We were lucky enough to be supported by two fantastic In2scienceUK interns this summer. Through the South East Physics Network (SEPnet), Jazib Qamar and Dafne Petrelli worked as Programme Interns for In2STEM and In2research, respectively, supporting our teams during a busy period of delivery. Here, they reflect on their experience and tell us what they’re up to next.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Jazib: My name is Jazib, and I’m entering the fourth year of my MSci Physics degree at Royal Holloway, University of London. My main area of study for my final year at university is quantum materials, nanotechnology and superconductivity. I have also had leadership roles in societies at university, particularly the Islamic Society, where I was the President for the 2025/26 academic year.
Dafne: I’m Dafne, and I have just completed my BSc in Physics with Data Science at Queen Mary University of London, graduating with first-class honours. During my final year, my main area of research focused on photonics, which further developed my interest in quantum technologies. I am originally from Italy and moved to London around eight years ago, where I have lived ever since. My mum is Cuban, so I am lucky enough to have grown up with both Italian and Cuban cultures, which means I get the best food from both!
Why did you want to take part in an internship at In2scienceUK?
Jazib: I have always had a passion for promoting social mobility in STEM fields. At my university, I am an EDI representative for undergraduates in my department, and I was intrigued when I heard about this internship opportunity through SEPnet. The opportunity to contribute to a project like In2STEM really excited me because I could contribute to a project I believe in, whilst also developing some of the overlooked soft skills needed to be a successful physicist.
Dafne: Last summer, I completed a research internship within my university’s cosmology unit, but this year I wanted to explore a more programme-focused role because I have always been passionate about the organisational side of physics and STEM more broadly. I have always enjoyed discussing ideas with others and finding ways to improve the student experience.
Coming from a low socioeconomic background has strongly shaped my motivation to work in this area. I believe every young person should have access to equal opportunities, from primary education all the way through to higher education and beyond, regardless of their socioeconomic circumstances. Organisations like In2scienceUK play an important role in helping to close this gap by providing young people with opportunities, guidance and exposure that they may not otherwise have access to. This is ultimately what motivated me to take on this internship and contribute to In2scienceUK’s work.
What have you been up to during your time with us?
Jazib: During my internship, I was lucky enough to work across different departments and develop a diverse set of skills. My main responsibilities involved supporting the In2STEM team with the delivery of their programme through drafting newsletters, moderating workshops and communicating important updates and information to participants and volunteers.
I also had the opportunity to visit participants on placement at UCL and the University of Bristol, and I even delivered my own online workshop all about quantum technology! Outside of the In2STEM programme, I also dabbled in social media support by assisting Hannah N, the Senior Comms Officer, with creating content.
Dafne: I worked on lots of different tasks, with each one allowing me to support a different member of the In2research team. This also gave me the chance to work closely with everyone and build really lovely relationships with the wonderful women on the team. I genuinely had so much fun working alongside them!
I supported the team with recruitment, the volunteer applications database and accompanied them on some placement visits. Following each visit, I also wrote case studies capturing the experiences of the participants and hosts. Since the In2STEM team was also particularly busy during this period, I had the opportunity to support them by helping to moderate one of their workshops. It was great to work with another team and gain further insight into the different programmes across In2scienceUK.
Overall, the entire experience has been incredibly rewarding, and I could not be more grateful to have been part of such a welcoming and supportive team. I have learnt so much throughout my time at In2scienceUK, while also having a genuinely wonderful experience working with everyone.
What skills have you learnt during your internship?
Jazib: I think the biggest skill I have developed during my internship would be independent time management. I have had to manage multiple tasks and deadlines myself and communicate the progress regularly to my team. I learnt a lot when I was planning my own workshop. I had to do independent research in areas relating to my workshops, make a visually engaging slideshow, ensure I kept it between 40 minutes and an hour, develop interactive sections and work on my presenting skills.
Dafne: I feel that my time management has improved significantly throughout this internship. Treating daily meetings like lectures and setting personal deadlines for tasks in the same way I would for coursework helped me stay organised and made managing my workload feel much more achievable.
