I am a Principal Research Fellow in the Optoelectronics Research Centre at the University of Southampton. My work focuses on a novel type of optical fibre, a hollow core fibre (HCF). In a conventional optical fibre, light is guided with low loss in a glass (usually silica) core region; in an HCF, light is guided in a gas (or even vacuum-pressure) core region, surrounded by a cladding region that is made up of several smaller gas-filled holes, defined by thin silica glass membranes. Transmission of light in air instead of glass can overcome many limitations of conventional fibres, leading to lower loss, ultra-low non-linearity, and ultimate low latency. HCFs are now being investigated and deployed for wide-ranging applications, including telecoms, highpower beam delivery, and advanced fibre sensors. I have been working on HCF fabrication, characterisation, and applications since my PhD. Now, more than 15 years later, I lead a research group in this area.

I have always been motivated by learning and problem-solving. During my undergraduate degree, I was interested in a wide range of topics, being drawn to the area of HCFs after an extended research project. While my interest in this area was a key factor in pursuing a research career, other factors have also been important. I appreciate the variety of work within a research role: while the research is the primary focus, working with an extensive range of people and communicating your ideas and results — in meetings, at conferences, in papers — is a critical part of the role. This diversity means the role is never boring, and I never find myself looking at the clock, waiting until it is time to go home! I also enjoy being involved in the research “lifecycle,” from initial ideas, through fabrication, characterisation, and application, working with different industrial partners and seeing the technology being deployed.

A major challenge for me, which I think will resonate with many people, has been progressing my career alongside my family life. I have three children, so I have taken three extended career breaks, and there have been periods where juggling home and work has been difficult. I hope that one impact from my career will be demonstrating that it is possible to achieve a work-family balance. There may be people who will say differently, but please don’t let this discourage you from a rewarding career in academia where you can make a valuable contribution.

Natalie Wheeler
Principal Research Fellow, Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton
Born in England / Resides in England
Educational Background: MPhys, University of Bath, United Kingdom; PhD, University of Bath, United Kingdom