Audio Appearances

If you’re looking for a podcast or radio guest to be a guest expert on quantum technology / condensed matter physics or to talk about topics such as equality, diversity, and inclusion in STEM, autism, neurodiversity, mental health, and disability, feel free to get in touch here.

 
 

Episode 012: Daisy Shearer is a British physicist and a PhD candidate in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics at the University of Surrey (UK). Her research project is focused on semiconductor spintronics for quantum technology applications.

We discuss the high prevalence of mental health issues in the academic community and the need for more equality, diversity and inclusion in science. Daisy shares the perks and drawbacks of working in uncharted scientific territories. She also gives insight into her decision to disclose autism diagnosis on social media and to create 'Neurodivergent in STEM' - a project aimed at increasing the visibility of neurodivergent people in STEM fields and building a community to share experiences and advice. We also cover big magnets, lasers and Studio Ghibli soundtracks… Enjoy listening!

 
 

Daisy Shearer is a PhD candidate in experimental condensed matter physics at the University of Surrey in the UK. She is a passionate researcher, science communicator, and educator with a drive to make STEM more accessible and inclusive, focusing on disabled and neurodivergent people. Now 25, she was diagnosed autistic at 21. I discovered her through her very popular Instagram account, Notes from the Physics Lab, where she shares snapshots of quantum tech research life and her work as a semiconductor spintronics researcher. She also has a blog and a YouTube channel, where she talks about physics and autism.

In our conversation we talk about:

➡ Being openly autistic in STEM

➡ Managing sensory issues that lead to anxiety, meltdown and shutdown

➡ Whether autism is a disability

➡ Reasonable adjustments in academic settings

➡ Making learning and teaching accessible for neurodivergent students, and creating systems for connecting with other neurodiverse people

 
 

On today's episode I have special guest Daisy Shearer. Daisy is a PhD candidate in experimental condensed matter physics at the University of Surrey’s Advanced Technology Institute. Her PhD research focuses on semiconductor spintronics for quantum technology applications. You might know Daisy from her amazing Instagram page @notesfromthephysics lab. She is passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion in STEM with a focus on disability and neurodiversity as she is autistic herself.

We chat about:

  • Daisy's journey to getting her Autism diagnosis and the process she went through contacting university disability support

  • Her uni experience as a PhD candidate and what her day-to-day looks like (including a mention of her scientific equipment and awesome Magnet called Emily!)

  • The accommodations Daisy has been offered as an Autistic person studying at university and some experiences she has had at university where a range of accommodations have really benefitted her

  • When she started up her @notesfromthephysicslab Instagram account and how she documents her life across her social media platforms and blog

  • When she began the @Neurdivergent_in_STEM visibility project which shares the stories of neurominorities working in STEM and encourage accessibility in STEM fields

  • How she is coping with daily life and how the pandemic affected her and her studies

  • Daisy's range of hobbies including knitting and gardening!