Once upon a time, a young girl in a red hood walked through the woods to bring cake and wine to her grandmother. But on the way, she met a wolf who persuaded her to pick some flowers as a gift for her grandmother, disobeying her mother’s instructions to go straight to her grandmother’s house. By the time the girl arrived, the wolf had eaten her grandmother, disguised himself in her grandmother’s clothes and was waiting to swallow the girl.

You are probably familiar with the classic folktale of Little Red Riding Hood. But have you ever wondered about the deeper meanings behind the story?

“A key motif from Little Red Riding Hood is the conflict between desire and prohibition, which often appears in stories about adolescents,” says Dr Sayaka Oki, a literature researcher at Doshisha University in Japan, who is studying how adolescence is portrayed in vampire stories. While there are no vampires in Little Red Riding Hood, the story shares many features with vampire narratives. “In older versions of the tale, Little Red Riding Hood unknowingly consumes her grandmother’s flesh and blood, a detail which intensifies the connection with vampire stories,” says Sayaka.

How does Sayaka study vampire narratives?

Sayaka is exploring how symbolic motifs from Little Red Riding Hood appear in vampire narratives using a method called comparative close reading. “This involves examining details (such as words, imagery or symbols) in different narratives and comparing how they appear across stories to analyse recurring themes,” she explains. “I use comparative close reading to study fairy tales, modern literature and films, which allows me to notice shared ideas and patterns.”

Vampire stories have a long tradition, from classical tales to modern fiction, meaning that studying them can uncover how ideas have changed through history and across cultures. Through her comparative close reading, Sayaka noticed that psychoanalytical symbols appear in many of the stories she was studying.

What psychoanalytical symbols exist in vampire stories?

“An Oedipal structure (named after the ancient Greek character, Oedipus) describes how young people form identity,” explains Sayaka. “In adolescence, a young person may feel close to the opposite sex parent and compete with the same sex parent.” This psychoanalytical idea appears in Little Red Riding Hood when she disobeys her mother’s instructions and instead follows her curiosity then meets the wolf, who symbolises temptation, danger or a forbidden realm.

“In the Gothic narratives I analyse, vampire transformation symbolises cultural fears about women’s bodies,” explains Sayaka. “Such transformations often reveal what society cannot say openly, turning inner conflict into the fantastic.” For example, in Hoffman’s Vampyrismus (1821), the 16-year-old vampire Aurelie occupies a liminal position as she is neither an adult nor a child, and her supernatural change places her outside social structures. The conflict between desire and prohibition appears in Aurelie’s rebellion against her mother’s pressure to marry. “In this sense, vampirism functions as a metaphor, revealing unstable identities in the transitional phase of adolescence.”

In 19th century Gothic literature, female vampires were portrayed as femmes fatales, but this idea is subverted in Buffini’s A Vampire Story (2008; adapted into the film Byzantium, Jordan 2012). The 16-year-old vampire Eleanor is a femme fragile character who rebels against her femme fatale mother, highlighting her conflict between desire and prohibition and her struggle over her identity. “Buffini challenges traditional views of female vampires by showing Eleanor’s emotional and creative perspective,” explains Sayaka. “Eleanor’s act of writing a story symbolises the search for her own voice, and in Byzantium, her gaze expresses her emerging subjectivity.”

“Across these works, the tension between danger, desire and identity persists,” continues Sayaka. “Each literary work offers a different view of adolescence and individuality, which reflects changing cultural values.”

How does vampirism act as a metaphor for adolescence?

From reading, analysing and comparing different vampire narratives, Sayaka argues that vampirism is used as a metaphor for an identity crisis during adolescence. “An adolescent’s identity crisis not only involves physical changes, but also emotional conflict as the young person attempts to establish who they are,” she explains. “Vampirism works as a metaphor because the supernatural transformation reveals the hidden fears and pressures that exist in society. Vampire narratives depict diverse ways in which adolescents negotiate their individuality.”

How can literature be used to explore ideas about identity?

“Literature allows readers to explore questions about identity and social pressure in a safe and imaginative way,” explains Sayaka. “Stories help young people to reflect on their own experiences during the emotionally sensitive period of adolescence.” By reading and discussing stories, you can observe how characters grow emotionally as a plot progresses, notice the hidden conflicts they face and learn how they overcome these challenges.

Vampire stories in particular are useful for thinking about identity and societal expectations. “They are a rich genre for studying symbolic motifs because they show the border between human and non-human, predator and prey, dominance and submissiveness, and even ideas of justice,” says Sayaka. “I loved Gothic fiction as a teenager, and vampire stories were the ones I found most frightening. Vampires are ‘in-between’ beings that destabilise binary categories, making them well-suited for exploring deeper questions about adolescence.”

Sayaka’s work highlights how the supernatural transformations in vampire stories represent the psychological challenges of adolescence. Little Red Riding Hood, Aurelie and Eleanor all face conflicts and fear the fact that they rebel against their mothers – a tension central to Gothic fiction. In doing so, they form their own individual identities and emerge as young women.

Do you have a question for Sayaka?
Write it in the comments box below and she will get back to you. (Remember, researchers are very busy people, so you may have to wait a few days.)

Learn how wetlands are being impacted by human activities and climate change:

futurumcareers.com/can-spooky-stories-engage-people-with-history-and-heritage

The hospitality industry provides a vital service to society and the economy, but it also often relies on environmentally damaging resources and is responsible for significant food waste. At New Mexico State University in the US, Professor Jean Hertzman is ensuring the next generation of hospitality and culinary professionals have the knowledge and skills to reduce the environmental impact of the industry. To achieve this, she is developing lesson plans that connect hospitality and culinary arts with sustainable agricultural practices.

