How to become an Astrophysicist | My path from school to research (2004-2020)
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- Опубликовано: 26 авг 2024
- I get asked a lot, especially by students, how I actually became an astrophysicist. So I thought I'd outline my path from high school to my current job at the University of Oxford.
Note this is focussed on the UK system but you should be able to draw parallels with your home country. Also note that my path was enabled by a whole heap of privilege as well.
If you want more advice about applying for PhDs and graduate school specifically, check out Matt O'Dowd's advice on @pbsspacetime • How To Become an Astro...
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My new book 'Space: The 10 Things You Should Know' is out now worldwide! (except US & Canada) You can pre-order it from amazon here: bit.ly/SpaceDrB...
News on US & Canadian publication coming soon.
Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when I post a new video!
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Dr. Becky also presents videos on Sixty Symbols: / sixtysymbols
and Deep Sky Videos: / deepskyvideos
Dr Becky Smethurst is an astrophysicist researching galaxies and supermassive black holes at Christ Church at the University of Oxford.
drbecky.uk.com
rebeccasmethur...
I'm not an 'A' grade guy but I'm completely into astronomy. When I said "I wanted to be an astro physisist", my friends started to laugh but I don't wanted to give my hopes off. So, I'm entering 11th grade and I will concentrate on my academics to be a better guy.
i'm glad you didn't give your hopes off and I hope you never do. All the best!!!!
Never give up! Pursue doing what you love. Sending lots of energy, you can do it! :))
A doctor who passed school with all C’s is still a doctor
When ever you feel stoping remember someday you can teach the world new thing that we’ll never knew otherwise
Update? Did you graduate form college?
37 years old and just started my BSc in Astronomy and Planetary Science. I have spent years making cocktails and travelling, and never thought I would get to turn my love of astrophotography and science in to something. But it turns out its never to late and there are routes in.
Was interesting to see your journey and would love to know what you discovered in your Thesis.
good for you man, wish I can do the same I am a mechanical engineer cant neither work in the field I have studded nor study what I love because here we don't have luxury to choose :(
Good for you. I admire you and people like RS. Maybe I should do the same, I had a chance at 23 and another at 31 and life and family got in the way. Maybe I should just do it. One is a long time dead.
Yeah me too. I am 30 yrs old, previously worked as software engineer, now preparing for entrance exams for masters in physics.
Good luck and best wishes to all who are trying new things.
Good luck
I'm in 12th grade right now and I'm absolutely in love with physics.....till my 10th grade, I used hate physics and math.
But I made a model of the James Webb space telescope for my 10th project in science ...that is when I understood how cool the subject is....
So after my 12th grade...I'm gonna take up bsc in physics and looking forward for astrophysics!!!
Nice! Similar story to me! Would love to see the JWST model 👍 good luck with your college apps!
im in 12th too, kinda stuck betwenn what to choose between neuro and physics
I’ve always wanted to do astronomy, but the pressure to do engineering is pretty high.
@@vidushichitravansh Where are you from? If you're from India I totally understand but i am glad i took up Physics with a specialization in Astrophysics and am currently in my final year of masters. I was confused between Physics and CSE because I loved programming but I have realised now that research in Physics is incomplete without coding ( i am going for more of a phenomenological/computational research). So I feel i took a great decision afterall. It is the best of both worlds, combining my love for Astrophysics and programming.
There was definitely pressure for taking CSE but i am glad i chose the path that i did so i suggest you do some research about the best career path for you and don't give in to the pressure afterall you will have to live with that career choice.
Harshita Bhuyan Yes ma’am, I am from India, and I can’t express how grateful I am for this. I don’t know anyone who went for this and seeing successful people like you drives me to do better. Thank you so much.
If you don’t mind me asking, from where are you doing your master’s degree?
Hearing stories like this inspires me to carry on my path to being a scientist. It's really tough not having people to talk to about your passion
"Every kid starts out as a natural-born scientist, and then we beat it out of them. A few trickle through the system with their wonder and enthusiasm for science intact." -Carl Sagan
"Kids are never the problem. They are born scientists. The problem is always the adults. They beat the curiosity out of kids. They outnumber the kids. They vote. They wield resources. That's why my public focus is primarily adults." -Neil deGrasse Tyson
Of course, they aren't born good scientists. That takes lots of training and effort.
Technically, we're born as fantastic scientists. The first five years is almost entirely experiments and refining theories based on evidence. Unfortunately toddlers are poor at documenting their results so they're under-represented in the literature.
