Who We Are
Current Committee
President - Amy Smith
Vice President - Jessie Durk
I am a Research Associate in the Physics Education group, where I research attainment gaps, assessment and the student experience. I completed my undergraduate degree at Imperial, so have insights into what it means to be a woman in the physics department, both as a student and as a member of staff. I’m passionate about creating a community in the WNBIP society for people at all levels – from undergraduate to professional services, admin, technicians and academics.
Secretary - Amaya Calvo Sánchez
I am a third-year student on the MSci Physics programme. My purpose in the committee is to help form a community of female and non-binary physicists to ensure our growth is not hindered by problems with belonging or diversity, so we are all able to do our best work and pursue our goals. I am also very passionate about access issues and I look forward to working with the society on recruiting the next generation of women in STEM.
Treasurer - Maia Searle
Hi! I'm a second-year student in the Msci programme. I believe that WNBIP is fundamental to building a sense of community within the department; so that we can inspire and learn from one another, enabling our development within a field that is predominantly male. WNBIP extends beyond Imperial, and I hope that we will attract the next generation of female and non-binary physicists.
Social Media Officer - Amy Thornton
Hi! I’m Amy, a second-year physics student on the year abroad course planning to study in Germany next year. I’m really excited to be a part of the WNBIP committee this year! Women in physics was a great help to me in my first year and allowed me to be involved in some great events and celebrate the amazing people in the department and I can’t wait to be involved in doing the same for others whether new to Imperial or new to WNBiP.
Events Coordinator (Careers) - Adèle Julia
Hi! I am a fourth-year physics student. I'm really looking forward to being part of the Society for Women & Non-Binary Individuals in Physics this year. I think it is a great society for helping to promote a sense of community in the physics department as well as to increase the visibility of role models in physics. I'm passionate about empowering women and therefore try to raise awareness of feminism outside of university as well. I'm really excited to plan some exciting events this year so be sure to come along and check the society out!
Events Coordinator (Socials) - Alexandra Dahlgren
Hi! I am Alexandra, a second-year MSci Physics student from Sweden. I think the Women in Physics society is important for female physicists on all levels, and I’m excited to join the committee this year! I am very passionate about creating a supportive community of female physicists in order for women to feel empowered in the field. Inclusivity of women from all backgrounds and countries is also a big interest of mine. I hope to see this society grow and become more influential in the coming year!
Events Coordinator (Socials) - Chenying Zhang
I’m Chenying and I am a second year Msci Physics with a Year Abroad (French) Student. I’m really passionate about women and non-binary people supporting each other in Physics. I’m really excited about joining the committee this year after going to the brilliant social events in my first year!
Outreach Coordinator - Jasmine Ajaz
I am a second-year MSci Physics student. I'm really excited to be on the Women & Non-Binary Individuals in Physics committee to help promote the keen sense of community among physicists at Imperial. As outreach coordinator, I am also passionate about working towards an increased participation of girls into Physics at a higher level, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Outreach Coordinator - Trinity Stenhouse
Hi everyone! I’m Trinity - my hopes for WNBIP are that we can facilitate more camaraderie in physics, naturally through hosting social events, but also by encouraging us to go out of our comfort zones by trying more traditionally male things, and by setting up support groups to make sure we can always feel safe. Overall, I believe we need WNBIP so the conversation can always be open about women’s experiences in Physics, at Imperial, and in London in general, so we can more effectively work towards a more comfortable and inclusive working environment and social environment.
UG Rep - Laura Hollister
I'm Laura, a second year physics student on the MSci Physics with a Year Abroad, and I'm also the department rep for wellbeing this year. Women & Non-Binary Individuals in Physics is an important part of making everyone in the physics department (at undergrad, postgrad and teaching levels) feel welcomed and part of a community, and I look forward to working with WNBIP more this year to help improve wellbeing and also have some fun while we do so.
Staff Rep - Izzie Rabey
I am a Teaching Fellow in the department of physics. I completed my undergraduate and PhD degrees at Imperial and, after working as a postdoc at the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics, returned to the department in 2021. I am passionate about increasing representation in physics, and I would love to see this society become an increasingly important and influential group within the department.
How to Get Involved
Almost all the positions (except President, Secretary and Treasurer) can be held by several people or can be combined with other roles.
Elections will be held at the end of Spring term 2022, with the new committee taking over from October 2023.
If you are interested in joining the society in the year 2021-2022 in any position, then get in contact with us!
The Society Committee is made up of a number of different roles.
President – Upholds the society’s vision, chairs meetings, supports the work of the committee members, and liaises with the Juno Committee.
Vice President(s) - Aids the president in fulfilling tasks and helps to realise the aims of the society.
Secretary – Responsible for administration of the society. Arranges meetings, maintains and distributes meeting notes, and keeps society website up to date.
Treasurer – Manages the finances of the society
Events Coordinator(s) – Organises events including yoga sessions, safe-space lunches, cocktail parties, and more!
Social media officer(s) – Maintains social media presence, creates engaging posts that reflect the society’s interests and vision.
In addition, the following committee positions have no specific duties but are open to anyone who would like to be involved with the society as representatives:
Undergraduate student representative(s)
Postgraduate student representative(s)
Postdoctoral representative(s)
Staff representative(s)
Faculty representative(s)
Future roles we would like to create.
Industrial liaison(s) – Creates contacts with companies that uphold the society’s values. Arranges career fairs and possible sponsorship opportunities.
Outreach coordinator(s) – Liases with the outreach team at Imperial to inspire more women into physics!