On Wednesday the 10th February at 7pm for a 7.30 start we had the pleasure in welcoming Dr Jackie Bell a Senior Teaching Fellow at Imperial College London and Honorary Fellow of the University of Liverpool Mathematics Department. Having always had a passion for learning and a curiosity for the unknown, Jackie became the first in her family to go to University and graduated with a PhD in theoretical particle physics in 2016. Winning multiple awards for her efforts in improving diversity within the sciences, and recently named as one of the WISE20, Jackie has devoted both her professional career and personal time to inspiring and engaging people from disadvantaged groups to pursue STEM careers. Appearing on the BBC documentary series ‘Astronauts: Do you have what it takes?’, her ultimate dream is to follow in the footsteps of Helen Sharman and Tim Peake and one day become Britain’s next astronaut.
Jackie will be applying for the European Space Agency.  For the first time in eleven years they are looking for new astronauts! We wish Jackie all the best and hopefully we can say we talked to a real astronaut.
Over 250 members attended the event.  The Vote of Thanks was given by Amanda Stevens of Fulshaw WI.
Jackie Bell – TEDx Talk
Jackie Bell – BSL version
Jackie responded to our lovely comments:
It was an absolute pleasure talking with you, Alia and the WI ladies yesterday evening. Thank you for your well wishes and I hope I will make you all proud!

A Selection of Comments by our Members:

ooh good luck with your application to ESA…I am so sure you will be a brilliant candidate.  Thankyou that was a lovely talk

don’t put yourself down Jackie, super well done , you’re a very impressive young lady x

Another inspiring talk.

What an incredible talk Outstanding !

Goodness, you are impressive! That Lego piece is awesome 😀

Amazing talk. Good luck with your application xx

brilliant talk- the process of applying is daunting in itself!! Really hope you get there xx

great talk , believe in yourself is the thing well done and good luck jacquie don’t give up!

Thank you Jackie – excellent talk.  wish you all the luck in the world with your application to the European Space Agency.

Thank you so much. That was an enthralling presentation.

This is the ultimate networking op for you, Go and talk to Helen Sharman

Such a fascinating insight to your experiences and ambitions.  Thank you so much Jackie for this.  You are inspirational.  I shall pass on what I’ve heard from you tonight to my two granddaughters, one is studying Maths at Bristol and the other is aiming to go to Durham to study Physics in October.  they will be so inspired too.  Thanks again

Thank you Jackie a wonderful talk such a privilege

thank you for an amazing and enlightening talk Jackie. fingers and toes crossed for a successful application.

Photo courtesy of The University of Liverpool