Laura Roberts

PhD student in the “Precision Interferometry and Fundamental Interactions” department

What is your current position at our institute?

I’m a PhD student in the Precision Interferometry and Fundamental Interactions department.

What is your academic education?

• BSc in Astrophysics at University of Florida

Please let us know why you chose the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics for your research.

While working on LISA as a bachelor’s student in the United States, I became interested in continuing my work and pursuing a PhD. This MPI has been well known for its involvement in LISA as well as its contributions to gravitational physics and it seemed like the right choice for me.

What would you recommend to a young woman wanting to start a career in physics?

It can be very intimidating considering a career in physics, especially if you look around and don’t see many others “like” you. There are challenges, but working in this field is also extremely fulfilling. Take up space, speak up, and remember that you have as much of a right to be here as the person next to you. Also, don’t forget to have fun, science is cool!