Module 2 Unit 2

Speaker 1 John Doa, Chemist

Well, popular wisdom says too much television isn't good for children, but this is not the case with me. My interest in science was stimulated by the educational TV shows I saw as a youngster. Stories about dinosaurs got me captivated. I saw that everything 'cool' involved learning more, and that science was all about learning. Reading science fiction books was also great fun and introduced me to a number of interesting concepts. Actually, Isaac Asimov was one of my favorites. Besides, my parents are both teachers and they were very helpful in explaining things to me and learning about science. I chose to specialize in Chemistry because it’s a hands-on science and I love getting more and more familiar with lab procedures and equipment. I haven't yet decided what I plan to do in the future. At the moment I’m considering two possibilities: becoming a research chemist or going to medical school. But whatever I decide, there are plenty of opportunities to be involved in science in Canada. As far as I know, the job market for Chemistry graduates is very promising, with opportunities in industry and government, both in Canada and abroad. So I’m sure, my interest in science has led me to a future full of choices.

Speaker 2 Paul Fennels, Marine biologist

I was always interested in the in nature, generally - how the world works. Also I remember enjoying the BBC programme Wildlife on One. I wrote a letter to one of the featured scientists when I was 12 asking how to become a scientist. Besides, when I was a teenager my school had a work experience programme. I'd written to a local aquarium and they let me do a week there. This turned into a summer job - which was great. So when it came to the choice of specialization at university I didn’t hesitate too long and decided on Marine Biology. Now I’m doing my Master’s degree.

Actually, PhD sounds interesting but not quite what I’d like to do. I guess I have periods of doubt about whether being a research scientist is the right thing. It's not particularly well-paid at the moment. What’s more, all this paperwork is not my cup of tea at all. On the other hand, I imagine that my career will always be linked with science in some way. I mean, I’m absolutely fascinated by Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s crew expeditions and research and TV series. I’d like to do the same kind of things and learn more about the life in the ocean. So I’m trying to broaden my interests to include more of what I want to do. To tell you the truth, I’m dreaming of a job of a scientific journalist.

Speaker 3 Julie McPherson, Physicist

When I was really young I didn't really know what I wanted to do. I think that up to the age of 10 I had visions of being a lawyer. I remember thinking this job sounded very important. And my parents wanted me to study law not science. However, I'd always been really interested in finding out things. We lived very close to a large park, and I used to spend hours playing in the ponds and streams, collecting fishes and insects. I was also fond of reading sci-fi books. I used to turn my bedroom into some kind of workshop. I even made a little electronic piano when I was 14. By the time I entered my eighth form I knew a career in science was for me, though my parents were quite against the idea. At school I actually enjoyed physics more than chemistry. So physics for me represented the ideal choice, as I knew it was something I found easy to understand. Looking back it was definitely the best choice. So I went to Warwick University to study Physics. I’m planning to do my PhD here. I’d like to work in different labs around the world. Actually, I’m hoping to set up my own research group. I think the most important thing is being interested in the subject and having an inquisitive mind.

(Adapted from http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/elements/issues/04/student_jd_e.html; http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk/page.asp?id=3745)