There was a study that found kids at age 2 average something like 110 questions an hour but when they start school it drops to 1 - 2 questions per hour and as they get older, they stop altogether. The study found two-hour periods with 10 and 11 year olds asked not a single question.
This article includes the following observation: 'a ninth-grader raised her hand to ask if there were any places in the world where no one made art. The teacher stopped her mid-sentence with, "Zoe, no questions now, please, it's time for learning."'
@@satyris410 Excellent points, about an appalling reality. When I first went from private preschool to publicly-funded 1st grade, I was appalled by the teachers' requirement that, as I put it at the time, "They want me to sit still, shut up, and don't learn." :/ Of course, _I never really obliged them,_ and always asked questions no matter how much they disapproved. As it should be. Student do not attend school in order to make teachers' lives easier!
Curious people think everyone is curious like they are. Most people are not.
Love that quote
'All the cool kids did physics'
True story.
Yep can confirm from Canada as well
@@megan7258 bro where do you live in canada please tell me the name of the city please
@CRÊDØW Victoria bc
You could tell all the cool kids, they all sat at the cool table for lunch!😂
Oh my god I’ve actually come across your PhD thesis while working on my lab report for a university astro project this year on galaxy transformation in galaxy clusters! Was a very useful reference!!
Haha, you’re welcome!
Dropped out of college my Sophomore year, tried community college twice to no avail. Now I’m 25, back with the parents and taking online classes to get a degree in Physics. It’s hard, so hard but seeing how happy you are motivates me to stay on the path. The goal is a PhD and as interested as I am in space, i’m finding myself more and more interested in the quantum world. Anyways ive completed my Calculus requirements and am currently taking my first Physics classes. I wasn’t expecting to have to know how to code but being a scientist sure would be the hell out of any job I’ve had.
Didn’t mean to make this about me, you just really inspire me to dial in on my goals.
Thank you!!
Bro I'm 24 and pursuing a degree in astrophysics. Currently enrolled in community College and just recently applied to an internship at the SETI Institute. I've had a hard time with school specifically math and took 2-3 years off. Cheers to both of our journeys.
I just want you to know how much I appreciate seeing a comment like this. I'm only 18, and I dropped out of my first year of college due to some personal issues (despite actually quite liking school) and now seeing so many of my old friends go off to uni and seeing them pursue such fascinating subjects has made me feel a little behind as much as I wouldn't like to admit it 😭. I keep debating wether or not I should go back because I'm scared I'll be seen as a lost cause for some reason but your comment put me at ease just knowing there's other people in the exact same boat as me only slightly older who are brave enough to put the scary stuff aside and just do it. So thank you
I’m 25 and wanting to go to school online for astrophysics! Which college do you attend if you don’t mind me asking?
This is a great share. Rarely do we hear the HOW of things, how someone became who they are. Thanks for sharing this with us ❤️
Linda Harrison thanks Linda 🤗
@bogen broom cool
@@DrBecky Is your hob actually fun most of the time..or dont otn you get sick of going to the same office and sitting indoors day and get fistracted and depressed?
@@DrBecky Thanks for sharing. I hope you can respond when you can. Doesnt it get depressing and boring going to the same place everyday and being stuck sitting in an office most of the day? Thanks.
@@leif1075 her father's advice: "Doing something you love, and you'll never work another day in your life." She loves her job, like anyone who successfully turns their dream into their full-time job, they don't find it boring or depressing.
Please give us a video on your PHD thesis :)
Yes please
I literally honestly can’t imagine my life without physics and I honestly am so glad I found this channel, I am preparing for my university entrance exams being in year 12 currently, and everything I do now is motivated by astrophysics ! And such a close look into this job just makes me want to live it one way or another. Thank you thank you thank you so much for this channel, Dr Becky I hope to see you in some future physics conference!
What a lovely message to receive. So glad I could help show you what life is like as a physicist. Good luck with all your studies. You got this!
How are you doing now?
I love how she acknowledge everything she had. Privilege, status of the country
Thank you for this video! My 10 year old daughter wants a career in astrophysics.
bogen broom Dude get out of here with that flat earth nonsense.
use article 26 of the U.N. declaration of human rights for her university education. it includes toution, books, housing, travel, and food costs... contact you mp/senators office for assistance or contact the U.N. directly
You are winning as a dad. Congratulations!
