Episode 43: Prof Margaret Murnane: Lasers, Microscopes and Accidental Discoveries

An absolute powerhouse Irish Woman in STEM Abroad Prof Margaret Murnane joins me on the podcast this week. Margaret is a Professor of Physics at the University of Colorado and Director of the STROBE Science and Technology Center. She is among the foremost active researchers in laser science and technology and chats to me about her pioneering discoveries into ultra-fast x-ray lasers, table top lasers and why she is passionate about 'building the microscopes of tomorrow'.

We chat about her upbringing in Limerick, her fathers 'reward systems' for learning, being one of only two female physicists in her degree at UCC and why she decided to leave Ireland for her PhD. She reminisces on her time at UC Berkley in California where she met her now husband and long-term collaborator Henry Kapteyn and discusses the discoveries they have made together.

Margaret also shares some of her insights into being a mentor and how she doesn't view science as a race, instead values collaboration and shared credit. Brilliantly honest and refreshing episode, I hope you enjoy!

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This season is kindly sponsored by Bio-Sciences Ltd, now part of Thermo-Fisher Scientific.