Kirsty McGhee, a science writer at the quantum-software company Qruise, discusses her unique career path in science communication. With a PhD in condensed-matter physics from the University of Sheffield and postdoctoral research at the University of Leipzig, McGhee transitioned from academia to industry, blending her scientific expertise with writing.
In her role at Qruise, McGhee is responsible for creating press releases, developing web content, and managing social media communications. Recently, she undertook the task of promoting a new magnetic-resonance product, requiring her to collaborate with various teams to highlight key features and ensure that the claims made were substantiated by data. Despite not being a specialist in quantum computing or magnetic resonance imaging, she quickly adapts to new information and translates complex scientific concepts into accessible language for a general audience.
McGhee acknowledges that science writing presents its challenges, yet she finds joy in the diversity of her work. On days when she seeks a lighter task, she might engage in social media or creative web design. Conversely, when she prefers to delve deeper, she focuses on producing more technical documentation. The flexibility of remote work suits her, although she does miss the interpersonal interactions that come from working in an office environment.
Reflecting on her journey, McGhee admits that if she had known earlier about the possibility of combining her passions for science and writing, she might have taken a different path. However, she recognizes the value of exploring various interests and emphasizes that a lack of a clear plan can lead to unexpected and fulfilling career opportunities. As a child, she aspired to be a veterinarian but soon realized that her true calling lay in physics, a field she both enjoyed and excelled in. Her message is clear: pursue what you love, and you may find yourself in a career you never anticipated.
