Yesterday’s especially interesting guest on Radio 4’s Life Scientific was Sue Ions, nuclear engineer.
It was an unusually challenging interview by Jim Al-Khalili – probably better that way; Dame Sue was more than capable of giving a spirited & persuasive defence of the need for nuclear power, & the dangers of relying on wind for a supply reliable enough to keep our lights & computers ready to obey our commands.
The aspect of her career which especially intrigued me however was her education at a girls-only state school, where two inspirational male teachers – in chemistry & physics – motivated both her & her classmate & fellow Dame, Nancy Rothwell (Vice Chancellor of the University of Manchester) to take up careers in science.
Yet another example to set one pondering the part which luck plays in the life chances of us all.
Links
Penwortham Girls High School
Penwortham Girls High School Alumnae
President and Vice-Chancellor for The University of Manchester
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