My daughter is obsessed with space and science. She wants to be an astrophysicist. She is 14.
Boys can do it as well apparently.
Sadly as someone coming from the US, even £9000/year sounds really cheap for an undergraduate degree
Well then you'd be wrong. £9000 ($11,700) only covers tuition fees. Average cost of accommodation is £5000 ($6,500). That's before you eat. According to the US Dept. of Education, the cost of undergraduate fees, tuition, room and board at a public college averaged $16,700 in 2016 and a separate study put it at $20,770 in 2018.
The costs are actually very comparable across the UK and US. The big difference is that essentially all UK universities are public (although independent) bodies, whereas some Americans look down their noses at public schools. Sure, if you want to go to an Ivy League school you'll pay three times as much. But then, let's be clear, you are paying for status, not for an education.
@@ps200306 Perhaps but the U.K. has debt forgiveness, in the U.S. that debt follows you forever.
@@oldmanfunky4909 , good point. But that's why the US will eventually see a trillion dollar default on student debt.
@@ps200306 School or university? Make up your mind.
@@ChrisPage68 , how would I do that? There is no consistent usage across Europe and the US.
MISTAKES! WHOOPS!
The most alarming of which is at 09:21 when an extra zero snuck into the UK average salary - that should read £27,000 per year 😳
00:40 - that should read 2004, not 2014! I'm clearly not that young
03:44 - should read 2008, not 2018 - again, not that young.
I'm so used to writing the years with 1s in them, an easy mistake to make. Even a month into 2020 I'm still writing 2019 by default when I write the date 😅
Thanks to all who pointed those out. Editing Becky is very sorry.
I'll make that video about my PhD research to make up for it
_"... an extra zero snuck into the UK average salary ..."
Close enough; it's just one order of magnitude off.
See, and here I was thoroughly impressed you'd managed to go from A levels to PhD in little over a year ;)
@@dtnicholls1 haha, actually PhD to A-level in one year.
An order of magnitude is neither here nor there to an astrophysisist.
@@michaelsommers2356 An error no one would really complain about (well except for the people who have to pay those salaries)
i love how you RADIATE happiness. it’s amazing to see ppl who pursue careers that they love! it’s inspiring
Woah is this a si_ku pfp?
10:00 - Of course we would like to learn about your results!
Upvote
@@bluesmasterelf Watch "Quantum Mechanics" on...
ruclips.net/video/UymZR_N4GIM/видео.html
Yes indeed!
Are you kidding? It would be ridiculous to NOT learn about it!!!
That is why we subscribe to your channel. To learn about stuff that you are an expert in.
I'm not a physicist, but I was drawn to biology-type studies, particularly human physiology and biochemistry. At your age, I was also blessed with being close to a number of "stellar" bodies in the field. It is difficult to convey the amazing atmosphere of being there at that time. Most people can't possibly "get it". Cheers, Dr. Becky!
Physics was my least favorite last semester. Yet, somehow I cannot stop looking forward to fall classes for more physics 😂 why am I like this
I just turned 18 and until now I never knew what i wanted to do. I knew that I wanted to become a researcher and go into science but I never knew which field of science I wanted to go into. Your videos just reminded me of my love for astronomy as a kid and when I was younger would sit in front of the Tv just watching docus about the universe and astronomy for hours on no end and read every new article that would be published on the NASA website. But I was always told that I probably wouldn't get a job afterwards if I would study Astronomy or Physics and now thx to you my love for space reignited into a much brighter flame and I decided to go against everybodys opinion and study astronomy. Thank you for that motivation!
So wonderful to hear Marie! The people who say you can't get a job after a degree in Physics or Astronomy are the people who don't realise that this kind of research happens. Or that associate degree with job (i.e. Engineering degree becomes Engineer, Law degree becomes Lawyer). A physics degree is essentially a logical problem solving degree and that's useful for so many jobs! Good luck with all your studies :)
Two years later, how’s it going?
1:50 I thought you were going to say "I went to an all girls school..away from those, sort of, wierd....BOYS!"🤣
or "those humans with a dodgy version of one of chromosome pair 23"
Am boy; am weird. Is there other condition?
2:13 that hair flip needs to be a standard gif keyboard item
Forreal tho
At least emoji!
