In the Spotlight: Helen Jermak

Dr Helen Jermak is the Project Scientist for the New Robotic Telescope (NRT) at Liverpool John Moores University. 

She explains how the Rubin LSST will impact her work, and shares words of wisdom for anyone hoping to pursue a career in astronomy.

Tell us about your work

The New Robotic Telescope (NRT) is one of the new telescopes designed to characterise as many of the LSST alerts as possible. It's a huge task but an exciting one. The NRT is designed to be sensitive, efficient and rapid response, allowing us to understand what is going bump in the night sky. 

What excites you most about the Rubin LSST? 

The engineering is incredible, I was fortunate enough to see the telescope in the factory during its construction. It's an amazing piece of equipment and will give us an unprecedented view of the transient universe. 

What motivates you professionally? 

Being on site with telescopes. Visiting the Liverpool Telescope for the first time was the moment I realised I wanted to work with telescopes.  

We anticipate the New Robotic Telescope will be able to provide classification spectra for approximately 10,000 objects per year. Just a drop in the ocean for the millions of alerts from LSST but a huge amount of data for astronomers to analyse. 

What’s the most challenging thing about working on LSST:UK?  

Being patient. Things don't always go to plan and timelines slip, it's hard to keep your head up when it feels like it's hurdle after hurdle. But good things happen to those who wait! 

What's the best thing you've learned while working on LSST:UK?  

I've learned to acknowledge the small achievements. On a huge, long-term project it can be easy to ignore the little goals and just think about when the telescope is going to be fully complete and operational. Make sure to celebrate the little wins and enjoy each step! 

How did you come to work in astronomy?  

I am an indecisive person and as a kid I didn't know what I wanted to do. I changed my mind a lot; my A-levels are in humanities, my undergrad is in chemistry, my Masters and PhD are in astronomy. But when I sat in the control room on top of a mountain on La Palma and saw the Liverpool Telescope enclosure open as the sunset I realised... this is what I want to do! 

 What's your favourite thing about working in your field? 

Travelling to exciting new places and experiencing the culture. I'm very fortunate to have been to Indonesia, South Africa, China, Japan and many other beautiful places through my job. 

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work? 

I love powerlifting, drumming, American football, rugby (playing, watching, obsessing over league table points etc) and going to unique and exciting places to eat vegan food.  I play American football for Cheshire Bears. In my opinion I have the best position (tight end) because you get to block and run and catch!  

If you weren't working in astronomy what would your dream job be? 

Even though I only started learning this year I'd love to be a drummer in a band! 

What's your advice for anyone aspiring to do the kind of work you do?  

Don't be afraid to reach out to someone with your dream job and ask for advice, mentoring, work experience or just to learn from them. They were once where you are too! 

Find out more about the NRT

The New Robotic Telescope (NRT) is an international, collaborative project to build the world’s largest robotic telescope.

Visit the New Robotic Telescope website for more information.