The role

I worked as a Radiation Protections Physicist within the Health, Safety and Environmental Protection/ Radiation Protection/ Accelerators and Sites Section. 

My role encompassed learning the foundational physics background on radiation and its physical measurements, its effects, followed by protective quantities.

My role then narrowed into radiation protection assessments through FLAIR simulations and benchmarking the data from our experimental results. Finally finishing with material definitions in the FLAIR database. I learnt to use the Fluka / FLAIR software to make models similar to CAD drawings which we constructed at university.  

My highlights 

During my placement, I had the opportunity to carry out two experiments, one on the Prévessin site in France for Calibrating our DIAMON detector, and a set of experiments in the Meyrin East Area Site in Switzerland to create the ambiance dose equivalent and neutron spectra. These were definitely the highlights of my placement.

I most enjoyed working at the interface between theory and practice, to see how radiation physics concepts translate into real simulations and operational decisions.

The collaborative and international environment at CERN is something I value greatly as well as the chance to meet engineers and scientists from around the world.   

My learnings

My degree at Queen Mary University of London provided a strong foundation in physics, mathematics and analytical thinking. Modules in material science and computational methods helped me approach the technical aspects such as CERN's FLAIR software with confidence, while Laboratory and project work developed the independence and discipline required in a professional research environment. 

During the placement, I was surprised by how thoughtfully the onboarding process was structured. After the initial training and guidance, I was encouraged to explore research of my own accord including into the Sullivan guide to radiation. The balance between support and autonomy created an environment where learning felt very natural and rewarding. 

The placement has strengthened both my technical understanding and my problem-solving approach. 

My advice for students considering a placement 

Be prepared for a steep learning curve, through which feel free to ask for help when needed. Everyone is ready to help and walk through any concepts you are unsure about so ask questions confidently.

It is completely normal to feel under prepared, but at CERN, through the onboarding process and everyone ready to help, you get the chance to learn and deepen your understanding on the topic you choose to research into so don't feel that you are underprepared for a role.