Centres

SET Women - Leicestershire Women in Science Engineering & Technology

e-Book - Gail Iles - Postgraduate in Condensed Matter Physics

"Physics is not just for boys with toys!"

Sporting a zodiacal tattoo on each arm and a groovy new hairstyle, Gail says, "I have always loved science and the logic of the scientific method." She certainly breaks the mould of the stereotypical scientist.

Inspired at a young age by her scientist grandfather and engineer father, she never felt that being a woman was a reason not to get into SET. Even now, she says, "It's a stimulating, challenging and fascinating discipline that benefits from a mixed-sex culture."

After completing her science and maths A-levels, Gail juggled her time between several demanding jobs. She joined the Royal Signals Territorial Army unit, where she received ‘trade training' in operation of a Switch communications unit, then started working full-time with the Squadron carrying out vehicle maintenance. She also completed a Physics degree with the Open University, earning a Distinction in Quantum Mechanics. And if that wasn't enough, she also gave birth to "two gorgeous, healthy, fantastic boys."

Gail then worked in a variety of SET jobs. "I taught science, IT and maths Key Skills in an FE college and tested PCB-type chemicals in a laboratory." But her love of physics never waned, and eventually she looked back to HE for PhD opportunities.

Gail chose the University of Leicester's Condensed Matter Physics programme. Her cutting edge research on magnetic nanoparticles there is sponsored by TDK of Japan. "I use ultra-high vacuum chambers to manufacture nanoparticles of ferromagnetic materials. We measure their magnetic moment with the University's magnetometer and at international synchrotrons." Her aim is to find smaller and smaller particles that can be used in hard-drives and other recording media to pack in more gigabytes of data.

Always the successful multi-tasker, Gail has made sure she has soaked up the many opportunities for personal and professional development available in the university environment. "I enjoy teaching, and I currently lead undergraduate physics seminars and do lab demonstrations." She also has been integral to the design and teaching of a new degree programme called Interdisciplinary Science at the University.

Gail generously gives some of her time promoting science to the public. "I am a Researcher in Residence and go into schools to spread the good word of science to children." You may have seen her on television as well. "I recently appeared as one of the rocket scientists on BBC's Test the Nation. We won!"

When she's not being an enthusiastic scientist, Gail channels her boundless energy into diverse hobbies, including playing several musical instruments and participating in extreme sports. "I have completed thirteen skydives to date, looped the loop in a Cessna aerobat, and led six people off a mountain in gale force winds and snow." She is referring to training for the Three-Peak Challenge of climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in under twenty-four hours.

Even one of these endeavours may seem incredible for one person to pursue, but Gail is driven by an even more demanding goal: to become a British astronaut. "I want to be in the sky, to go into space, and to explore strange new things." If successful, Gail would enter the record books alongside Helen Sharman, the only other astronaut to go into space under the British flag.

Learn more about Gail Iles's work:
Condensed Matter Physics pages