Marina
Head of Materials and Analytical Science
How long have you worked at AWE?
17 years
Why did you choose AWE?
I applied to AWE during my last year at university; I was looking for a graduate scheme and a company that stood our as unique and interesting. It was the fascinating diversity of science and engineering opportunities that attracted me, especially the mention of ‘exotic actinide chemistry’!
Tell us about your time at AWE?- What do you do?
I started out at AWE as a PhD graduate scientist working in the lab on actinide chemistry. Over my time a the company I have done several team leader and group leader roles, and now I lead a team of over 400 scientists and engineers who provide the materials and analytical science know-how and services that AWE needs for its mission. Nowadays my working life is mainly about people leadership and I love it.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The best things about my job is the people I work with and all the amazing things they do.
How do you see your career progressing? I am really enjoying the role I have right now and I work with a great team. I definitely see myself as staying with AWE, and due to the size and complexity of the organisation, there is always a steady stream of new career opportunities at all levels.
What are the benefits of AWE?– As a mum of two young daughters, the main benefits for me have been the maternity leave provision, genuine commitment to and enabling of flexible and part-time working and the professional, inclusive working culture. I have been able to progress my career alongside being a mum which is hard work but incredibly rewarding
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Why are days such as International Day of Women and Girls in Science so important?
Gender stereotypes are still very much alive and they creep into our children’s lives at a staggeringly early stage. It’s so important for women and girls (and everyone else) to see that it is normal for women to work in STEM and to generally challenge and break down those stereotypes in everyday life.
Why is gender equality and diversity so important to our industry?
Anyone with an aptitude and/or love for STEM should follow that, no matter what their gender. But whether we like it or not the stereotypes and biases are there, so I believe it is really important to do all we can to try and level things off so everyone can feel free to enjoy and pursue their passion for STEM. It’s also really important to bring as much diversity of thought, approach and style into the STEM arena to ensure that creativity, innovation and discovery can flourish; gender diversity is just one aspect of that.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining AWE?
Come and join us! Or at least get in touch to find out more. We have such varied career opportunities and a really strong focus on supporting and investing in our people. . It really is a fantastic place to work with so many benefits.
