Planetary scientist, Imperial College London
Caitriona Jackman, Planetary scientist
What were the main ‘career decision’ milestones in your life so far?
I always had a leaning towards maths and physics, and after the first year of my undergraduate degree at the University of Limerick I went with 20 Irish people to the London International Youth Science Forum.
This is an annual two-week science trip for people from all over the world. We had lectures on all types of science, and also day trips to universities and research centres near London.
I went out to the Mullard Space Science Laboratory, part of University College London, and was fascinated by the people I met there.
In the third year of my degree we needed to find a nine-month work placement, and I ended up going back to the Mullard Space Science Laboratory.
There I worked on Cassini data (from the Cassini space probe) for the first time, and that sparked my interest to go on and pursue my PhD in planetary science.
Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?
My parents have always been extremely supportive, both emotionally and financially. I was self-funded for my PhD – as a non-UK student I was ineligible for funding from the research council there.
I have always been pretty sure of what I wanted to do, and have been very lucky to have supportive family and friends, and to have encountered many good opportunities along my path.
My PhD supervisor at Leicester was also a great inspiration, very knowledgeable and helpful.
What education and qualifications do you have?
- Leaving Certificate (including maths, chemistry and physics)
- Applied Physics at the University of Limerick, final-year dissertation on “Galaxy formation and self-organised criticality”
- PhD in Planetary Science, University of Leicester. Thesis: “Solar wind magnetosphere coupling at Saturn”
Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?
My job is very flexible time-wise, which is good as I would definitely not describe myself as a morning person. It is also quite self-directed.
When I have deadlines, or when I’m feeling extra inspired or motivated, I work long hours, some evenings and weekends. In contrast, there are quieter periods where the working hours are not so rigid.
The travel to international conferences is also a great perk. I feel very lucky to do my job.
