Episode Four - Dr. Fiona Beck

A discussion with Dr. Fiona Beck, who leads a research group at The Australian National University focused on integrating nanophotonics and optoelectronic device design for applications in solar fuels and the next generation of photodetection technologies. She is also Convenor of the Hydrogen Fuels Project in the Energy Change Institute's Zero-carbon energy for the Asia-Pacific ANU Grand Challenge. Dr Beck currently holds a Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) from the ARC, as well as the Future Engineering Research Leader (FERL) Fellowship from the ANU.     00:00:00 Introduction  00:01:10 What inspired Dr Fiona Beck’s career?  00:02:40 Other inspiration for Dr Beck  00:03:47 How Dr Fiona Beck is looking at converting light to other forms of energy  00:10:13 Differences in learning for a project verses in an academic setting  00:12:06 Coming back to solar fuels including: - Plasmodically driven photocatalysis                  - Zero carbon energy for the Asia Pacific  00:17:32 Importance of considering policy in ensuring we can can effectively transition to a sustainable future   00:22:13 How much time does Dr Beck spend in the lab versus looking at the theory?  00:24:11 What have been the biggest challenges in Dr Beck’s career so far?                  - building confidence                  - Gender inequalities and ensuring a more diverse future for physics  00:29:52 Reflection on the benefits (and drawbacks) of travel for a career in Physics  00:32:53 Advice Dr Beck would give her younger self  00:35:02 Ideas for the current school curriculum  00:37:07 How Dr Beck approaches problem solving   00:40:03 Knowing which problem to solve  00:42:37 Thoughts on other sources of renewable energy  00:45:25 Areas of interest for the future - Carbon dioxide drawdown  00:48:23 The idea in the history of science Dr Beck sees as the most revolutionary  00:51:32 Final advice for up and coming Physicists  00:53:38 Thank yous