Hi, I’m Rachel!
Here are a few facts about why I’m so passionate about inspiring and empowering people just like you to explore opportunities in STEM…
My career specialism:
Technology.
My current role:
Software Team Lead at Blue Skies Space – a space start up aiming to improve access to space research for scientists.
When not STEM-ing you can find me…
Reading, running or planning my next campervan trip.
My favourite fun fact about my industry:
The first computer programmer was a woman – Ada Lovelace!
My career path:
I graduated with a degree in Biochemistry from The University of Edinburgh because I always wanted to understand how life works on a molecular level, and enjoyed annoying those around me by always asking ‘WHY’.
At University I was lucky to take some modules that introduced me to a bit of Python programming and really enjoyed the problem solving and quick feedback associated with coding.
From there I started working as a Software Test Engineer at a Biotech company, where software testing is the ultimate mix of coding and science! This means you experiment with code to see if you can either break it or prove it works.
After attending a Love Tech panel Q & A with Chris Stott and ManSat at Ballakermeen, I realised I could look for a career in the space industry too! 5 months later I saw my new role advertised on Space Careers UK and decided to take the plunge. Today I’m therefore a software team lead at a Space start up – combining the skills I’ve learnt over my career in Software Development and my teenage passion for space.
Although a computer science degree may have been a more traditional path into the roles I’ve chosen to follow, I’ve learnt that following your interests and taking risks in your career can lead to exciting opportunities, beyond what you might currently think is possible!
