We work among extraordinary people doing extraordinary things; get to know some of them by reading these quick-fire interviews.
Name: Sian Tedaldi
Job title: Outreach Programmes Manager
What are you currently working on?
This is always a busy time of year for events, with open days, school visits, and preparation for the summer school. This year, I have also helped coordinate the Quantum Zone stalls at the Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition for the International Year of Quantum. I have really enjoyed working with our quantum tech researchers on this, and talking about the exciting work we do in Oxford.
Describe a typical day
We manage to cover a broad range of outreach and access activities for the department so my days are incredibly varied. Some days involve planning and preparing for events, and meeting with researchers or outreach staff. Other days, we are running events; you are on your feet all day, talking about physics and making sure everything runs smoothly! We are always thinking of different ways to promote the department’s research to the wider community and the public and so I might be scoping out an event that we could attend, working with a postdoc to discuss bringing a great idea to life or filling in a grant application to get essential funding for activities that could positively impact on lives. We also work directly with local schools and prospective students and so I might be delivering a workshop alongside Outreach Project Officer Lena Shams or supporting Kat O’Brien Skerry our Physics Access Officer. We are incredibly fortunate to have really enthusiastic researchers and we try to do all we can to help them share their work in the most effective way possible.
What got you into physics?
I was curious about how everyday things work, particularly the forces at play and the behaviour of light, and I enjoyed the challenge of maths. This naturally drew me towards physics.
If you had an entire day at your disposal (not at work/studying), what would be your ideal way to spend it?
I would go on a long cycle ride with my family and find a nice spot for a picnic. I also love visiting the coast but that is more of a challenge from Oxford!
What is your favourite place in Oxford?
I like being able to cycle to work from Abingdon along the Thames. It is a beautiful route, and I enjoy passing people out rowing and making the most of the river. The Isis Farmhouse, which is along the way, is also a lovely place to visit on a summer weekend.
Plan B: what would you be if you weren’t doing the job you are currently doing?
I might have studied geology and pursued a career as a geologist, with the chance to travel the world. I have started reading more about the subject in my spare time — I am currently enjoying The Map That Changed the World, which is a great read!