Agent Zee Meets Sharon
Dr Sharon Grussendorff holds a PhD in Physics, Computational Solid State Physics, which is, in simple terms, concerned with the properties of solid material. She is currently a self-employed Science Education Consultant, a true independent and powerful science diva fo sho…
I recently grabbed a quick chat with Dr Grussendorff, who filled me in on her involvement is science, especially as a woman. In the interview below she is referred to as Sharon.
Agent Zee: Where did you go to high school / secondary school?
Sharon: Glen High School, Pretoria
Agent Zee: Ok, what is your life background?
Sharon: My family moved around a lot, so I experienced many different schools and styles of education, which was interesting. My father is in education, and this grew my love for education. After completing a PhD in Physics, I realised that my interest is more in education than in pure physics, so I left my lecturing post at the University of KwaZulu Natal to work as a consultant in the area of Science Education.
Agent Zee: Physics huh? So, when did you first get inspired/ decide to study Science?
Sharon: My love for maths and science developed in high school, and grew through my university studies.
Agent Zee: I am sure there have been difficulties along the way for you, especially as a woman in science. What would you say was the biggest obstacle that you managed to overcome?
Sharon: I used to believe that as a girl I could not do science. In fact, the HoD for Physical Science at my high school openly stated his belief that girls can’t do science, and so he mainly taught the boys. As a result I taught a lot of the science to myself, which gave me a very strong base for university studies where you have to be self-motivated.
Agent Zee: WOW! So what REALLY excites you about your chosen career? What gets the DOC out of bed in the morning?
Sharon: I love helping other people to see that science is interesting and can be understood, that it’s not a great impenetrable mist of difficult, strange things. I love the look on peoples’ faces when they have an “AHA!” moment with science.
Agent Zee: (LOL)… Having already achieved so much in your career, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years and what is your vision for your career?
Sharon: I am keen to continue my work with science teachers and learners, to do my little bit to help people in this country to grow a passion and ability for science.
Agent Zee: Diva on a mission, any advice for other young girls/ women who are wanting to study Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths?
Sharon: Hang in there, you can do it – this world needs more women scientists and mathematicians!
Agent Zee: Short and sweet nice, who is your favourite woman in science and why?
Sharon: The geneticist Evelyn Fox Keller, because although many scientists ridiculed her “feminine science” methods, she persevered, and made breakthroughs in genetic research that other scientists with their more traditional methods would never have made.
Agent Zee: And your favourite scientist? Why?
Sharon: Albert Einstein – he didn’t let peoples’ scepticism put him off, but trusted his instincts.
Agent Zee: Supa, it’s been great chatting to you Dr! Hope you have a fantastic day!!