“The ultimate goal of my project is to train the next generation of culinary professionals and hospitality managers with the skills needed to ensure the effective and socially responsible use of resources from the producer to the end-user,” says Jean. “By gaining agricultural literacy and becoming advocates for sustainable practices in the workplace, you can contribute to reducing the effects of climate change, reducing food waste and providing demand for products created through better agricultural processes.” In this way, Jean and her team are ensuring that the hospitality industry will play a key role in making the planet healthier for all of us.

Professor Jean Hertzman

School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management, New Mexico State University, USA

Fields of research: Hospitality and culinary arts; sustainable agriculture; food safety

Research project: Training hospitality and culinary arts teachers so they can educate their students about the importance of sustainable agriculture

Funder: This work is supported by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Agricultural Workforce Training Priority Area, award #2023-67037-39940

About hospitality

Hospitality is a dynamic industry with a huge range of exciting career opportunities. “The careers in hospitality and culinary arts are endless because there are so many types of operations,” explains Jean. Food service operations range from food trucks, fast-food chains and independent cafés to hotel restaurants, entertainment venues and independent fine-dining establishments, along with catering for schools and hospitals. “Food service jobs include chefs, servers, bartenders and managers, while hotel careers include front-of-house operations, catering, housekeeping and sales,” says Jean.

This range of opportunities means that whatever your interests, you are sure to find a role in hospitality that allows you to fulfil your goals. “With the variety of jobs available, there is room for everyone,” says Jean. “Hospitality management and culinary arts are careers that will always be in demand. Everyone eats, and even if the percentage of people eating out fluctuates, the industry will always adapt.”

Jean’s first job was at an ice cream and sandwich shop. “It was a long time ago, so my pay was $2.85 per hour plus all the ice cream I could eat!” She then worked as an executive chef at an independent restaurant and as a restaurant manager at a hotel. As executive chef, she was responsible for overseeing all food preparation, developing menus, cooking, and ordering food and kitchen supplies. “As I worked at an independent restaurant, I enjoyed the creativity I had to adapt the menu and I loved watching people enjoy the meals we cooked,” she says. As restaurant manager, she was responsible for the ‘front of house’ operations, supervising servers and bartenders, checking reservations, greeting guests and dealing with any problems. “I enjoyed sharing my passion for hospitality with both the guests and employees,” she says. “No two days are ever the same in a restaurant, so I never got bored with the job!”

Pathway from school to hospitality

At school, take any hospitality and culinary classes that are offered. “You will learn key skills which will help you secure entry-level jobs and get ahead in your career,” says Jean.

“Math is also important,” advises Jean. “It is essential to know how to convert recipes to make different amounts and to know how to determine the cost of a dish and price it accordingly.”

You can earn hospitality and culinary certificates and qualifications from community college, trade school or university. Most courses will include practical internships to give you hands-on experience, and Jean also recommends finding part-time work in the industry, even if it is just washing dishes to begin with. “There is no substitute for practising your skills on a daily basis and progressing through different job levels to gain the experience needed to succeed,” she says. “You could also plan a party for your family, school or community centre, or help serve food at a food bank or community kitchen.”

“To work with food, it is essential to study food safety and gain basic food preparation and cooking skills,” says Jean. “If a class in meats and butchery is offered, take it! These skills are in demand and pay high wages.”

Explore careers in hospitality

In addition to the huge variety of roles in food service and hospitality venues mentioned above, there are also opportunities to teach culinary arts and hospitality in high schools, trade schools, colleges and universities. “I wanted to teach because I recognised the tremendous need for training in the industry,” says Jean.

The National Restaurant Association (chooserestaurants.org/restaurantswork/career-pathways) and The Hotel Industry (thehotelindustry.com/career-pathways) provide information about career pathways in restaurants and hotels, along with the skills, experience and qualifications you need to follow different paths.

Meet Sierra

Sierra Chopito is the culinary business and product development manager at Stampede Culinary Partners

I have been cooking since a very young age, and I’ve always enjoyed exploring flavour combinations. I took culinary classes throughout high school and went to university to study culinary arts. One day, I witnessed chefs from different food chain companies come together and cook. The sight of their collaboration inspired me to become one of those chefs.

I took an introductory class in food science and was intrigued – I love working with food and it was exciting to understand the science behind food and how this relates to cooking in a kitchen. I also completed an internship in a five-star restaurant at a luxury ski hotel, where I learned discipline in the kitchen and built my strong mentality, which shaped my style as a chef today.

As product development manager at Stampede Culinary Partners, I manage our test kitchen where we develop new food products. Developing new food products involves working in the kitchen to create prototypes to ensure a successful transition from the kitchen to commercialisation. My inspiration for creating new products can come from current trends in restaurants and health, my friends, a vacation, a movie… anywhere!

I enjoy being able to create new things and try everything I make. I also love being able to collaborate with chefs and learn from their experiences and knowledge, because I believe you can learn new things from anybody. It is exciting to see food products that I made in the test kitchen on the shelf at a grocery store or on the menu in a restaurant and to know that millions of people are eating my food!

Meet Hunter

Hunter Lindsey is studying for a master’s in agricultural extension and education

Throughout my childhood, I raised my own flock of sheep at home in Arizona and showed them at livestock shows. But throughout high school, I didn’t have a clue where my future would take me. I knew I wanted to work with animals and considered everything from marine biology to wildlife rehabilitation. In the end, I studied animal science with minors in agricultural business, ranch management and horse management, along with an internship in a reproductive physiology research barn. Studying so many different areas helped me realise just how broad agriculture is.

I’m now studying agricultural extension, which focuses on how we communicate agricultural information to farmers and the public. Animal science helped me understand the ‘why’ behind agriculture, and now my favourite part is learning how to share this knowledge with others.

I’m helping to develop agricultural lessons for culinary and hospitality educators. This involves connecting agriculture to topics students are learning about, such as where food comes from. For example, I’ve created resources covering the beef supply chain and sustainable beef production.

