Profile

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Viviene Dela Cruz

My CV

  • Education

    University of the Philippines then I transferred to City, University of London to pursue an Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree

  • Work History

    Student Ambassador for City, University of London
    Marketing and Communications Assistant at a start up company baserd in London
    Barista for a local coffee shop in a town in the Philippines
    Customer Service Representative for a call centre company

  • Current Job

    Development Scientist for High Energy Laser

  • Employer

    I work at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), in the Rutherford-Appleton Laboratory (RAL), specifically in the Central Laser Facility (CLF), in the division of the Centre for Advanced Laser Technology and Applications (CALTA).

    It’s always fun to know your acronyms, especially when you get them in the right order!

    Oh and we work under the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

    Having said all that, I would like to share this view that I see at the entrance whenever I go to the office/lab! 🙂

    • About Me:

      I’m a small girl who likes plants and double cream Oreos. I spend time reading and watching science-related stuff and when I’m not, I’m usually spending time with family and friends.

    • Read more

      I recently moved to Didcot for my placement year and while this is not my first time living away from family, it is my first time living with cats! I enjoy walking a lot (hiking would be a plus) and enjoy nature all around me. I like looking at the sky and wonder about stars and galaxies but it’s also because I’m a very short girl and looking up is my default when talking to people.

    • My Work:

      I’m building a small laser setup to check for damages in the bigger laser setup in the lab

    • My Typical Day:

      During Lockdown: My alarm wakes me up and that’s my signal to get up and spritz water on my plants. Then I do some stretches especially with my hands and check my science equipment. When I’m done with those, I get comfy in my bright blue thinking chair where I spend most of the day coding for my “damage checker” algorithm.

      Without Lockdown: I would wake up and prepare to go to the lab. I cycle lots of uphill roads and catch my breath every 20mins or so as my legs ache. When I get to the lab, I wear my safety clothes and prepare to tinker with laser equipment! 🙂

    • What I'd do with the prize money:

      Science anywhere you go! If I win the prize money, I will host a podcast that talks about how scientists and engineers draw inspiration from nature!

    • Read more

      Science and technology are always evolving with the growing needs of the world. I want to bridge the things scientists are studying and engineers are developing to everyone (yes, including you!) who will use these interesting inventions and discoveries one way or another or simply because you’re interested in it. 🙂

      By creating a podcast, I am hoping to reach a lot more people when I talk about how relatable science really is. I aim to reach a lot more people and to have a longer impact about learning science and technology. Experiments and studies could be complicated especially when we hear uncommon words but I aim to make these topics be more interesting rather than overwhelming for all listeners, be it kids or adults 🙂

    • My Interview

      • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        I'm funny sometimes

        What or who inspired you to follow your career?

        My dad used to be an electrical engineer and I wanted to know what he works on and along the way, I've found some inspiring people that affected my goals and career path

        What was your favourite subject at school?

        Physics

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        I wanted to be a radio show host and engineer

        If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?

        I would go for another engineering/science-based career

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        It changes from time to time but currently, I like Lifehouse

        What's your favourite food?

        RICE (fried, steamed, etc)

        What is the most fun thing you've done?

        I hosted my own podcast at university

        Tell us a joke.

        Why can't skeletons play music at church? Because they don't have organs!

    • My profile link:
      https://ias.im/u.264846

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