What age did you know that you wanted to become a scientist? And why did you want to become one?

Question: What age did you know that you wanted to become a scientist? And why did you want to become one?
- Keywords:
  age,
  career,
  inspiration
Asked by niamhbrien to Cathal, Ciara, Emma, Michael, Sive on 13 Nov 2013.
- Sive Finlay answered on 13 Nov 2013:
  
  Hi Niamh,
  
  I was always interested in nature and the environment but I don’t think there was ever an age when I decided to become a scientist. I wasn’t sure what to do after school so I chose science as a general degree which would keep my options open. Then I just followed my interests until it led me to my current PhD project and I guess things have worked out pretty well so far 🙂
  Sive
- Michael Nolan answered on 19 Nov 2013:
  
  When I was around 15 I had to decide to do science or design car engines. I accidentally read some articles about science and decided that was it. After that my chemistry teacher really encouraged me so that gave me the last push. Although I did falter near the cao deadline and almost chose engineering. Funny thing is my PhD is in egineering so its come round full circle now!
  
  M

Question: What age did you know that you wanted to become a scientist? And why did you want to become one?