Working remotely was also a new experience for me. At first, I found communication slightly challenging because I was so used to in-person meetings and interactions. However, I am really glad that I got to experience a remote working environment as it taught me how to communicate more confidently, contribute to discussions and open up to my colleagues even when working from behind a screen.
What did you learn about In2scienceUK and its work?
Jazib: I learnt that genuine support for underrepresented groups in STEM isn’t a single programme or placement week, but rather a long-term network and offer of support. I was grateful to learn about the many stages of support that In2scienceUK offer, from Year 12 to postgraduates and graduates.
During the In2STEM placement visits, I absolutely loved the positive attitude and drive that I witnessed from the participants. When I grew up, I was surrounded by lots of people who felt somewhat uninspired and didn’t have clear aspirations for themselves. That wasn’t the case at all for the In2STEM participants I met. Each of them were incredibly motivated and driven to pursue a career in STEM, and they were determined not to allow social barriers to prevent them from pursuing that. I firmly believe they will go on to achieve whatever they put their mind to!
Dafne: This internship has given me a completely new appreciation for how much work goes on behind the scenes to run an organisation like In2scienceUK. Seeing the ins and outs of the programme, the attention given to so many different areas and particularly the amount of care that goes into supporting every individual involved has genuinely amazed me.
It has made me appreciate even more the work that charities such as In2scienceUK do to make opportunities more accessible. There are so many people working behind the scenes to ensure that young people, regardless of their background, are given a fair opportunity to pursue their ambitions and take the next steps towards their future. Being able to see and contribute to that work first-hand has been one of the most valuable things I will take away from this internship.
What’s been your favourite part?
Jazib: I think for me, my favourite part had to be delivering my own workshop. I had never done a presentation this long before, and I was nervous about keeping everyone’s attention for so long. But when it came to it, all of the nervousness went away, and I got to talk about one of my passions for an hour to young people who were genuinely interested; I enjoyed it thoroughly. A close second would be my visit to UCL. Remote working has its benefits for sure, but I did miss meeting and speaking with people, so the placement visit was very refreshing and unique!
Dafne: The placement visits were definitely one of the highlights of my internship. During the in-person visits, we were given tours of the institutions and had the opportunity to speak directly with the people who truly bring In2research to life: the programme hosts and participants. Hearing about their experiences first-hand was incredibly insightful and made the programme’s impact feel much more tangible. Getting the chance to sit down together afterwards with Mitzi, the In2research Programme Manager, to reflect on the visit, discuss what we had learnt and share our thoughts was lovely.
What’s next after this for you both?
Jazib: In September, I am returning to university to complete my MSci Physics degree. After that, I hope to pursue a PhD relating to experimental quantum materials. I think my time with In2scienceUK has opened my eyes to the impact that someone’s social and economic background can have on accessing opportunities in STEM, and I have a sense of responsibility to continue doing my part to close the gap. As time goes on and I get started on my PhD, I would love to come back as a volunteer!
Dafne: Next year, I will be joining the University of Cambridge to pursue an MPhil in Advanced Quantum Technologies and Devices. Alongside my studies, I hope to continue getting involved in community-focused roles and initiatives where I can contribute beyond my academic work. My experience at In2scienceUK has definitely reinforced my interest in the organisational and administrative side of STEM and has inspired me to consider taking on more roles like this at some point in my future career.
Is there anything else you wanted to add about your time with us?
Jazib: There is nothing left for me to say except for a big thank you to everyone on the In2STEM team and the wider In2scienceUK team for making this such a memorable experience!
Some companies treat interns as cheap labour, but the In2STEM team have been nothing but caring and supportive. They took a genuine interest in my development and always took my interests and future goals into account when assigning me work. I want to particularly say thank you to Ben, who has easily been the best manager I have ever worked with.
Dafne: I would like to say the biggest thank you to the entire In2research team for making this experience so wonderful. I have felt so welcomed and supported throughout my internship, and I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside such an amazing team.
A very special thank you goes to Hannah K for being the best manager I could have asked for! Thank you for all your support, guidance and encouragement throughout my time here making this experience even more special!
Thanks to In2scienceUK interns Jazib and Dafne for supporting our work over the summer and for sharing their experiences!