Its great that you've acknowledged that not everyone is privileged to be born in a country as such. I am a 12th grader(finished it) from India. I am not from a poor family but for me to pursue what I love (astrophysics), I've to go to another country, which is really really expensive for international students. If i had the same tuition as you i'd happily go even if that's a lot of money. per year, its 25000 euros for international students. Is it my fault to be born in this country? am i just supposed to shut down my passion and do engineering to end up as a low paid software engineer? This is really unfair. We are loosing many geniuses like this. I don't know if anyone is gonna read this. feels like i am screaming into the abyss. anyways, there's a lot more i want to say but it feels pointless. Ig, being scared, worried and depressed about our future is the only thing that i can do.
If you really love astrophysics, which means you invest time into becoming knowledgeable in the field it would be hard for people to not notice you. By this I mean getting in touch with places near you, showing your worth. I am sure there is some astrophysics course in India you can take to gain knowledge, even online ones! It's not like the whole of astrophysics knowledge is tucked away in university walls. Yes, being born in India may limit you more than in other countries but if you are passionate enough then there is always a path. It depends on your hunger for the subject. Please don't give up without giving it some serious consideration.
Why don't you go to IISc? after graduating from IISc its basically free life, u can get a full tuition covered integrated phd from the us or u can go for masters in europe and then phd, almost all free of cost.
i dont think you have to go abroad to study astrophysics if you are an indian . there is an institution in Pune called Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA ) where you can pursue msc in astrophysics . Sorry for my bad english 😅😞
Crazy, yeah true I use LinkedIn to network with people I want to know to understand anything
@@12679dddbro there are many universities in India which offer masters and PhD degree, but problem comes when we talk about bachelor degree, either you would have to do btech in aerospace engineering or BSc in some related field, and there are very few colleges offering bachelor degree
Your passion is outstanding! As a scientist myself, I struggled to find my way (Biology), even studied medicine and practiced for a short time only to discover that I wasn’t being true to myself. I hope and pray that more people, especially women, will hear what you are saying in this video and make an educated assessment of their life choices. Bravo Rebecca👍
It's amazing how you're able to talk so eloquently and passionately without even dropping a syllable! and in one take! :) Thanks, I really enjoyed hearing your astro journey. Weirdly, I also appled to Astrium after my Astro degree, then also went into Aerospace Engineering just because basically it had space in the title and was better than the shelf stacking I was doing. Found it soul destroying though, so after several years did a second degree in Radiography, so at least I get to do some kind of scientific imaging :)
You and my daughter shared the same fear of leaving school for the real world of work while not being sure of what you wanted to do. Both of you resolved it and are happy with your careers! 🥰
Glad to hear it! People don’t talk enough about how terrifying it is to move on from school/university
so glad I found this channel, I've been needing motivation to study physics, college is returning activities here in Brazil in a remote way and it's kinda hard to put enough effort at home. You are an inspiring scientist
Ooo this was so interesting to watch! I'm a freshman in university right now studying physics, but still don't exactly know my path for afterward yet. It was comforting to hear that you both took some time off and then were able to switch jobs when you weren't happy in one!
Glad I could help!
Wow Becky you’re so driven, I’m 66 now I’ve never known what I wanted to do in life. It’s only now since retiring I’m beginning to think what I want to do. Still I’m not sure. I feel I’ve wasted my life ☹️
Dude once you get passionate about anything, I mean, seriously passionate, you will rise to the top or rise to the point where you want to implement the knowledge. I'm full on into vintage sailing technology, honey bees, and drones. There's so much cool stuff you can do with very little money. Don't get me started on my quest to make a glass-table sized reflector mirror! Who cares if it fails just go for it becaus it's fun!
Thanks for your thoughts
I do so know what you are talking about.
We are all adventurers with potential to rise above, no matter the age :)
Here is a cool fact for you: the founder of KFC, the world famous food chain did not start off until he was 65! Copying from an article online: The real Col. Sanders was an entrepreneur who didn't become a professional chef until he was 40, didn't franchise Kentucky Fried Chicken until he was 62, and didn't become an icon until after he sold his company at 75.
Choosing to quit your job which was paying you well and going back to research to do a PhD shows how much passion you have for the subject and the risks you are willing to take for the sake of it. You are a true scientist Dr Becky!
listening to your journey is literally sending butterflies in my belly... its just everything that I imagined about being a scientist and even more... just finished high school...ooooooh.... can't wait to live my dream
Every kid in the world should watch this video. What an inspiration!
I love that Taylor Swift song 'fifteen' First time I heard it as the chorus comes in unannounced with those beautiful lyrics I nearly fell off my computer chair. Second trip around the chorus she adds a D/F# chord to soften and change the structure. A genius moment for Pop.
