Stories of Pride: Clara Barker

In celebration of Pride Month, SPIE spoke with members of our community about their experiences as LGBTQ+ scientists in optics and photonics as well as within the greater STEM community. Our second conversation is with Clara Barker (she/her), the lab manager at the Centre for Applied Superconductivity at the University of Oxford and dean for equality and diversity at Linacre College.

Clara specializes in fabrication of thin film materials, specifically in superconductors for applications like quantum computing. She uses vacuum depositions techniques, particularly Magnetron sputtering and pulsed laser deposition. Her PhD and previous post-doc positions focused on a special type of magnetron sputtering called HiPIMS, high power impulse magnetron sputtering. Clara completed her PhD at Manchester Metropolitan University and then worked as a visiting researcher at the ASTRaL laboratory in Finland’s Lappeenranta University of Technology, followed by three and a half years as a post-doc at Empa, the Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology in Switzerland.

She is also transgender and pansexual. “I transitioned late, in my mid-30s and at a stage where I thought it meant the end of my scientific career,” she told us. “Luckily, with an amazing group and department, I came to realise that that was not true. I stepped aside from research in 2015 and had intended to leave science completely, but by chance interviewed for my current group at Oxford University and the openness and acceptance I received from them convinced me to stay in science.”

Clara was the chair of the University of Oxford LGBT+ Advisory Group for three years and currently sits on various EDI panels, including that of the Royal Society. She also runs Topaz, a youth group for LGBTI+ young people and a support group for their parents/carers. In 2018, she won one of the inaugural University of Oxford’s Vice-Chancellor’s Diversity Awards; in 2017, she won a Points of Light award from the British Prime Minister for her voluntary work. When she’s not working on her science or volunteering, Clara enjoys reading, hiking, Dungeons & Dragons, painting miniatures, DJing, and making dioramas.

Is there an LGBTQ+ person in your life who has inspired you?

Growing up in the 80s and 90s, there was a lot less openness and even awareness of LGBTI+ people. For me, many people that I now look up to all came later in my life. There are some amazing role models in the UK, who fought back against the repression of LGBTI+ people. Particular heroes that come to mind are Louise Wallwein, Sue Sanders and Stephen Whittle. It cannot be underestimated how much they put on the line to fight for my rights. A huge inspiration for me gaining the confidence to come out is the singer Laura Jane Grace from the punk band Against Me! It was so important for me to see someone I could relate to, and Laura provided that just when I needed it most. There are some amazing role models that I have come across since, such as Fox Fisher, Sabah Choudrey, and Lady Phyll. However, I also have links with people fighting for LGBTI+ rights in Turkey, Poland, and Russia. It cannot be underestimated the difficulties they are facing right now, and I have nothing but awe for all they do.

How can allies actively support LGBTQ+ scientists and engineers?

Support your LGBTI+ scientists. Bring in varied speakers to talk about their science, not just to talk about being LGBTI+. The same is true for BIPOC and disabled scientists. It is also important to listen to your LGBTI+ scientists. If they say there is an issue with a policy, for example, ask why and listen. Understand that whilst you may not understand the problem, that does not mean that it is not an issue. Listen to lived experience and act when possible. It’s amazing how small changes or tweaks to rules and policies can make LGBTI+ scientists feel at home and, in return, probably be more productive!

What is one piece of advice you can offer the LGBTQ+ scientists and engineers of the future?

STEM is for everyone. In the last five or ten years, it has become much more inclusive and is improving all the time. This does not mean that we have perfect acceptance and equality, and we should keep pushing to make STEM better for all people. We will get there, so please don’t be put off STEM. I really do feel we will have a much more equitable future and that it will not be far away.

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