GradCert MPhys FHEA MInstP
Outreach and Engagement Officer,
Daisy Shearer is an Outreach and Engagement Officer at the National Quantum Computing Centre. They are a passionate science communicator and educator with a drive to make STEM more accessible and inclusive, particularly for disabled and neurodivergent people.
I have a broad portfolio of outreach and science communication activities. This includes working with local schools as a STEM ambassador (and part of their quantum ambassadors program), organizing and running live events, designing and managing projects, doing speaking engagements, sharing my research on social media, and engaging with the media. In 2022, I became the Outreach and Engagement Officer for the National Quantum Computing Centre. This role enables me to combine my passion for science communication with the technical expertise in quantum technology that I developed during my time as a physics researcher. I enjoy breaking down complicated quantum physics concepts in an engaging and creative way for a variety of different audiences. I’m also passionate about using outreach to encourage young people from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue physics as a career.
My technical research was in the field of semiconductor spintronics. Specifically, investigating ways to utilise the strong spin-orbit coupling in InSb-based materials to manipulate electron spin in semiconductors for quantum technology and metrology applications. My work involved the development of novel direct-write fabrication techniques using the focused ion beam to create structures such as quantum wires and quantum point contacts, fundamental physics experiments investigating spin-orbit interaction in InSb materials, and computational modelling of a variety of InSb nanostructures.
I regularly write about physics and equality, diversity, and inclusion topics. As well as running my own blog ‘Notes from the physics lab’, I also write science articles and guest blogs for a variety of websites and publications, such as Physics World. Here are a few examples of my science writing and guest blogging:
Spin guided scattering of light is observed in a liquid crystal | Physics World
A tiny particle collider yields new evidence for a type of ‘quasiparticles’ called anyons | Massive Science
Spin valve uses coupled quantum dots and tiny magnetic fields | Physics World
Embracing neurodiversity in science | Little Science Co
I am an enthusiastic physics educator both in the traditional higher education setting and using more experimental and wide-reaching online methods. Previously, I have been a lab demonstrator and teaching assistant for a variety of physical science modules. I also completed a Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning where I explored inclusive pedagogy theory in the physics classroom and laboratory as well as the potential of hybrid learning environments to support hands-on learning. In my current role, I’m interested in how we learn and create an understanding of quantum topics in informal and formal educational settings.
I am a passionate advocate and campaigner for E,D&I in STEM, taking part in a variety of E,D&I activities such as founding the Neurodivergent in STEM project, planning and organizing the peer mentoring scheme for IPPSnet, sitting on the Surrey physics E,D&I committee as the PGR representative, and founding the staff and student neurodiversity networks at the University of Surrey.
To get in contact, email daisykshearer@gmail.com or click here.
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