OMG! I love Taylor Swift! #swiftie
@@adithiv6011 I can't call myself a swiftie 'cause like I'm over 30 and a guy but she is one of the very best songwriters for Crossover country Pop EVER. I play her songs on guitar and piano often.
@@MICKEYISLOWD A Swiftie is anyone who understands, supports, appreciates and is totally into Taylor's music and into her and who loves her. Age and gender don't matter.
@@adithiv6011 I must be a Swiftie then. So glad Taylor re-recorded all her albums after the rights were sold behind her back. The re-recording's do sound better so not too many people will buy the originals and they won't get the 300 million back where as Taylor will make huge sales as her vast crowd of loyal devoted fans will rebuy every album over again.
Hi Dr. Becky, this inspires me. I'm recovering from a head injury and playing with languages (Farsi, Hebrew, Greek, Scotts Gaelic) and math is part of my cognitive recovery. You inspired me to learn physics and coding - just signed up for a Python bootcamp on Udemy! I remember how fascinated I was in the intro astronomy class I took in uni twenty years back. I love my work as a frontline health care worker, but also dream about returning to school to explore maths, physics, neuroscience, and speech sciences. Greetings from Canada!
Keep rewatching this for motivation while doing lab reports or revision
You are such a doll! I can't wait to share this video with my grandkids :) Oh my, GRAND kids! now I feel old again....
Its been remarkable to follow your videos, but i've been an outsider to the world of astronomy as i'm a marine biologist and conservationist. So to hear that you're a SCUBA enthusiast and that you did stuff in the Bahamas makes your journey that tiny bit more relatable, so thanks for sharing that tidbit too :)
You have a brilliantly inspiring story and you're an immensely motivational speaker about your journey and your field.
Im still in my teens and i love space, astronomy blackholes etc. and your career path really inspires me!
Wow, Becky, four A's for four A levels is an impressive feat, double kudos.
Your introduction was great!
I was going to do physics but I’m too feral. So I went for geology because I like to freeze my rear off atoning Lake Superior. I actually never changed my major. Despite what people think geology requires a lot of physics, maths, and chemistry.
Congratulations on you doing you! Well done!
I'm 22 years old and I'm starting uni in September (again, the first time I dropped out because I picked a subject everyone wanted me to do and not what I actually wanted), and it may be a little late but I'm hoping I can follow your path and become a brilliant scientist who loves their job!
I wanna say you alongside the many greats have inspired me to attend university and study astrophysics. I've been obsessed with cosmology and theoretical particle physics my whole life.
I realised that my life is just like yours.. I love physics and my dad also gave me the same advice.. One day i will become some one just like you... ❤️Thank you so much for advices and showing me the path of my life.... Thank you miss....
I have always been interested in unravelling the mysteries of the universe. I am currently in my final year of my 5 year integrated MSc programme in Physics with a specialization in Astrophysics and High energy physics ( the programme is somewhat similar to yours, we don't graduate after bachelors either). Looking forward to hopefully join a PhD program and do research soon. You're inspiring.
I'd love to hear about your PhD work. Maybe with some more video of you visiting those telescopes? Always interesting to get that "view from the inside".
Thanks for this deep share, you are truly a great person. I messed up my life become an economist instead of a architect, and I'm working hard in my 40s to somehow correct my mistake. Now you showed people how to make good decisions in their career and that's a great thing! 👍
I get the feeling that not only will you contribute to furthering our understandg in astrophysics but , maybe even more valuably, you'll encourage a new generation of kids , especially girls, into sciences. Well done you!
Interesting hearing a run-through of the UK educational system, a bit different than ours in the US. Cool that Oxford calls their Fall Term "Michaelmas". Who knew.
Thank you for sharing the path you took. I remember (many years ago) trying to understand not only what my goals were but how in the world to reach them. Hope this helps someone starting on their journey.
It's equal parts brilliant and depressing hearing someone with such passion talk about their life and career. Especially hearing such positive things about your education! I've always loved the idea of science but grew up in the 80's/90's with undiagnosed ADHD, so school was a nightmare of underachievement and missed opportunities.
I still hope for the day I can start a journey into something I really love and make a living from it!
A great overview Dr Smethurst.
This should be shown by all secondary/senior schools at the start of each year to clarify the process of further education and show how a love for a subject, with determination, it can be achieved.
