“Being able to adapt to change is crucial”
In our series #WomeninScience, we will hear from the female scientific staff working on fastMOT, telling us about their roles in our project and their experiences of finding their career in science.
Meet our next guest, Shrouk Eid Zaki Ahmed, PhD student at Delft University of Technology.
Please tell us about yourself. What are you working on in fastMOT?
Hi, I am Shrouk, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Beni-Suef University (Egypt) in 2016, followed by my Master’s degree in Theoretical Physics (2021) with a significant contribution in the field of nanosensor applications using phononic and photonic crystals. As of April 2023, I am pursuing my PhD at the Department of Imaging Physics – Faculty of Applied Sciences at TU Delft as part of the fastMOT project. My research focuses on the development of an innovative fast-gated and ultra-high quantum efficiency superconducting nanowire single-photon detector, to enable multifunctional deep-body imaging with diffuse optics.
What would you recommend to young talents who want to step into working life?
I highly recommend focusing on continuous learning, building strong communication skills, networking with professionals in the field, and gaining hands-on experience through internships or projects.
I think the biggest challenge of working in science for me has been managing the balance between innovation and practicality.
What has been your most important learning in your career or life in general?
One of the most important lessons of my career and life has been the importance of resilience and adaptability. Life is full of challenges and unexpected twists and turns, both personally and professionally. Being able to adapt to change, bounce back from setbacks, and keep moving forward despite obstacles has been crucial to navigating through various situations and achieving success.
What has been your biggest challenge of working in science so far?
That is a good question, I think the biggest challenge of working in science for me has been managing the balance between innovation and practicality. In science, there is a constant push to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of knowledge, which is incredibly exciting. However, it can also be challenging to translate these innovative concepts into practical solutions that can be implemented in real-world applications. Finding the right balance between pushing the boundaries of research while also ensuring practicality and feasibility can be a delicate and complex process.
Thank you for the interview, Shrouk!
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