Rachel Thomson facts for kids

Rachel Clare Thomson is a brilliant professor of Materials Science and Engineering. She is also a Pro Vice Chancellor of Teaching at Loughborough University. Professor Thomson is famous for her deep knowledge of materials. She studies how materials behave, especially at very high temperatures. This work is super important for things like power plants. She also helps create new education and research programs.

Rachel Thomson's Education Journey

Rachel Thomson started her university studies at Newnham College, which is part of the University of Cambridge. She studied something called the Natural Sciences Tripos. This program covers many different science subjects. She earned her first degree (BA) in 1989 and her master's degree (MA) in 1992.

Earning a PhD in Materials

After her first degrees, Rachel Thomson continued her studies at the University of Cambridge. In 1992, she earned her PhD in Materials. Her research focused on the makeup of carbide, which are special compounds found in materials. Her work was supported by National Power and the Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC).

Her Career in Materials Science

After getting her PhD, Rachel Thomson stayed at Cambridge for a while. She worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at Darwin College, Cambridge. This means she continued her research after finishing her doctorate.

Moving to Loughborough University

In 1995, Professor Thomson moved to Loughborough University. She became a lecturer in the Department of Materials. A lecturer is like a teacher and researcher at a university. She quickly showed her talent and hard work.

Becoming a Professor and Leader

In 2002, Rachel Thomson became a full Professor. This is a very high rank for a university academic. She then took on more leadership roles. In 2006, she became the Director of the Materials Research School. This meant she was in charge of research in materials.

Her career at Loughborough University continued to grow. In 2011, she became the Head of the Department. Then, in 2015, she became the Dean of a whole School! This school included Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical, and Materials Engineering. Since 2016, Professor Thomson has been the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Teaching. This is a very important role where she helps guide all the teaching at the university. Her research has received funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Awards and Special Recognitions

Professor Rachel Thomson has received many important awards for her work. These awards show how much her contributions are valued:

• In 2018, she was named the East Midlands Inspirational Female Leader of the Year. She also won the Outstanding Woman in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) award at the East Midlands Women's Awards (EMWA).
• Also in 2018, she was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng). This is a huge honor for engineers in the UK.
• In 2009, she became a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.
• She received the Rosenhain Medal from the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining in 2005.
• In 2003, she was given a Fellowship from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
• In 1994, she won the E.W. Mueller Outstanding Young Scientist Medal. This was at the 42nd International Field Emission Symposium.

See also

In Spanish: Rachel Thomson para niños