Oh yes and if it is shown, I think we just found a way to double the STEM uptake ❤🧡💛💚💙💜🖤
You can love a subject and show determination, yet still not succeed.
Thank you so much for sharing the HOW. It helps us "scientist to be" to relate on what were going through and where we want to be. Thank you Dr.
Omg wow, I can relate so much with this! I am currently in my masters and like you feel unsure on what to do next. Glad to see that you continued down this path, cause it was worth it. Thanks for sharing your story. You should definitely come visit us in South Africa at the Astrophysics Research Centre and collaborate on the Square Kilometre Array project.
I'm so glad to hear that after your PhD you pursued a career in the field, and we have all benefited from it. I spent my career as a computer engineer and I can't tell you how many PhDs in physics I know wound up working in software because the money was good.
11:30 I remember the video of you shooting the cork into the ceiling and how you were excited because it made a "binary dent."
It was very cool.
I'm 31 and finally found out what truly gives me that feeling of undying thought,interest,passion and hunger. So i go to my day job come home and watch videos. Don't be like me. Don't let money be your motivator, and don't be like me. IF you want to drop everything now and go get it, it's never to late but i've accepted it is for me personally. Just maybe... i can inspire someone else though that's my goal!
Yes! Yes yes yes yes yes!
(Answering your question about a video based on your thesis.)
Love this, can hear the passion in your voice. I myself am on the journey to be a scientist and hopefully starting a degree in astrophysics in September, fingers crossed on getting the grades.
I'm doing IB and will be heading to uni in September 2024. I'm so excited to study physics and astronomy. I know it won't be easy, but I don't care about money as long as I'm doing what I love, I know everything will work out. Thanks to your dad for the awesome advice.
8:08 now that's something really interesting to hear. Being an engineering student (kinda in between electronics and physics), I struggle thinking about what I really wanna do after I graduate. Similar to what you did, I'm now doing some research work in Condensed Matter Physics but I always wonder if a job in the industry would be cooler than "only doing research" (which can be too theoretic for my taste sometimes).
Going for a job in engineering wouldn't be the "do what everybody is doing" track in my context anyways (Im from Brazil). The majority of people doing STEM here look forward to jobs in the finance sector, which pays muuuuch better than anything else.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I really appreciate it.
Great informative video, I’m just approaching 60 and after a military and law enforcement career, Im just about to finish my 4 year law degree in October , I think I appreciate study and knowledge even more now as I get older , hope to eventually practice as a Barrister here in Australia, these type of back stories really provide motivation, “The harder you work, the luckier you get” 👍
Love your enthusiasm, seeing something about your PhD would be great. I have been a Physics teacher for a while now am considering going back to university to do a PhD. Thanks for the inspiration.
Awesome Job! I'm sure that all of us can agree that we are very very proud of you! Cheers to another intellectual in society who may just know how to make a difference in the minds of the inspired youth of our world. Phenomenal Job!!!
I am speechless....I am speechless...You are giving me the confidence to pursue my goal!!!!Thank you...I am extremely thankful
I love your videos, I keep sharing them to my daughter who is going through university right now. Thanks!
I got three same Burt of advice: Do something you love... too., And I agree, it was the best bott off adviced I ever got.
As to a video of your PHd, yes please.
I love this, thank you do much! October 2020 I decided I wanted to be a Cosmologist (Study of the Universe) and I graduate 2021, I knew that I had to get my PhD because I want to be in NASA, which is going to be a lot of money, so I just joined the Army National Guards to help with the financial aid part since my family is poor.
Thanks for sharing your journey into science. My father was born in 1940 in rural Mississippi and was captivated by a traveling van that the government sent out to recruit young people into the sciences because, you know, the Manhattan Project and all that. He dreamed of discovering new elements but by the time he got his Ph.D. in 1968 the elements had pretty much all been discovered and he realized that he like the education environment. I was born in 1964 and I remember playing at the by modern standards laughably primitive computer lab when he was doing Ph.D. stuff (I remember building houses of cards with Hollerith cards). In my turn I was playing with the computer in his nuclear physics lab in 1974 and I went on to build industrial control systems. My wife had her own journey which caused our paths to intersect at university, and our love of science was one of the things that drew us together. We have learned so much and yet have so much more to learn it is an exciting time to live.
