Lauren Boon - College of Engineering, Mathematics & Physical Sciences

Hello,

My name is Lauren and I've just started studying for an MPhys in Physics with Astrophysics at Exeter.

During my time at the University of Exeter I'm hoping to gain some vital hands on experience in the world of research and truly develop the skills needed to thrive in physics and to allow me to contribute to our current understanding in my own future career.

I would like to personally thank you for your support in this process so that I may participate and excel in more of these opportunities to get the very best out of my experiences here, as well as ensuring that I do not need to worry about the expense of resources and equiptment and can focus fully on my studies.

I look forward to having the oportunity to thank you further in the future and demonstrate the support the scholarship will provide, as well as keeping you updated on my progress and future achievements.

Thank you very much.

Regards,

Lauren

Lauren Boon

Sir Steve Smith Scholar

Profile - Lauren Boon

Why did you chose to come to the University of Exeter?

I chose Exeter because it worked best for me. Through participation in the Exeter Scholars Programme, the outreach and support teams were incredibly helpful and informative in the tours and application process. The University has a comfortable and friendly environment with prestigious courses and lecturers who are experts in their fields.

Why have you selected your chosen subject of study?

I chose Physics and Astrophysics because I have always loved the idea of understanding the inner workings of the universe itself and the functions that allow it to exist. I find it humbling to consider that although seemingly insignificant in the vastness of what we can observe, our very existance makes us also the most significant as famously quoted "in understanding the universe, we learn to understand ourselves for we are as much a part of it, as it is a part of us."

What career aspirations do you have?

I hope to, one day, pursue a PhD in Astrophysics and allow myself to specialise. This will mean I'm able to actively partake in research and contribute to humanities collective knowledge of astronomy and maybe, some day, pass on this knowledge to someone just starting their academic career as I am now.

What will you be doing outside of study?

I'm currently a member of Physoc, SpaceExe and Femsoc. I think it's so important to have friends and do activities outside of academia and to do this with a diverse group of people from all different backgrounds and identities, as in science being able to communicate and work well with everyone is vital. I'm also hoping to get involved in some current research as an undergraduate if possible so that I am able to learn from the current experts in real time.

What does this scholarship mean to you and how will it impact your time at Exeter and beyond?

Being awarded this scholarship means alot to me and was a somewhat surreal experience when I found out. Thanks to your generous support I will now be able to activly participate at the very peak of my ability in more opportunities that are made available to me, as well as ensuring I have the proper resources and equipment in order to complete my studies. I hope that this will mean that beyond my degree I am able to secure a competitive placement as a researcher that will enable me to use my knowledge and experience throughout my career.