Dr Sarah Bugby
I’m a Senior Lecturer in the physics department, and my research area is in imaging gamma radiation.
Gamma radiation is difficult to image due to its high energy, but being able to image it quickly and accurately is useful for all sorts of applications including in nuclear medicine and or decommissioning. Part of my research is looking at new materials that can be used for gamma detectors in the future, as well as designing and testing gamma cameras.
Medical physics appeals to me in particular because it lets me explore my interests across disciplinary boundaries. It’s also one of the best examples we have for the benefits of ‘blue sky’ science for the sake of science – there are so many Nobel prizes that were awarded for scientific breakthroughs that have subsequently led to improve healthcare. If anyone ever asks what the point of quantum mechanics is – just point them at an MRI!
I’m holding a radiation monitor, we use these in the lab to make sure we are working safely and protecting ourselves and the environment.