Beth Clarke
Phd Student, University of Strathclyde
From stargazing to pioneering space exploration, Beth Clarke’s odyssey inspires the next generation of women in STEM to reach for the stars.
It’s 2004. Seven-year-old Beth stands mesmerised by the beauty of the expansive night sky. This childhood stargazing ignited a lifelong passion for space exploration, propelling her to the forefront of the space science community.
Astrophysicist empowers women
Now, the multi-award-winning astrophysicist and software engineer has made it into the Computer Weekly Longlist of Most Influential Women in Tech three times over. In 2023, Beth was both the Everywoman in Technology Rising Star and recognised as one of Computing Magazine’s 50 Tech Role Models.
She attributes her success to the support of women role models who helped her see the possibilities. Now, she aspires to pay that generosity forward by illuminating the path for those who will walk it next.
“Back at school, I remember there not being many girls who liked science; in my A-Level Physics class, there were only a handful of girls. It can feel isolating to dream of being a woman in science,” she says.
At times, I have felt like I have
two jobs: one as an engineer, and
another as a ‘woman engineer’.
A career out of this world
Beth began her voyage at the University of Bath, where she pursued a degree in Physics with Astrophysics. She then charted an unconventional course, undertaking a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Software Development with the British Computing Society while working full-time as a software engineer.
Beth is presently pursuing a PhD at the University of Strathclyde. Her pioneering research on Decentralised Autonomous Communities in Space (DACS) seeks to revolutionise space operations, fostering sustainability and inclusivity in the exploration of the cosmos.
Space for change: being a woman in STEM
Beth spent some time as Vice Chair of the WISE Young Professionals Board, where she led key decisions on improving gender parity within STEM.
She explains: “At times, I have felt like I have two jobs: one as an engineer, and another as a ‘womanengineer’ — carrying the extra weight and responsibility of being the only person in the room representing my gender.
“Working with WISE was one way I could address this; not only working with other women but being an example of one — showing others that we exist.”