It’s important to know that you don’t have to come from a ‘traditional’ agricultural background to find a place in the industry. There are so many careers in agriculture – it’s not just farming and ranching. There are also opportunities in animal science, education, business and food production.

My advice to students is to stay open-minded, take advantage of opportunities that come your way and try to gain as much hands-on experience as possible. My journey has been shaped by being willing to explore different opportunities, even when I wasn’t sure where they would lead.

Do you have a question for Jean, Sierra or Hunter?
Write it in the comments box below and they will get back to you. (Remember, researchers are very busy people, so you may have to wait a few days.)

Discover how agriculture educators are helping people appreciate the links between agriculture and the environment:

futurumcareers.com/fostering-love-and-knowledge-of-agriculture-and-the-environment

For decades, industrial activity has been polluting our soils, waters and air with toxic metals. This threatens wildlife, contaminates food supplies and puts human health at risk, but a potential solution has been growing around us all along. Dr Naira Ibrahim from Jackson State University in the US is investigating the power of plants to absorb toxic metals from contaminated environments. Through her research, Naira has discovered that some remarkable plants may not only be able to help restore damaged ecosystems, but could also play a role in human medicine.

Within those areas, roles can also be incredibly varied. For Naira, “A typical day includes teaching, supervising laboratory research, analysing environmental and genomic data, writing grant proposals, publishing research and collaborating with scientists.” An important part of her work is mentoring students from diverse backgrounds and creating opportunities for them such as supporting her work with communities in Mississippi.

Naira is keen to emphasise the interdisciplinary nature of environmental science and how it brings together knowledge and expertise from many different fields. She says, “Environmental science combines plant biology, genetics, microbiology and environmental chemistry to develop sustainable solutions for pollution, climate resilience and healthier communities.”

Environmental science is evolving quickly, and newer developments in the field involve the use of artificial intelligence, satellites and drones. Future environmental scientists may even get to play an important role in space exploration by creating sustainable ecosystems for space agriculture using tools such as phytoremediation that have been discovered here on Earth.

Pathway from school to environmental science

“Students should study biology, chemistry, environmental science, mathematics, physics, computer science, data analysis and statistics,” says Naira. “Environmental problems are interdisciplinary and require teamwork, persistence, critical thinking and strong analytical skills.”

Naira encourages students to seek out internships or work experience opportunities, or volunteer to support research projects.

Explore careers in environmental science

Explore the American Society of Plant Biologists, the Institution of Environmental Sciences or the American Geophysical Union for useful resources, career advice and opportunities to attend events and meet professionals in the field. You could even consider joining as a student member.

You can learn more about the work of Naira and her colleagues in the Department of Biology at Jackson State University on their website.

Meet Naira

As a teenager, I was fascinated by plants and nature. Learning how plants interact with the environment inspired me to pursue environmental science and phytoremediation research.

I enjoy discovering new knowledge while mentoring students and helping them become independent scientists.

I am motivated by developing sustainable solutions that improve environmental and human health while inspiring the next generation of scientists.

Key to my success have been persistence, curiosity, collaboration, continuous learning and mentoring.

To unwind from work, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, reading scientific literature and spending time outdoors.

Naira’s top tips

Never stop asking questions. Work hard, seek mentors, stay curious and remember that every scientist begins by learning one step at a time.

Do you have a question for Naira?
Write it in the comments box below and she will get back to you. (Remember, researchers are very busy people, so you may have to wait a few days.)

Discover how environmental scientists are using plants to clean contaminated soil:

futurumcareers.com/how-can-plants-clean-contaminated-soils

“The division between literary studies and STEM is such that they may as well be two different star systems,” says Dr Rhona Trauvitch, a Teaching Professor of English at Florida International University in the US. Yet she believes that connections between these fields can hugely benefit all learners, which is why she is using analogies from fiction to help illustrate concepts in science.

Finding such connections between science and fiction can, Rhona believes, help enhance the learning of students from all disciplines. “One measure of success after university is a graduate’s ability to translate knowledge and competencies gained in school to the world beyond academia,” she says. “Yet prevailing structures of higher education are not necessarily conducive to this. The fi-sci project aims to break down disciplinary silos and better equip students for the world beyond the campus, using the instrument of fictionality.”

Dr Rhona Trauvitch

Science & Fiction Lab, Florida International University, USA

Fields of research: Narratology; interdisciplinary analogical reasoning; STEM education

Research project: Leveraging the rhetorical power of fiction to make STEM more accessible

Funders: This work is supported by the US National Science Foundation (NSF) under Award No. 2518840 and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF or NEH.

Website: scienceandfiction.fiu.edu

Portions of this article quote or paraphrase Fi-Sci: Avatars of Science in Fiction by Rhona Trauvitch, published November 2026 by The Ohio State University Press © 2026 The Ohio State University

Testing the impact of fi-sci

Having developed her fi-sci pattern mapping framework, Rhona is now leading a research project to explore the effectiveness of fi-sci as a teaching method, along with her colleagues Dr Tiberio Garza, Dr Bryan Dewsbury and Nicole Chlebek. FIU faculty participating in the project were paired across disciplines, each duo comprising one member who teaches fiction (including faculty in English, philosophy, history and law) and one who teaches STEM.

In each pair, the faculty shared the curricula of the courses they teach then looked for topics that are analogous across the disciplines. “The magic happened in these conversations,” enthuses Rhona. “As one person described a topic, the other thought about the topics they teach and considered whether they might have a similar form. These discussions always led to a moment when something clicked – the sign of an elegant interdisciplinary analogy.”

The pair then developed lesson plans for a ‘jigsaw module’ that linked their specialisations by way of fi-sci analogies. The first lesson introduces students to the analogy while the second shows them how it was generated through the fi-sci pattern mapping process.

