On January 22nd 2013, Dr Shirley Ann Jackson presented to a small audience of high achieving female science students.
Dr Shirley Ann Jackson holds a PhD from MIT in high energy physics. She is an expert in theoretical condensed matter physics, energy policy, and the role of research and research universities in an innovation ecosystem. She is currently President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where she has spearheaded new approaches to engineering and science education and she also serves on President Obama’s Council of Advisers on Science and Technology. Dr Jackson was the first female and first African American Chair of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, where she pioneered new methods of risk assessment in nuclear engineering.
Dr Jackson presented to a small audience of high achieving female scientists at the American Embassy in London. Some PhD and Undergraduate students from Imperial were invited to attend, along with some female school students from London schools.
Dr Jackson started her talk by telling the students about her own career and hurdles which she overcame along the way. Dr Jackson then asked the audience about their own career plans and fielded queries from the audience about pursuing a career in science. Dr Jackson encouraged the audience to take part in STEM outreach activities and stressed how important it is that an example is set for future generations.
One of the students that attended the event said: “It was extremely inspiring to hear her talk about her experiences and how she got to where she is today.”