"Back off man. I'm a scientist."
i love this so much i wish corona wasn’t happening so i could understand what i’m doing in my final two years of high school
Legit the truest comment ever man
Hi Dr Becky, I am so Glad I found this channel which gives me a greater conviction to pursue a research career. I am currently at Crossroads: pursuing a PhD or a job in industry. I am from Singapore and I am easily influenced by jobs offered in a fast-paced city! (Grad schemes with better salaries, you name it!) I have been always curious in science but never thought I would make the cut as I am not “talented” enough.
After viewing your videos, I realised that a scientist is just like any other person. They appear to be “extraordinary” simply because they dedicate so much time and effort into their field! (Having a passion for it helps) Your videos definitely made a positive impact on my perspectives and I’m really thankful!
You’re very welcome 🤗 I’m glad I could help
i’m coming back to this video in my last year of school, having just received an offer from durham for an undergrad masters in physics and astronomy, with the plan being to do a PhD at oxford after i’ve finished my degree! thanks for inspiring me :)
As kid, my father bought me a different children’s encyclopaedia for Christmas every year. After 35 years working as a jobbing scientist, I blame dad, his Christmas presents made me curious of the world (and beyond). I was lucky, I got paid by the government to go to university.
I just love your videos.....I also want to be an astrophysicist but I didn't know to be one.people like you have a great impact on my life.whenever i feel off, i watch videos like this to keep myself motivated.actually that's how I stumbled upon your videos....Keep doing what you do and post more videos like this in the future plus I like it when you sing songs...they are actually great..😍😍.Lots of love from India🇮🇳.please do reply if you see this ....
Thanks Karthik! good luck with everything and hopefully we’ll bump into each other at a conference some day
When I was a kid I loved stars and anything space-related. Now I'm almost 30 and I love stars and anything space-related. In high school though, science was so mind-numbingly boring that I never even saw studying astrophysics as an option. I recently found my old cosmology textbook, which was full of really interesting stuff. What's more interesting though is that I didn't even remember having had cosmology in high school. High schools really are experts in crushing any form of passion in favour of easy-to-grade parroting.
Anyway I'm taking an amateur astronomy course this year and next year I'm going to seriously look into adult education so I can try and pick up what high school made me drop. Hearing how you went about it was quite encouraging so thanks. It's always nice to see people you look up to be down to earth.
You’re an inspiration to so many, What a story.
I admire you so much.
36yo and about to start my intergalactic journey into, hopefully one day, becoming a microbiologist. See you there.
This was really inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us.
I went into the sciences as well and remember as clear as day the people that inspired me that showed me that it was possible to fully embrace the nerd in ourselves and seek answers from nature. I can imagine how many kids you're inspiring every day and it just makes me so happy. You do such a great job of keeping your feet on the ground and being the worlds most relatable PHD and astrophysicist.
Interesting path. I am glad you got out of the program management stuff at Rolls Royce propulsion, and back into your calling to be an Astrophysicist. I read a lot of biography. One of my other favorite stories is Émilie du Châtelet's. I just wish that the 18th century was not so ignorant as to what math and science was about and would have included her more in her present and in her history. Her path was so much different than today, but very inspiring. I am an Electrical Engineer with a Master's degree. I can't help but think what she could have done with a computer and a different culture. I think your story reminds me of the similarities and differences in the path to getting a degree no matter who you are. I can see how your story can inspire people to take up Astrophysics, and remind them along the way that they will have difficult choices to make. It is also a practical description others can follow as to how to become an Astrophysicist. I like channels like yours because as an Engineer, I can't really study Astrophysics. I just use science and math as a tool to get things done. With your channel, I can at least catch up on things. I also really wish I could study theoretical math more often, but I "choose" engineering because I needed the money and I am like a "B" math student.
I also longed to be a scientist especially cosmologist since my childhood. Whenever i see stars in the night sky tremendous questions boggle my mind.
Thanks for sharing your path to be a scientist. I hope you come up with a great research work in future mam.
I went to university so long ago that I was given a grant to go and learn. I also got a travel allowance (I lived well away from the campus) which I used to buy a motorbike.
Things have changed a bit in 47 years.
Belated congratulations, Dr. Becky, on earning your PhD and becoming an astrophysicist! Best wishes to you and all your endeavors.