Evaluating the effects of fi-sci on student learning

Rhona and her colleagues will now assess the impact of the fi-sci jigsaw modules by testing control and experimental groups of students before and after they take part in the fi-sci intervention. To do so, the participating faculty will begin by teaching a topic to all their students (without using fi-sci analogies). Students will then complete an assignment to introduce that topic to a friend who is not studying the course and to a fifth grader, and to make an analogy between any concept in STEM and any concept in fiction.

All students will then participate in a lesson giving an overview of analogies as thinking and learning tools. The experimental group of students will then participate in the two fi-sci pattern mapping lessons, learning the fi-sci analogy that links the topic they learnt in the initial lesson to a topic taught in their professor’s partner’s course, followed by learning how the analogy was generated. All students will then complete the same assignment again but in reverse order, making an analogy between any concept in STEM and any concept in fiction, then explaining the same topic to a friend who is not studying the course and to a fifth grader.

“We will evaluate whether learning about the power of analogies leads both groups to perform better in the second assignment and whether learning about fi-sci analogies and pattern mapping in particular increases the improvement of the experimental group,” explains Rhona. “We hypothesise that the experimental group’s improvement will surpass the control group’s improvement in terms of interdisciplinary perspective, critical thinking and subject matter communication.”

The jigsaw module library

The jigsaw modules developed during this project will be collated in a digital library for any FIU faculty to use and adapt for their own courses. “In the future, we plan to expand access to the library so the teaching materials are freely available to staff and students at any university,” says Rhona. “Any educator would be able to browse the digital catalogue to find a module built around an analogy that involves a topic they’re teaching, then they could use it in their own course, while adapting it to match their curriculum.”

Advice for educators

Common challenges for implementing fi-sci teaching

“The biggest hurdle I face when introducing the concept of fi-sci analogies is the confusion between the literal and the figurative,” says Rhona. “Initially, students come up with cases of fiction that feature science, such as genetic engineering or time dilation.” But these include the science itself, rather than narrative elements or manoeuvres that are analogous to the science concepts. The difference between literal and figurative manifestations of science within fiction is a key message to convey to your students.

One common challenge educators encounter when trying to incorporate fiction analogies in their STEM classes is simply a lack of time to fit fi-sci into an already-packed curriculum. “You might find it difficult to set aside time to show your students how a concept they have just covered is analogous to a concept in a different field,” says Rhona, who has three suggestions for how to overcome this. “If possible, you could shorten other lessons to create room for a fi-sci intervention. You could adopt a more condensed version of the fi-sci jigsaw model. Or you could move some of the instructional material online so it takes up less class time.”

While many students enjoy learning about how the subject they are studying manifests in a completely different discipline, another challenge you might face is students who do not see the value in making interdisciplinary connections. “Some STEM students may not recognise the relevance of fiction and will make comments like ‘I didn’t take a science course to read and discuss literature’,” says Rhona. If you encounter this, Rhona recommends emphasising the benefits of interdisciplinary fluency and demonstrating how a fi-sci approach can help students communicate their expertise to a non-specialist audience.

The benefits of fi-sci teaching and learning

“Through fi-sci pattern mapping, students gain exposure to concepts and methods they would have otherwise not encountered in the typical compartmentalised university structure,” says Rhona. “In doing so, they see their own subject in a new light, observe how it intersects with other fields and use it to increase their understanding of other subjects. This enables them to discover novel applications for their skills, which can translate into innovative job opportunities.”

And it is not only students who benefit from fi-sci teaching. “The process of developing fi-sci analogies has been greatly beneficial to the participating faculty,” says Rhona. “Several have told us how much they’ve enjoyed working with colleagues in other disciplines who they may never have met were it not for the fi-sci initiative.” Several faculty have also commented on the excitement of including such a creative approach in their classes.

Do you have a question for Rhona?
Write it in the comments box below and she will get back to you. (Remember, researchers are very busy people, so you may have to wait a few days.)

Discover how art can also help scientists:

futurumcareers.com/can-art-help-scientists-see-more-clearly

Catching an individual who has committed theft poses challenges, but forensics and CCTV make it easier for law enforcement to do so. However, pinning down complex, large-scale cases of fraud, money laundering or corruption can be very difficult, and charging an organisation with an economic crime can sometimes cause a whole cascade of negative effects on innocent parties. At the University of Ottawa in Canada, Dr Jennifer Quaid studies the law around economic crime and corruption, and how it can be best used to catch and charge those who manipulate systems illegally for financial gain.

For Jennifer, her work often feels like untangling a logic puzzle. “I enjoy the challenge of digging into the details of a legal problem to figure out how to apply a set of legal rules, and explaining this to others in straightforward ways,” she says. “These little nuggets help me see patterns or connections to other problems.” She also believes that it is important to strive for better laws and legal practices. “I believe that our role as researchers is to search for evidence to help make the world a better place,” she says. “It might be through small and incremental contributions, but I find being part of a bigger collective effort so rewarding.”

Pathway from school to criminal law

Jennifer says that reading comprehension and writing proficiency are essential, as is a strong knowledge of history, which provides the context for laws. She adds that speaking several languages is an asset, as is a strong capacity for critical thinking. At school, subjects that can develop these skills include law, English, history, political science, sociology and foreign languages.

At university, there are many law degrees and variants. Adjacent fields that can lead to a career in legal research include many social sciences, such as criminology, sociology, psychology and public policy.

Explore careers in criminal law

Jennifer emphasises that law is highly jurisdiction-specific, meaning that learning the legal landscape of one country may not be applicable to others – so it is important to think about where you want to work before you begin your studies and find appropriate resources to help your decision. For Canada, this page from Canadian Lawyer can help this process.

