Dr Agata Rożek, Dr Helena J. Shepherd and Dr Emma McCabe enjoy a day of discussing their scientific passions with the public at Soapbox Science.
On Saturday 15th June 2019, three of our academics – Dr Agata Rożek, Dr Helena Shepherd and Dr Emma McCabe, took part in Canterbury’s second Soapbox Science event at the Westgate Gardens.
Along with other leading researchers from Kent, they took to their soapboxes to showcase their work and discuss science in a fun and exciting way and this fantastic free event.
Dr Agata Rożek’s talk, “Space potatoes and rubber ducks: shapes of asteroids and comets”, focused on how to decipher asteroid shapes from telescope observations. She explains that she chose this topic because “I think asteroids are a very important topic, especially in the context of planetary defence. However, while catastrophic movies certainly catch people’s attention they don’t do asteroid science much justice. I went to the event to talk about what we can learn about asteroids without actually visiting them.”
The event was free for all, and is an example of an exciting and engaging way academics can engage with the public about the world of science. Agata explains why this event was something she wanted to be involved in: “I think that Soapbox Science is an interesting idea of coming out with the science to the public in a casual setting. I enjoy outreach opportunities, especially such that allow for interaction with the audience.”
Agata was joined on the day by Dr Emma McCabe, who’s talk was entitled “Superconductors and levitating magnets!” as well as Dr Helena J. Shepherd who spoke about “Shapeshifting molecules in the spotlight”.
Thanks to all three of you who took part, and we hope you enjoyed the sun!