Stacie is an Olympic diver and an astronomer. She is currently a PhD student of physics at the University of Cambridge after graduating at the University of Southampton in Physics & Astronomy.
Stacie competed in the Beijing 2008 & London 2012 Olympics in the 10 metre individual dive.
Here at SciGirl we were fortunate enough to arrange an informal question and answer session with her which you are able to read below!
Do you incorporate the concepts of physics into your training as a diver?
Yes – it has helped me to improve the techniques involved to spin faster, jump higher and make less splash when entering the water! I have worked closely with teams of bio-mechanists to help optimise my technique – all of which is based fundamentally on physics principles.
What led you into astrophysics?
After diving from ages 6 it fascinated me that you could jump from a 10m board and make no splash. At school I learnt that all this could be explained with physics and wanted to know more. It wasn’t until I went to the University of Southampton where I learnt that there are more stars in the Universe than grains of sand on all the beaches on Earth! I realised how small Earth is and was eager to learn about the bigger picture.
What sort of interesting things are involved in your PhD?
I led an international team to write a programme which told the multi million pound Very Large Telescope (VLT) at the top of the Atacama desert in Chile which stars to look at, for how long, and with what instrument.
What opportunities has your degree given you?
I have travelled around the world to give talks on my Ph.D. work and to attend International conferences; consequently I have friends all over the world.
What do you hope to do in the future?
To confirm if there is a planet orbiting a star 10,000 billion miles away before I finish my Ph.D.
Do you want to go to space?
Yes… and return back to Earth.
Were you always interested in science?
Yes – I have always required a justification for everything and enjoyed the intellectual challenge it presented me.
Is physics your favourite subject?
Yes
Do you think that there are enough female scientists specialising in physics?
No, but I think it is improving as the stigma that was associated with studying physics is no longer as prominent.
What message would you like to give to the next generation of young female scientists wanting to pursue physics to higher education?
Think logically and don’t panic when you see an equation – most have very simple, neat explanations. Instead if you think how you can explain this equation in words to a friend you will quickly get a grasp on the overall picture.
What is your favourite pastime?
Watching baseball, especially the Red Sox.
What is your favourite food?
Pancakes
What is your favourite colour?
Purple
What is your favourite film?
Avatar
What was your favourite subject in secondary school?
Physics or Maths
Question & Answer with Stacie Powell
Getting Girls Interested in Physics.