Jennifer’s work as a criminal law researcher often involves talking to the media and explaining the legal background and/or implications of well-known legal cases. Watch these interviews with Jennifer to gain an insight into the cases and issues work in her field can involve (the first two are in English and the third in French):

youtube.com/watch?v=SyWuflGwG8c

youtube.com/watch?v=iPRegg3qetg&t

youtube.com/watch?v=xiAJVRa6_B8

In this video, Jennifer discusses corporate criminal liability (in French and with English subtitles).

The Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa runs the Jurivision project, which highlights the work of legal researchers and practitioners in Canada and around the world.

Meet Jennifer

© Mary Ellen Cavett

I was first drawn to law by the idea of ‘fighting the good fight’ in court. In high school, I liked debating and public speaking, which I thought meant I’d be good at law. The truth is much more nuanced as many lawyers never even go to court. Even those that do spend a lot more time preparing, reading, writing and thinking than they do in court.

I practised as a lawyer before I was a researcher. Oral communication and advocacy skills were essential, and not just in court. The work of a lawyer involves a lot of interaction with colleagues, clients and public officials. Working closely with clients was a highlight of my time in private practice.

I have had some extraordinary luck in my career. My research expertise has proven relevant to several significant events in Canada and the wider world, which has enabled me to contribute to important public policy debates.

My proudest moments are when I can help move discussions forward, to provide information and evidence to people who need it, and to encourage productive consensus. Some of these moments may not seem very remarkable in themselves – a radio interview, a classroom discussion or a published paper – but they always move the needle on understanding.

I have a big research project lined up. I will study the recent reform to Canadian competition law, exploring how its ambition can be translated into concrete action. In the longer term, I plan to write a textbook on corporate criminal liability in Canada. Economic crime will be a big part of that.

Jennifer’s top tips

1. Take time to find your place professionally. Careers are long, and there will be twists and turns that might surprise you.

2. All experiences, including mistakes and obstacles, are important opportunities to learn and grow.

3. Believe in yourself. Persistence and hard work will pay off – but remember that success is state of mind, not a moment.

Do you have a question for the Jennifer?
Write it in the comments box below and she will get back to you. (Remember, researchers are very busy people, so you may have to wait a few days.)

Learn more about criminal law:

futurumcareers.com/what-causes-wrongful-prison-convictions

Microplastics have the rather unhelpful habit of attracting and transporting other micropollutants such as pesticides, dyes and pharmaceuticals, often causing them to accumulate in levels harmful to humans, animals and the environment. At Kansas State University in the US, Professor Daniel Higgins is using advanced microscopy techniques to investigate how micropollutants are attached to, transported by and released from microplastics, increasing our understanding of the risks they pose.

Whereas SMT shows how individual molecules behave, confocal fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) observes many molecules simultaneously, better revealing how fast they move and how many are present. When fluorescent dye molecules move through a microscope’s detection area, they produce brief bursts of light. A mathematical process called autocorrelation is used to analyse these bursts to learn about the molecules’ movements. “FCS allows us to precisely determine how fast the molecules are moving, even if they are moving very rapidly, or if they interact with the plastic surface for only very brief periods of time,” says Dan.

Findings and future steps

Dan and his students have discovered that the properties of microplastics vary across their surfaces, and at least two mechanisms cause interactions with micropollutants. “Unweathered (hydrophobic) plastic regions readily accumulate lipophilic molecules that are easily released when the plastic migrates into a different environment, such as when it is ingested by living creatures,” says Dan. “Weathered (hydrophilic) regions allow the microplastics to be more readily dispersed in water, and provide sites for certain organic micropollutants to become strongly attached to the microplastics.”

While there is still much research to be done, the team’s results are highly valuable. “Our results provide new clues as to how micropollutants behave when they interact with microplastics,” says Dan. “This helps us understand the true level of hazard posed by micropollutant-laden microplastics, while also providing ideas for how plastics may be altered to eliminate microplastics or better control their abilities to transport other hazardous chemicals.”

Professor Daniel Higgins

Department of Chemistry, Kansas State University, USA

Field of research: Chemistry

Research project: Studying how micropollutant molecules accumulate on microplastic surfaces

Funder: The US National Science Foundation (NSF) supported this work through grant CHE-2502696. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF.

About chemistry

Being a chemist means learning about and working with the building blocks of matter. Chemists explore the properties of matter, how different substances interact and what happens when changes take place. “The best part of being a chemist, or a scientist in general, is the thrill of discovering new knowledge,” says Dan. “Whenever we perform experiments in the laboratory, we observe chemical phenomena that have either never been seen before, are not well understood or have not previously been explored by our methods.”

Chemists may be involved in many different activities. “Most professional chemists work in industry and may spend much of every day in a laboratory or factory running chemical syntheses, monitoring chemical processes, making chemical measurements or creating computer models of chemicals, their reactions and their properties,” says Dan. “Those working in national laboratories around the world do experiments, read scientific articles in their area of speciality and brainstorm creative ideas for new experiments, theories, synthetic chemicals and chemical materials.” University-based chemists are often also involved in teaching and mentoring students.

Future chemists will address the challenge of making new plastic food and drink packaging that is safer for humans and can be more easily recycled or degrades more effectively if released into the environment. “Micropollutants of great concern these days are poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as ‘forever chemicals’,” says Dan. PFAS are very useful chemicals, found in non-stick coatings, lubricants and fire extinguishers, but they are also lipophilic and hazardous to humans and animals. “Chemists in the future will be working to make new materials that have similar useful properties but are far less persistent in the environment and far less hazardous.”

Pathway from school to chemistry

At school, focus on chemistry, mathematics and physics to build a strong base. “At university, students should take more in-depth courses in chemistry, biochemistry, math and physics,” says Dan. “Strong backgrounds in computer programming, modelling and data science are also becoming increasingly important.”

