Martyna enjoyed using the skills she learned during her MPhys Astrophysics with a Research Year, degree to answer a real-world research question. It built a strong foundation for the next step in her career - a PhD in astronomy and astrophysics.
A physics day put the University on my radar
I went to a particle physics day at Southampton while in sixth form, and I was so impressed to see experiments I had learned about in action. When I saw that the physics programme offered a wide range of opportunities, like summer internships and a research year, I decided to apply.
The modules and assignments enabled me to explore the things that interested me. I still remember the excitement when I found a reasonable age of the universe in the computing project in year one. In the third year, I picked the computing module again to investigate a restricted three-body problem. The only limit to my analysis was my imagination!
My research year highlight
For me, the Year of Research in Southampton (YORiS) was the best part of the degree. It also made me realise I wanted to pursue research as a career.
It was exciting because it was a real research project, not just an exercise. I was doing something that nobody had done before and discovering something new.
The year culminated in my first published paper, which was incredible. It felt awesome to know that all the hard work was worthwhile, and that I had made my own small contribution to the literature.
A taste of industry
Through the University’s links with the South East Physics Network (SEPnet) programme, I had the chance to do a data engineering internship before my final year. It was great to see what it was like to work in industry and make a more informed choice about my next steps.
Joining societies to try new things
Through the Spaceflight Society and RESUS (Renewable Energy Society) I learned how to operate a robotic arm, made a small solar panel that worked, and went to a space engineering conference in London.
I was also involved in sports societies, like figure skating and bouldering. It was good for my confidence to meet new people and try lots of activities that were completely different to physics.
Inspiring others
I’m really enjoying my PhD and I’ve had some amazing opportunities, like presenting at conferences, collaborating and visiting other institutes abroad. I also do outreach in schools. Having been inspired by a brilliant schoolteacher myself, I’m happy to have the chance to get other young people excited about physics.
My advice to new students - push your comfort zones and keep your eyes open for any opportunity. Southampton has plenty of them!
