Tana Bonner

Undergraduate student, Physics with Advanced Research (MPhys)

Being a woman in the male-dominated field of physics can be intimidating. Most girls experience their first acts of sexism early in life, carrying on to high school and beyond. Having experienced misogynistic tendencies from my male peers and teachers in high school, I was nervous about being a physics student at a university level. However, from day one, Strathclyde’s physics department made it abundantly clear how important it is to honour and protect women in physics.

For one, I greatly look up to my women professors. Many of them are a part of WiSPA, (Women in Strathclyde Physics Association), which holds socials to provide a sense of community for women across the department. I’ve met some lovely people from other years, and it’s been great to share my experiences with other students who have overcome similar struggles to me. In addition, Strathclyde, and even Glasgow as a whole, offers many career events and conferences specifically for women in STEM.

Beyond just women being a minority in physics is the lack of queer representation in science as a whole. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, it can be easy to feel like an outsider in many spaces. However, even just within the physics department, I’ve met an incredible number of queer students. Strathclyde is incredibly supportive of the LGBTQ+ community with a variety of events and a Gender Affirmation Fund for trans students. In the future, as the Undergraduate Science Representative, I’d love to organise socials specifically for members of the LGBTQ+ community in STEM, as I know how much a community there already is within the physics department.

Despite the difficulties that come with being a part of a minority group in physics, Strathclyde has always provided me with a sense of community. I have confidence that the university will continue to offer resources, encouragement, and passionate support to women looking to pursue a degree in physics.