“Chemists need to be curious,” says Dan. “They need to be able to think creatively and come up with new ideas that will help solve or better understand the world’s existing and emerging problems. As modern chemistry is very much a collaborative science, they also need to be able to work closely with collaborators from chemistry and other sciences, and those from entirely different fields like business. Chemists must also be strong communicators who are able to explain complex chemical phenomena to other scientists, policy makers and the public.”

Explore careers in chemistry

Chemists can work in medicine, academia, national laboratories, or the chemical, pharmaceutical or consumer products industries. Chemists solve problems, create new products, get involved in policymaking and standards-setting, or teach and train the next generation of scientists.

“The American Chemical Society (acs.org) and the Royal Society of Chemistry (rsc.org) are the most well-known professional chemistry societies and encourage student membership,” says Dan. “They provide many helpful resources to chemists as they develop in their careers and many opportunities for networking.”

“There are many student-centred organisations, such as Alpha Chi Sigma and Phi Lambda Upsilon in the US for students in college or graduate school,” continues Dan. “These provide many opportunities and are excellent venues for meeting others and networking. For example, the Kansas State University local chapter of Alpha Chi Sigma provides extensive opportunities for students to become involved in outreach activities.”

Meet the team

Mohammad Motiur Rahman

My high school science teacher inspired me to study chemistry. His ability to observe and explain daily phenomena was fascinating.

Every day in the lab is a dynamic, hands-on adventure! My role is an exciting mix of two worlds: as a teaching assistant, I get to help undergrads discover their own spark for chemistry, and as a research assistant, I dive deep into my own research. It’s collaborative, fast-paced and never boring!

Every experiment I run and every challenge I solve brings me closer to my ultimate dream: becoming an independent researcher who can bring positive changes in society to make our future lives more liveable.

Mohammad’s top tips

1. Look for the daily magic, not just formulas. Chemistry isn’t just equations on paper; it’s the secret code behind everything happening around us every second.

2. Treat lab setbacks like a puzzle. Real scientists don’t get things right on the first try! Learning through trial and error is half the fun, and solving a tricky problem feels amazing.

3. Dream big about impact. Chemistry gives you the power to tackle huge real-world challenges.

Olawale Aina

I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, and my grandfather, a retired geochemistry professor, used to take me on walks along the Lagos Lagoon. He’d explain how years of industrial pollution had changed the oily sheen on the water. Those walks planted a question in my head: What is actually happening to our water, at the smallest possible level?

I previously studied environmental management and toxicology, which shapes how I approach my chemistry research: always connecting the small details back to the bigger environmental picture.

I study how organic micropollutants stick to the surface of microplastics. Using SMT, I can watch individual molecules, and that level of detail helps explain why microplastics act like tiny sponges and delivery trucks for pollution in rivers, lakes and oceans.

I want to keep working at the intersection of chemistry and environmental protection, using science to answer real-world pollution questions to help communities like the one I grew up in.

Olawale’s top tips

1. Stay curious about the ‘why’ behind things you notice in the world around you.

2. Don’t be afraid to change direction once you find the question that really grabs you.

Sorour Salehi

I did not grow up knowing I wanted to be a chemist. Over time, I became fascinated by the idea that things we cannot see can explain so much of what happens around us. Now, I get to connect that curiosity with an environmental problem that affects all of us: plastic pollution.

I enjoy the independence I have as a researcher. I have space to think, try new ideas, make mistakes, troubleshoot problems and slowly find my own way of doing research.

Research can be frustrating, but it teaches you patience and how to keep going when the answer is not clear. For me, turning small observations into new understanding is one of the most rewarding parts of being a scientist.

Sorour’s top tips

1. As a high school student, you do not need to know what you want to do – I’m still figuring out what I want my long-term career to look like!

2. Do not judge yourself by whether every class or experiment feels easy. Being a good scientist means being curious enough to keep asking questions when you do not know the answer.

Do you have a question for the team?
Write it in the comments box below and they will get back to you. (Remember, researchers are very busy people, so you may have to wait a few days.)

Learn what happens to plastics as they break down into microplastics:

futurumcareers.com/what-happens-when-plastics-break-down-into-microplastics-and-nanoplastics

Computer chips are found all over our modern world in devices ranging from laptops and smartphones to motorbikes and washing machines. But what happens when you send a computer chip into outer space? Professor Li Chen from the University of Saskatchewan in Canada runs the STARR-Lab where his team investigates the effects of radiation on semiconductors and designs new chips that work reliably in the harsh conditions of space.

About electrical engineering

“Almost everyone interacts with the work of electrical engineers from the moment they wake up,” says Li. “They help generate the power in our homes, build communication networks, design smartphones and computers, develop medical equipment, create the electronics used in cars, aircraft and spacecraft, and so much more!”

What makes the field especially exciting is its enormous range of scale. “An electrical engineer might work on a power station large enough to supply a city or on a transistor so small that its most important features are only a few atoms across,” explains Li. “Our modern world depends on the work of electrical engineers, and the next generation will be able to push the boundaries even further in areas such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, robotics, quantum computing and space exploration.”

“One of the most rewarding parts of electrical engineering is seeing an idea become something real,” continues Li. “A project may begin as just a drawing on a board, a computer simulation or a few lines of code, but eventually you may be able to hold the finished device in your hand and watch it work. That is such a rewarding feeling.”

As an electrical engineer, you will have to solve complex problems. “There may be ten different ways to solve the same problem, each with different costs, risks and advantages,” says Li. “The challenge is not simply finding one answer, but deciding which answer works best in the real world. That uncertainty can be difficult, but it is also what makes engineering so interesting and creative.”

You can prepare for these challenges by developing your critical-thinking, problem-solving and communication skills. “You should also become comfortable with trying an idea, discovering that it doesn’t work and improving it,” advises Li. “In engineering, failure is often not the end of an experiment – it is the information that leads to the next one.”

