Women in STEM: Jacqueline Musiov, Physics

Jacqueline Musiov is pursuing her degree in physics from Swinburne University of Technology (Australia). Here she shares a little about her career in technology and the inspiration behind it.

What is your specific area of STEM?
Physics, with a minor in Chemistry

How would you explain your STEM field to young girls?
Entering into any STEM field is a marathon, not a sprint. Physics explains how the world works, and when you learn more and more about the universe, you begin to realise just how much is out there, and how much more there is to learn!
 
What traits might a child possess that may indicate an interest or aptitude for your STEM field?
When a child stares up at the sky every night, chances are they are wondering what is out there. I believe curiosity in a child is a good sign, as the children who try to understand their questions will do that later on in life. Children who are naturally gifted in maths and problem solving also develop good STEM skills.
 
What did you know about your STEM field when you were a child? 
I knew the bare minimum of any STEM field as a child. The schools I went to did not provide adequate teaching and/or tools. It was not until after high school when I started to explore my hobbies and interests that I found my passion in life - Science. As a huge science fiction fan, that also gave me the courage and confidence to go into the STEM field.
 
Why did you choose your STEM field? Were you inspired by someone?
I have always been an inquisitive person, asking 20 questions a day, asking how things work, why they work. The turning point in my life came when I was with my sister one day and we saw a cafe that had the sign of the caffeine element, my sister said that she wished she knew what that meant. For a moment I thought she was joking, but she was serious. From then on, I made it my mission to pursue my dreams of studying science (in particular Physics & Astronomy), in hopes of one day teaching young children the importance and joy of learning science!

What are some really cool things that people in your profession work on? 
Since my chosen field is Physics, many of my tutors and professors are Astrophysicists and Astronomers. Each year they send two or three students to Hawaii where they have the chance to look at the world’s biggest telescope and do some research. Many students also get the chance to visit major astronomy centres such as NASA.

What inspirational message would you give young girls to inspire them to pursue STEM? 
Never give up, and do not let your fear control you. Entering into a STEM field can be very scary most of the time, but it is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. You gain more than just a qualification if you choose to study a STEM degree, you gain an understanding of the world! Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths are all universal topics, so no matter where you end up, your skill can be used anywhere. When you enter the STEM field it's not just for the money, it's for the passion you have. If you love something, pursue it.
 

Thank you for contributing, Jacqueline!

---