My journey started at the University of Sheffield studying physics and astronomy, completing the lifelong ambition of the 5 year old me who wanted to be a physicist!  I then studied astrophysics at post graduate level at the University of Leeds, and during this time worked on world class telescopes in Hawaii, Australia and Chile.  This work included the reduction and analysis of a large amount of infrared and radio image data through the writing of bespoke computer programmes.  I then qualified as a physics teacher through the University of Cambridge and taught physics in state schools.

I moved into the defence industry as an antenna expert and worked as both a systems engineer and a hardware and test engineer on many different systems on frequencies from 1 to 100 GHz. I gained experience in systems engineering, signal processing, electromagnetic simulation and modelling, hardware design and test, anechoic chamber design and test and the processing and presentation of the RF signal results to inform design and business purposes. This meant I worked closely with external companies and other departments both in the UK and in Europe. In addition to my technical job I was responsible for the recruitment and development of apprentices and graduates in my department, this included both their technical and business skills.  I gained a PhD in antenna test and design through Queen Mary University London.

I then moved into the start-up world and worked as a data scientist for an InsureTech company. As lead data scientist I founded their data science department, worked on the RF components and had first look at the data the company had collected from Z-Wave connected Internet of Things devices. The invaluable insight she produced led to improvements in products and processes.

I have had a close involvement with the Institute of Physics since the first week of my degree. For many years I have worked with the professional membership department, and I review applications and interview for the CPhys and CEng professional qualifications and Fellowship membership grade. I was invited to sit on the Professional Standards Committee in 2016, the PSC set the requirements for their membership and professional qualifications. In 2018 I started a 4 year term on the board of the IOP.

Now I am brining my wealth of experience to companies as an independent consultant through Swamphen Enterprises.