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Alanna

Radiochemist

What do you do?

I am a Radiochemist, so I specialise in physical chemistry.

How did you decide which field to go into?

I have always loved science from a young age and did experiments with my parents as a child. I used to dress up in a lab coat and get excited about the idea of being a mad scientist!

I have taken part in STEM events from when I was in sixth form. I mentored whilst I was at university to get more students interested in a chemistry degree and I am currently doing STEM work as part of my graduate project. I am also a private tutor and have assisted 15 students over the last 4 years get into college/university and many have gone on to do STEM subjects.

What is the best thing about your job?

I love being able to research and feel like I am making a difference for the company with the work that I do. It’s incredibly flexible and allows for me to do what I love even though I have a physical disability.

What route did you take?

I am on AWE’s graduate training programme which I joined after finishing my Masters.  I did a placement year at AWE whilst I was studying at university, and after graduating, I was invited back to the graduate training programme.

What did you study?

I have a Masters degree in chemistry from the University of Reading. I also have AS Levels in Further Maths and History and A Levels in Maths, Physics and Chemistry.

How do you see your career progressing?

I see myself gaining more invaluable experience and eventually becoming a senior scientist. I’m aiming to work up the career ladder for technical professionals so that I can regularly attend conferences, publish papers and be at the top of my game in my field of expertise. I also see myself continuing to use my skills in other areas of the business, supporting diversity & inclusion as well as being an active member in my union.

Latest news

Latest News

Celebrating Ada Lovelace – the worlds’ first computer programmer 

Last week, in Ada Lovelace’s honour, a passionate team from AWE welcomed around 70 enthusiastic Year 6 students and their teachers to a STEM event to celebrate science, creativity and resilience.   In the early 19th century, long before the digital age, Ada Lovelace laid the groundwork for modern computing. Born in 1815, Ada was fascinated by mathematics […]

Press Releases

Office for Nuclear Regulation investigation findings

Today, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) announced its investigation findings following the fatality of a Balfour Beatty employee in 2023, who was working in a construction enclave on AWE’s Aldermaston site.

A commemorative display in a grand room with marble columns and historic portraits, showcasing AWE's 75-year timeline of nuclear security technologies from the 1940s to the present, under the slogan 'Proud of our past. Prepared for the future.'

Latest News

75 Years of AWE: A landmark innovation showcase

On 16 October, AWE marked a major milestone in its history with the ‘AWE75: Proud of our past. Prepared for our future.’ event at the Institution of Civil Engineers, London. The event saw over 100 guests from across government, academia and the defence community gather to commemorate AWE’s legacy and look ahead to our future.

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