Pathway from school to electrical engineering

“Mathematics and physics provide an important foundation because they are necessary to understand how electricity, forces and energy behave,” advises Li. “Computing and programming are also increasingly valuable, as modern electrical systems usually combine hardware and software.”

Practical experience is just as important as learning technical information. “You can learn a great deal from a textbook, but building something teaches you in a way that a book alone cannot provide,” says Li.

Join robotics clubs, electronics projects, coding groups or other industrial-arts courses. “Even a simple project, such as using a sensor to switch on a light, can introduce you to the same process of designing, testing and improving that professional engineers use,” says Li.

Explore careers in electrical engineering

“An electrical engineer might design power lines that stretch across many miles, antennas that communicate with satellites, autonomous machines that explore mines or transistors that are far too small to see with the human eye,” says Li. “The kinds of careers that are possible are too long to list!”

Other potential careers include working with computer simulations, medical devices, renewable energy, robotics, nanomaterials or spacecraft systems. “There is something for anyone who enjoys technology, especially those interested in using it to solve problems and improve people’s lives,” enthuses Li.

Explore the websites of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the Institution of Engineering and Technology to learn more about careers in this field.

Meet Li

When I was younger, I was interested in electronics and small science projects. For example, I made small steam boats (by filling empty eggs with water and burning a candle underneath them), a simple prototype of a stealth periscope and a magnetic coil for weight lifting. These simple scientific projects were guided by my dad’s magazines and books, which inspired my curiosity in science and engineering.

I love working with and training students. Taking part in our research can help them achieve their career goals.

I am driven by curiosity and a desire to understand how complex electronic systems behave under challenging conditions, particularly in radiation environments. This motivation led me to specialise in semiconductor reliability in space.

Perseverance has been critical to my career. Research in electrical engineering often involves long-term projects, experimental setbacks and difficult technical problems. The ability to remain focused and continuously seek solutions has been important throughout my career.

I have benefited from interdisciplinary collaboration. Research into the effects of radiation requires expertise in device physics, circuit design, semiconductor technology, computer engineering and reliability analysis. Working with researchers from different backgrounds has broadened my perspective and enabled more impactful research outcomes.

I usually unwind by spending time with my family, taking walks and playing badminton. These activities help me disconnect from daily research challenges, maintain balance and return to work with renewed energy and a fresh perspective.

Li’s top tip

Curiosity and persistence are often more valuable for an engineer than already knowing the answer.

Do you have a question for Li?
Write it in the comments box below and he will get back to you. (Remember, researchers are very busy people, so you may have to wait a few days.)

Learn about other scientists working with transistors and semiconductors

futurumcareers.com/how-can-the-transistors-in-your-smartphone-form-quantum-dots

Paper mills are incredible machines that churn out thousands of tonnes of paper every single day. Despite this output, engineers are constantly looking for new ways to improve the paper production process. Working in collaboration with Veolia and Holmen Paper at RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Luis Carlos Felix Tapia is part of a team that has developed a new process for treating and recycling wastewater in paper mills to make them more efficient, sustainable and cost effective. The original concept and project were conceived by Luis Fernando Delgado Zambrano, a former researcher at RISE.

Before they can reuse this contaminated water, paper mills must treat it to remove chemicals and dissolved organic materials. “Normally, this is achieved through a combination of mechanical treatment followed by biological treatments,” says Luis. Mechanical treatments remove solid waste, such as large particles, sand or fragments of plastic, by passing the water through screens, allowing sediments to settle to the bottom of large tanks, less using microscopic bubbles to capture stray wood fibres and float them to the surface.

Biological treatments remove organic substances, such as dissolved wood sugars (starch) and complex wood resins, by allowing bacteria in the water to feed on them. Usually, this takes place in aerobic biological basins where microorganisms clump together, growing directly in the water (known as activated sludge basins) or as biofilms on plastic supports (known as carriers) that float in the water of a moving-bed biofilm reactor, or MBBR.

“Although aerobic biological treatment is effective, it is also energy-intensive, involves nutrient addition and creates a lot of sludge which has to be processed,” says Luis. “Moreover, it does not enable energy recovery from the organic matter, limiting its overall sustainability.” On the other hand, anaerobic treatment (using bacteria that do not require oxygen) provides opportunities to reduce energy consumption, nutrient requirements and sludge production. It also has the added benefit of potentially producing methane which can be used as biogas to help power the paper mill. “Although anaerobic treatments have many advantages, they typically require an aerobic step to completely remove the dissolved substances and contaminants,” explains Luis.

Improving the system

“During the SupWat project, we used an anaerobic MBBR followed by an aerobic MBBR (AnoxKaldnes MBBR Technologies, Veolia) as the main biological treatment steps, then a final ultrafiltration step,” says Luis. Using anaerobic treatment meant that less sludge was produced, and combining this with aerobic treatment allowed the system to remove dissolved substances more efficiently. Luis and the team at RISE tested this innovative system and found that it could help to improve the energy efficiency of the paper production process.

“It has been estimated that the drying section of the paper making process consumes 64% of the total energy,” says Luis. “Higher concentrations of dissolved substances in the process water increase drainage time and thus energy consumption in the drying stage.” Luis and his team showed that the removal of dissolved substances by their new system reduced drainage time, which could potentially lead to greater energy efficiency, performance and sustainability in Sweden’s paper mills.

“I love the thrill of finding innovative solutions that will eventually lead to practical applications in the industry,” says Luis. “I enjoy the combination of being in the laboratory and finding results that will be able to scale the processes into real paper mills.”

