“I really enjoyed taking part in the maths and computer science Chats. If you code to process your data, or use some equations to explain your work, it’s a great way to show students how useful such skills are!”– Eliza Karlowska, Research Scientist
Eliza is a research scientist in tropical climate and high-impact weather. She takes part in Chats across I’m a Scientist, I’m a Mathematician, and I’m a Computer Scientist.
By joining multiple I’m a… projects, Eliza shows students that modern science is truly multidisciplinary. Skills like coding and maths aren’t optional extras. They are central to understanding the world. In her own work, she uses equations to study how storms form in the tropics or how oceans distribute heat.
Student: What do you enjoy about maths?
Eliza: I like that we can explain the world with maths, that an equation can tell me how a tropical cyclone spins or how oceans distribute heat. It helps us understand the world and we can help risk prevention thanks to the maths and hefty computers!
“I went to university to study Geophysics, having loved Geography and Physics at school. I quickly realised at uni that maths and coding were the main tools to study the Earth.”
Eliza’s keen to show students that maths isn’t just about ‘complicated and boring integrals’ and coding isn’t only for software engineers. Both can be used to tackle real-life science questions.
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Even if my job title is a ‘scientist’, I am a data scientist, a programmer, a mathematician and a physicist.
More than just a job title
Many scientists don’t think of themselves as mathematicians or computer scientists. But as Eliza shows, if you’re analysing data, running models, or making predictions, you’re already using those skills.
“At uni, I saw a tsunami simulation in a lecture and was amazed that a few equations and some Python code could model a tsunami crossing an ocean. I love sharing things like that with students because it’s not often seen at school, and it shows how maths and coding can be applied to really cool topics.”
Eliza’s Chats help students recognise that coding and maths aren’t confined by role or job title – they’re tools that power many areas of science.
To take part in a future I’m a Scientist activity, apply now at imascientist.org.uk/signup/c, or contact support@imascientist.org.uk for more information. If you’re currently taking part in I’m a Scientist, you already have access to other I’m a… projects including I’m a Mathematician, I’m a Computer Scientist, and I’m an Engineer.
Work for an institution? Find out how to build public engagement capacity and quality for your staff, through the I’m a Scientist Academy.
