Alisia studied for a BSc in Physics with Astrophysics (with a Foundation Year). Read about her experience at Kent and what she’s been up to since graduating.
What was your dream job as a child, and what is your dream job now?
As a child, I didn’t really have a cemented dream job, and I think the last time I remember giving a straight answer to the question ‘what is your dream job’ I said something along the lines of ‘Queen or Princess’. As I got older, I carried on my nonchalant attitude and just started focusing on subjects which I enjoyed. I found a love for science, and the messy nature of the experimental method and I found myself drawn more and more to Physics. By the time I got to University, I thought I found my passion in Pulsars and Pulsar Mapping, and for a time this was my dream job and what I was working towards. Whilst at University, I studied an inspiring Medical Physics module, and my dream job once again changed to this field. Fortunately, after completing my degree, I have been able to pursue this, and for now I am happy with where I am – but I’m sure if you ask this question again in a few years, the answer will also be different.
Why did you choose Kent?
The green open spaces and friendly physics department.
What are your favourite memories from your time at Kent?
My favourite memories at Kent are those surrounding the friends I made along the way. Iconic ‘girls nights’ keeping the rest of our first year housemates up, and the nights in the Cherry Tree buying them a pint to make up for it!
What have you been up to since graduating?
Since graduating, I have joined the NHS Scientific Training Program (the STP) in Medical Physics, specialising in Nuclear Medicine, and I hope to complete this later this year. It is a scheme comprising of hands on clinical work, alongside studying for a masters. In my spare time, I have taken up baking and running (classic lockdown hobbies), and I also love going to music gigs, and travelling throughout Europe as much as I can.
What does your role involve?
I spend most of my time working in a clinical setting at the Royal Free Hospital. I perform quality control measures on the different equipment we use, as well as give advice to patients on the safety measures they have to abide by after receiving radionuclide therapy. I check nuclides before administration and well as clean up contamination incidences. Every day is different, as every patient is different, and I have to apply my scientific knowledge of radiation to help patients in their radionuclide treatments. As well as this, I study for my masters part time. On top of exams we are able to complete a research project, in which I am investigating the potential applications of quantitative SPECT CT in 177Lu-DOTATE therapy monitoring.
How do you apply the knowledge and skills you gained during your studies in your job and what advice would you give to students and fellow alumni?
As I studied a Medical Physics module, I use the knowledge I learnt in this directly on a day to day basis
What are your future plans / aspirations?
Once finishing my Master’s course, I plan to spend some time travelling – visiting parts of South America and South East Asia. After that, I would like to come back to my field, spending some time in both Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Protection departments.
Did you take a year in industry/abroad/placement? If so what were the highlights?
No, I didn’t – but as part of the STP we are allowed to take an elective, in which you can visit a different hospital or sector within a hospital, and for this I am spending some time in the Radiotherapy department in Singapore General Hospital.
What are the best and worst university moments?
The worst moments are seconds before you open your results, and the best moments are the seconds after when you’ve realised you’ve done well 🙂