Really enjoyed you showcasing your journey to becoming an Astrophysicist. Your dad gave great advice "Find something you love doing and you'll never work a day in your life". I remember in the 80s the publicity of NASA and the space shuttle. I was just fascinated by all of it. In 8th grade, I discovered computers and coding; to this day just enjoy everything about the field even the days when tech goes wonky. Love love love the STEM field as there is so much analyzing and questioning to find answers to questions we don't know. Its refreshing to hear a person talk about something other than what they ate or what they bought.
Two thumbs up for finding what you love to do and succeeding in your field.
i just finished reading your book it was really cool!!!
Thanks 😊
@bogen broom thanks I will👍
@@spacecat7330 "200 proofs by Eric Dubay" That's flat earth stuff, hope you have gotten, or are going to get, a good laugh out of it. The best part of it is, it's not even original work, he stole it from another flat earther XD
Yesterday's students: "£25,000 is a lot of money."
Today's students: "Hold my beer."
Honestly, I saw that bit and I wanted to cry haha mines gonna be around £80,000
Yes haha. When she mentioned 3k a year tuition, my jaw dropped as to compared to my loans today lol.
@@slimxshady6111 man I WISH my tuition was 3k a year. 9k a year is gonna be around for me for like half my bloody life
Yes, some of them are in so much debt that they will never get out of it, plus some of them have worthless degrees,that will be of no use to them in the real world.
Hello, Becky. I´m Roque. Nice to meet your cosmic channel. "Working on jet engines, dreaming rockets and missing space travel." That image moved me deeply. Thanks.
1:50 Notice Becky's feet are the HIGHEST in that jump. More energy, enthusiasm and life in every moment of her than in most people all day.
man, it's crazy how little scientists, who are literally the future of humanity, get paid. Uff.
@Dr. Becky Well done, this is an incredibly motivational video to watch when you just finished your first three semester lab trainig project and are a bit sad about not being able to do anything practical for the next year or so.
I am finally switching from eng phys to astro phys I always loved learning about the universe and I'm pumped to start this journey
Good lord, I feel old. When you were entering high school, I was deploying to Iraq.
I loved science in school, and physics was always my favorite. The military took over my life and goals for a while, and the occupational specialty I acquired while serving derailed my goals of either geophysics or astrophysics into becoming an engineer. I still love getting engrossed into some good physics articles, but I've come to realize I'm definitely an engineer. I want to know how everything works, but I want to make everything work, or work better.
My point is, I hope everyone keeps an open mind for career paths and allows some flexibility in letting the right one find them. Experience is the key to discovering passion. And, thank you for sharing your path.
Please talk about your thesis? It's always a treat when a scientist explains their work in an approachable format, such as a youtube video.
Thank you soo much for your inspiration.
Actually, iam 13 years old girl
And really want to become an astrophysicist.
And this video makes me inspired ❤️🌌
Glad I could help! 🥰
@@DrBecky
Thank you soo much for your reply.
Am soo happy that an astrophysicist reply to me
❤️❤️
Honestly, really interesting, was not expecting to watch so many of your videos, but they were really cool, you've got a knack for talking and keeping things engaging. The sign of a really intelligent person is being able to talk about complicated topics and explain them well to not as intellectual apt people, and i am that lmao, so, thanks. Got a new sub, keep it up!
Excellent and clearly explained story of your road into the places you love.
Looking back I too remember fine tuning my direction through colleges until I ended my education scoring the highest mark, doing a film and television HND.
I like that photo of you alongside Michael Merrifield and Phillip Moriarty at my workplace - the Uni. Of Nottingham. I may have passed you in that building at some point, and I've certainly had a peek up at the skies through the telescope behind you.
When I was seven my parents took me the The Royal Greenwich Obervatory at Herstmonceux and the modern design and size of the Isaac Newton telescope blew me away, especially as I'd recently watched the film 2001....
"Did the cool stuff, like radioactivity"
Preach!!!!
Yeah, my government was like, you can't make Americium fissile given any reasonable amount of smoke detectors. Now I'm a slave to the man.
@@pdutube hehehe I did that math on that once, I think you needed something like 3 trillion smoke detectors :D
@@BeCurieUs It's taking a back seat to my tumbled rock collection. Still, no pain, no gain.
11:42 You know you’re on the right side of RUclips when you can name every person in the photo :)
Yeah...Sixty Symbols!
Thanks Becky, your material is great. Not just for me, but for two daughters that are finishing high school and need that extra encouragement to follow dreams. Like your dad, I try to pass on the same saying about career, so it all definitely resonate. I am one of your newest fans.
You're just living the dream i got, a perfect sci-fi bookish character.😊