Today’s Ask A Scientist is half interview, half Q&A. Sophie Alexander talks about her job as a research assistant in the field of clinical psychology, and then delves into the murky waters of how our brains work!
What part of science do you do? – Sierra, 10
I work as researcher in psychology. I help run studies that see if we can find better ways to help people who have experienced really awful things feel better.
Was getting a job as a scientist difficult to get? – Menat, 11
I studied at uni for 3 years to complete a degree in general science and then did another year to specialise in psychology. Most people need to do 4 years to get a job in science but once you’ve done it, there are usually plenty of jobs that you will find interesting.
What is the most interesting thing you have researched? – Oscar, 12
I help people who have been through really nasty experiences in their lives. It is very interesting to see how people who are really sick can be almost completely better after just a few months of therapy!
How do you feel doing your job and what is your favourite topic in science? – Justin, 12
I feel really good when I do my job because I know that I’m helping people get better and live happier lives. I love learning about people and why people behave the way they do…people are so interesting!
What is the most complicated type of science there is? – Leonardo, 12
I think that psychology is the most complicated because every person is so different, it can be really difficult to understand why everyone acts the way they do. And why people’s actions/reactions can be different to each other even when in the same circumstance.
Did you change some of your habits due to learning more about science? – Selena, 11
I did! I think every area of science you learn can help change your habits because you understand more about the world and yourself! I work in psychology so I have learnt heaps of habits to keep myself feeling happy and confident even when things make me feel stressed or sad.
How do scientists work during COVID-19? Do they have to do things differently? – Fanta, 8
We certainly do have to do things differently! We usually see people face to face when talking to them about their feelings and experiences, but now we can only do it over the phone or on the computer. It can be really hard connecting with people over the internet, but it’s nice to be able to help people all over Victoria because we don’t have to travel so far to see them!
How does the brain work? – Alma, Grade 3
This is a really tough question that scientists are still trying to figure out! When you experience one or more of the 5 senses, for example you see something, your eyes will send a message to your brain telling it what you saw. Your brain then makes sense of the image and then tells you what to do. If you see a ball flying towards your face, your eyes tell your brain and your brain tells you to duck! Your brain also helps your other body functions, like breathing or blinking, to continue so that you don’t have to think about it all the time. Thanks brain!
Why do we dream when we sleep? – An, 11
Scientists still haven’t fully figured this out! When you sleep, your brain helps to ensure you remember the events of the day. Some scientists believe that dreams are part of this process and come along with your brain sorting through your memories and keeping the important ones, making sense of weird ones and throwing out boring ones!
What is the meaning of life? – Andrew, 8
The meaning of life is whatever you want it to be!
[Editor’s note: I have received so very many replies to this last question, but I’ve chosen to include Sophie’s answer, because she was the first person to write something that wasn’t ’42’. Douglas Adams is alive and well in the world of science!]
Sophie Alexander BSc, BPsychSci (Hons) is a research assistant at Phoenix Australia.
She aids in clinical trials that seek to improve understanding of PTSD and improve therapy outcomes for people with PTSD symptoms.
Team WEHI Relay for Life 