Name: Sophie Martin

Degree: MSci Physics

Graduation year: 2020

Current role: PhD student

Most useful module: I took Computational Physics in 3rd year which was one of my favourite and most useful modules because it exposed me to the core mathematical and physics-based ideas that underpin many essential algorithms and coding practices. From solving differential equations to creating minimisation algorithms from scratch; it was great to see how technology can be used to advance scientific research which led me towards doing a PhD in computational medical imaging.

Tell us about an inspirational Black scientist you admire and why: As someone who now enjoys coding, I’m inspired by the computer programmer and scientist, Annie Easley. Her story resonates with me as I think to the shared experience of being not only female but also Black in an environment typically presented as not for her, and yet despite all that she excelled at it.