate the Stage 2 level Quantum Mechanics module and run the teaching telescope, which is used by undergraduate students in their astronomy laboratory modules. I first joined Exeter as a postdoc in 2015 and have served on the department’s Inclusion Group since 2017, first as LGBTQ+ rep, then as postdoc rep, and now as Juno Lead. I am an outspoken advocate for greater inclusion and diversity across science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM), and I lead PRISM Exeter, a regional network for LGBTQ+ STEMM professionals and students. My diversity and inclusion work has been recognised through University of Exeter and Institute of Physics awards and regional award nominations.
William Wardley
I am a post-doctoral research fellow in the Electromagnetism group, where I work on experimental optics and photonics, particularly looking at the fabrication and optical analysis of nanostructures. Prior to my PhD, I worked in a number of educational settings, including primary and secondary schools, and have taught or supervised students in every role since, which means I am very aware of and keen to reduce barriers to learning at all levels. In addition, as a post-doc I am keenly aware of the precarious nature of working in science research roles, and how this precarity is magnified for minority groups. As a post-doctoral representative on the PIWG, I aim to highlight and work to improve the situation for both present and future researchers.
Charles Downing
I am a Royal Society University Research Fellow and Proleptic Lecturer in the Quantum Systems and Nanostructures group. My research interests span theoretical quantum optics, nanophotonics and plasmonics. On the Physics Inclusion Working Group, I am currently leading on issues affecting postdoctoral and early career researchers.
Rachel Lennon
I am a postgraduate researcher in the Centre for Doctoral Training in Metamaterials where I am working on overcoming some of the challenges preventing multimode optical fibres from being used as micro-endoscopes. I joined the Inclusivity Group in late 2019. I want to celebrate the diversity in our department whilst also aiding the effort to reform systematic problems in our working environment. I hope that my lived-experience of navigating higher education with a complex condition, combined with listening to the experiences of other underrepresented and marginalised groups in STEM, will help our department engage in equitable practice and correct for biases that are often incorporated - subconsciously or otherwise - in our institution.
Harvey Neilson
I am an undergraduate student currently studying Physics. As someone with a physical disability and learning difficulties, I am acutely aware of the struggles students like myself experience, both in their studies and in receiving sufficient support from the University. I joined the Inclusivity Group in late 2021. I hope to promote an environment where all groups of people are represented and one where the needs of the individual can be met. I am also a president of the Long Covid Society, which aims to raise awareness of the condition and support those suffering from it.
Marie Rider
I'm a postdoctoral research fellow in the Electromagnetic and Acoustic Materials group, interested in all things relating to light-matter interactions. Being a postdoc is a brilliant job but comes with a fair amount of stress and precarity. A thriving community is crucial to postdoc wellbeing and support, so in my role as a PIWG postdoc rep and university-level Early Career Researcher (ECR) rep, my goal is to improve the working environment and support systems for current postdocs and those who will come after us.
Charlie Wand
I joined the University of Exeter in December 2021 as a Lecturer (E&R) in Natural Sciences. My research interests are on computational soft matter, including polymers, surfactants, and liquid crystals, which crosses the traditional boundaries of chemistry, physics, and engineering. I joined the Inclusivity group at the start of 2023, where I am currently co-leading on issues affecting postdoctoral and early-career researchers. I also volunteer with PRISM Exeter, a regional network for LGBTQ+ STEMM professionals and students. Over the past five years, I have actively worked to promote inclusion and widening participation in STEMM, which has been recognised by awards from the University of Manchester and the American Chemical Society.
Martha Mak
I am a PhD student in the Astrophysics group where I focus on the effect of aerosols when modelling the atmospheres of exoplanets using the Unified Model (UM) from the Met Office. Throughout my PhD, I am supported by the Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund from the Institute of Physics (IOP) where we promote diversity and inclusivity. As an Asian female in STEM, I hope to encourage people from non-traditional backgrounds to pursue science and celebrate the diversity within the department.
Tim Naylor
I joined the University in 2000 as the Norman Lockyer Professor of Astrophysics to found the Astrophysics Group. My research centres around observations I make using astronomical satellites and large telescopes in the area of star formation and extrasolar planets, addressing questions such as how long the Sun and Earth took to form, and whether there are Earth-like planets elsewhere in the Milky Way. When I was a graduate student l believed that given time we would reach gender parity in astronomy, but when this did not happen realised I should use administrative posts I held to take more active measures on this and other inclusivity issues. Currently, such posts include Chairing the Board for LSST:UK which is by far the largest ever UK astronomy consortium, where I help drive the equality agenda. In the past I have been Head of Physics during which time we first joined Project Juno. I am also the Mentoring Champion for Physics.
Jude Meakin
I am an Associate Professor in the Biophysics Group with research interests in the biomechanics and biomaterials of the spine. I joined the University of Exeter in 2010 when my daughter was 2 years old and have experience juggling the demands of work and life with young children. Within the Physics Inclusion Working Group, I lead on our efforts to embed professional conduct into our departmental culture and am responsible for our webpages and blog.
Ioana Blein-Dezayes
I am a PhD student in the BioSpec group where I am working on the synthesis of gold nanoparticles for Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy and photothermal therapy as part of the RaNT project, which aims to develop an all-in-one approach of cancer diagnosis and treatment using gold nanostructures. As I have studied in a few different universities in various countries, I have seen how much inclusivity can make a difference on one’s experience. This is why I focus on the inclusion of postgraduate researchers (PGR) for the physics inclusivity working group.
Jenny Hatchell
I am a Senior Lecturer in Astrophysics, having joined the Exeter Astrophysics group in 2004. I lead the data analysis for the group and support widening participation activities within Physics, as well as teaching undergraduates on the Physics and Natural Sciences programmes. I currently work part-time (70% contract) for a better life-work balance.
Rob Hicken
I am Professor of Condensed Matter Physics with particular interest in physical processes that occur in materials on timescales of nanoseconds and shorter. My research group uses a combination of microwave and time resolved optical and x-ray measurement techniques to study magnetic, photonic and spintronic materials. Our research is directly relevant to the development of improved technology for storage, processing and transfer of information, all with reduced energy loss. New and improved materials are the starting point for the technologies of the future. Our field must welcome and provide equal opportunities for talented people from all backgrounds to ensure scientific leadership and economic benefit for the UK.
Hannah Searle
I am the Department Manager for Physics and Astronomy, a colleague Mental Health Champion and part of the Wellbeing Network on the Streatham Campus. This department is both supportive and inclusive in nature, but I recognise the importance of the work of the Inclusion Group in improving gender equality and diversity. I provide a supportive role in the group and plan to develop this further as my role evolves.
Bella Hartley
I am the Executive Assistant to Prof. Tim Harries and the Administrator for Physics and Astronomy. I provide administrative support to the Inclusion Group. I feel very strongly about promoting a fully inclusive environment for all, and I hope that through my work, I can help further a positive and welcoming culture in the department.
Stuart Thomson
I am Stuart Thomson, and I am the HR Partner for the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy. I have been in HR my whole working life. I started off as an HR Specialist in the British Army before then having HR roles at various levels for third-sector organisations and education institutions. I am committed to ensuring a fully inclusive environment for both our staff and students.
