Age: 31

University: Auckland University, New Zealand

Qualifications: Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering

Job at RAL: Mechanical Project Engineer

Career:

Born and raised in New Zealand, Sam's keen interest in the way things work led to studying a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Following his time at University he spent a number of years working in the medical device industry. After moving to the UK four years ago, Sam worked as a engineer in a cryogenic and superconductive magnet company but the desire for new challenges led him to space science and his current job at RAL. As part of the team on the LISA mission, Sam has designed some of the mechanisms which will allow LISA to make very precise measurements of gravity waves.

Why did you choose a career in science?

Throughout school I didn't really know what I wanted to do, but I had always liked taking things apart and seeing what made them tick. When I finished school I had to choose a direction and engineering seemed to suit me the best.

What do you find most rewarding about your job and your field?

It is very satifisying to think that you are working on something as noble as space exploration, and the science holds the most fantastic merit. I believe that space science represents the pinacle of human effort, to develop our understanding of the universe is the most important thing we can do. Also space science is very challenging and LISA is a novel mission. That's the good thing about space science: you're always doing things that haven't been done before.

Why do you think other people should persue a career in science?

If you like pulling things apart? Whether physically (like taking apart your mum's television) or writing software, getting into the heart and guts of things, then you have to do this sort of job. It's never boring and there are always new challenges and problems to tackle; its fantastic.

What advice would you give to young people considering a career in science?

Think carefully about how specialised you want to become. If you have a more general background, you may find more opportunities. So unless you know of a subject you feel you really want to dedicate your life to, be careful not to specialise too early because you will find it harder to change later. Also unless you are really the type to write papers and study then be careful of how long you stay in academia, because if you're like me and like to get hands on, you'll get much more satisfaction by using and stretching your knowledge in industry. Europe is the best place to be a scientist or engineer because there is so many opportunities here, and they are always on the look out for new and inquiring young minds.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Mountain biking - I've just come back from 2 weeks in France doing downhill riding in the summer, which was quite an adrenaline rush. I also love to travel, so whenever the chance comes I'm off overseas. Other than that I spend too much time on my X-box, and am pretty addicted to the game Halo.