Luis Carlos Felix Tapia

Project Manager; Senior Research and Development Engineer, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden

Luis Fernando Delgado Zambrano

Project scientific leader

Fernando Morgan-Sagastume

Project advisor; Senior Process Specialist, R&D AnoxKaldnes MBBR Technologies, Veolia Water Tech

Mathias Bohman

Project participant; Senior Development Engineer, Holmen Paper           

Thomas Welander

Senior Advisor, R&D AnoxKaldnes MBBR Technologies, Veolia Water Tech

Fields of research: Chemical engineering; industrial water management; sustainable packaging and materials

Research paper: Sustainable process water treatment for the paper industry (SupWat)

Funder: Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Development – FORMAS (Diary number: 2023-02054)

Do you have a question for Luis?
Write it in the comments box below and he will get back to you. (Remember, researchers are very busy people, so you may have to wait a few days.)

Learn about other techniques for treating wastewater:

futurumcareers.com/how-can-hydrogels-remove-heavy-metal-pollution-from-wastewater

As a limnologist at York University in Canada, Dr Jennifer Korosi spends her summers collecting water samples and mud from the bottom of lakes in the Dehcho region of the Northwest Territories. By analysing these mud and water samples, Jennifer is uncovering how lakes in peatland environments are responding to permafrost thaw, helping communities to manage the impacts of climate change.

What does limnology fieldwork involve?

The Scotty Creek Research Station has not been immune to the effects of permafrost thaw – it has had to be relocated twice since it was first constructed in the 1990s as the peatland has collapsed, and it had to be rebuilt after being burnt down by a forest fire in 2022. The station is composed of permanent tents connected by a series of boardwalks that allow people to walk around on the wet peatland. There are no roads to access the station, so Jennifer and her team arrive by float plane. The station operates all year round, and in winter, researchers travel there by snow machine.

“A typical day of fieldwork involves hiking to the lakes from the station with our gear, then spending several hours collecting cores and water samples, before carrying everything back to base,” says Jennifer. “It’s hard work and involves a lot of heavy lifting, but fieldwork is the best part of the job!”

Fieldwork can also be challenging. The weather can be bad, equipment can break and the remote location means researchers can’t just go to the store to get new supplies. “To overcome this, we prepare extensively for field seasons,” says Jennifer. “We try to anticipate what might go wrong and have back-up plans in place to deal with them. But we can’t anticipate everything, so the most important thing is to be able to think creatively and stay calm in stressful conditions.”

Pathway from school to limnology

“Limnology is a field that integrates biology, chemistry, physics, physical geography, geology and social sciences to better understand and protect our inland waters,” says Jennifer.

At high school, studying geography, biology and chemistry will teach you about water systems, while mathematics will give you the skills limnologists need to statistically analyse data.

“The most common university degrees for studying limnology are biology, physical geography and environmental science,” says Jennifer. “There are also several environmental technician programmes at colleges that train students in limnological sampling.”

“The most important advice I have is to spend time on or near the water,” says Jennifer. “There is so much you can learn from lakes that you can’t easily learn in a classroom. And if you are interested in field-based limnology work, learn to be comfortable working in bad weather!”

Explore careers in limnology

“Limnology work has never been more important, as urbanisation and natural resource development accelerate in the context of a warming climate,” says Jennifer. “We need people who can understand and appreciate the complexity of our inland aquatic ecosystems and help in the search for solutions.”

Limnologists can find work with governments, conservation authorities, environmental consulting companies, not-for-profit organisations and research institutions.

Look for opportunities to volunteer with conservation authorities and lake stewardship societies to gain practical experience and meet like-minded people. For example, organisations such as Freshwater Conservation Canada (freshwaterconservationcanada.org) and the Canada Lakes Conservation Association (canadalakesconservation.com) run activities and events for community members.

Academic organisations provide information about limnology research and careers. Explore the websites of the International Society of Limnology (limnology.org), the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (aslo.org), the International Paleolimnology Association (paleolim.org) and the Society of Canadian Aquatic Sciences (scas-scsa.ca).

Meet Jennifer

In high school, I played hockey and soccer, and I was an avid reader. I’ve also always loved to be outside. As a teenager, I enjoyed hiking, camping and paddling – activities I still love today. I also now enjoy gardening, skiing and fishing – anything that gets me outside!

I took a limnology course during my undergrad in biology, and that was the moment I knew I wanted to be a limnologist. I got a summer research assistant position with the professor of that course, which involved three weeks of fieldwork taking sediment cores from lakes in the Halifax metropolitan area. I then did my undergraduate honours thesis with the same professor, studying zooplankton fossils in sediment cores from lakes in the Muskoka region of Ontario, which led me to graduate school.

I’ve been lucky to have so many amazing field experiences! One of my favourite memories is of a community event at the Scotty Creek Research Station. It was a beautiful day, and it felt meaningful for us to all come together, especially as it came shortly after COVID.

Permafrost thaw is a complicated issue. Bringing together people with diverse experiences and knowledge leads to better research, as well as research that is more likely to lead to tangible benefits for the communities who are most impacted by climate change. As a researcher from a university in southern Canada, I’ve learned so much from the Dene communities of the Dehcho who have taken care of the land since time immemorial.

I love to be out on the water. The landscapes of the Dehcho region are beautiful, and I feel very fortunate to spend so much time there. I am also passionate about freshwater conservation. I’m grateful to have a job where I can make a difference in raising awareness about the challenges facing our lakes and helping make better decisions about freshwater stewardship.

My favourite fact about lakes is that they have memory! The history of the lake, including how it formed and any disturbances it experienced in the past, influences how resilient a lake is to future stresses.

Jennifer’s top tip

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. When I look back on my career path, the most important and transformative moments came from difficult times and when I made mistakes. Those mistakes will help you learn and teach you what is important to you and what you are capable of. So focus more on your personal growth rather than comparing yourself to others.

Do you have a question for Jennifer?
Write it in the comments box below and she will get back to you. (Remember, researchers are very busy people, so you may have to wait a few days.)

Learn how wetlands are being impacted by human activities and climate change:

futurumcareers.com/wetlands-in-a-changing-world-the-climate-benefits-of-wetlands