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