Question: Hi Lauren whats it like being a scientist ??

Lauren Mc Keown answered on 11 Nov 2013:

Hi Jessica 🙂 Being a scientist is exciting, interesting and most of all, very rewarding. Of course, there are days when things aren’t working out with a code or working through a problem, but once I eventually arrive at a conclusion, things pick up from there! My days can be long or short, depending on how the work is going, and I can honestly say, if I am really into a problem, I could stick at it for hours. I’ll be honest and say that sometimes being a scientist is frustrating – there are always first moments when I don’t understand something and have to keep tapping away at it until it sinks in, but it usually does, and I have picked up great skills in patience and perseverance as a result!

There are a lot of great opportunities as a scientist if you work hard – I am working on hopefully getting to do some research out at a NASA centre in California so I’m really hoping the work pays off! I also got to do an Intel camp out at NASA Ames during a study abroad program, where I learned about the business side to science, which was something I had never even considered before. I also got to work at the European Space Expo in Dublin this past Summer, which was a really fun way to be involved in the outreach of space science. So what I’m trying to say is, being a scientist isn’t all about having your head stuck in the books or eyes glued to a computer – I have time to do a lot of active work, which is really great. And since I’m only in my first year, there is still a bit of time for friends and outside activities too 🙂 It’s just all about finding a balance!