Qazal Rokn
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?
- Bachelor of Science in Physics
- Master of Science in Physics from Leibniz University Hannover
How and when did you choose to study physics?
I decided to study physics in high school because I was fascinated by the universe and how it works. Learning about Einstein and other great physicists inspired me to explore nature and how it affects our reality.
Did you have someone who acted as a role model or mentor to you in the past, or does so in the present?
My Master’s thesis advisors at this Max Planck Institute have been a big influence on me.
What is the most important thing you learned from them?
They taught me to be creative and determined. They taught me to see obstacles as chances to learn and grow.
What would you recommend to a young woman wanting to start a career in physics?
If you're a young woman interested in physics, believe in yourself and don't be afraid to ask questions or get help. Get a strong foundation in math and computers. These are important in the field. Surround yourself with people who support you and remember that your perspective is unique and needed in physics.
What is your vision for women and girls in science in 20 years?
I hope, In 20 years, to see women and girls equally represented in all areas of science. I want the scientific community to support and value everyone equally.
What measures that target women and girls in science would you care about and/or would you like to see realized in the scientific community?
- More scholarships and funding for women in STEM
- Mentorship programs for young women
- Workshops and conferences to highlight women in science
- Fair hiring and promotion practices
Can you please describe your research to scientists from other fields?
My research is about axions and other particles that could help us explain some of the mysteries of physics like dark matter. These particles interact with light in a unique way, causing laser light to rotate over time. I built a sensitive setup to detect this effect. It uses optical components to measure the rotation with precision. This lets us explore axion properties in the mass range that were previously inaccessible (less than 10-12 eV). It could potentially lead to the discovery of these elusive particles.
Please let us know why you chose the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics for your research.
I chose the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics because it is known for its pioneering work in gravitational physics. Its collaborative and resource-rich environment allows me to pursue cutting-edge research and contribute to meaningful discoveries.