Laurie Winkless

This poster, provided by STEMNET, introduces Laurie Winkless who is a research scientist at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). Laurie gained a BSc in Physics and Astrophysics, and went on to study a Masters in Space Science.

Laurie’s main project is for the European Space Agency, looking into the use of nanomaterials in the space industry. Nanomaterials are used in everyday products to make them lightweight and strong. However, their use in the space industry is limited and Laurie’s work is breaking new ground.

Laurie is passionate about communicating science to young people. She says, “I knew that I wanted to work in science when, at aged five, I used my first telescope to see the moon. Every scientist can pinpoint the moment or person who made them realise that science was what they wanted to do. Too many young people think science is a difficult and scary subject, and I’m committed to helping them see how fun and interesting it really is”.

Laurie is pictured outside the University of London observatory.

Acknowledgements
Photograph by Richard Cannon and provided by STEMNET.

• Download: http://stem.org.uk/fx6sf
• URL: http://stem.org.uk/rx3ho