Astronaut

Astronauts are trained by different space agencies such as NASA in order to command, pilot or serve as a crew member aboard spacecraft and the International Space Station. While in space, as well as exercising for around two and a half hours a day, astronauts are responsible for maintaining the air filters, oxygen production systems, water and waste disposal systems. They must also replace worn or broken parts of the spacecraft. Astronauts carry out scientific experiments and research while in space and transfer data and reports to Earth via satellite.

Attributes: collaborative, communicative, hard-working

Crystallographer

Crystallographers study atomic and molecular structures. They work in many disciplines, including chemistry, geology, biology, materials science, metallurgy and physics. They study diverse substances such as living cells, protein molecules, superconductors and ceramics. Crystallographers use methods such as x-rays, atomic force microscopy, neutron diffraction, electron crystallography, molecular modelling and high-pressure diffraction in order to discover how the atoms in a material are arranged and understand the relationship between the atomic structure and the properties of these materials.

Attributes: collaborative, passionate, hard-working

Robotics Engineer

A robotics engineer is responsible for creating robots and robotic systems that are able to perform duties that humans are unable or prefer not to complete. They design and build robots that help to make jobs safer, easier, and more efficient, particularly in the manufacturing industry. Robotics engineers may work in the agricultural, military, medical, and manufacturing industries, developing new uses for robots, designing improved robots for existing systems, or repairing and maintaining industrial robots.

Attributes: resilient, curious, open-minded

Taxidermist

A taxidermist stuffs and mounts deceased animals to be displayed. They use a scalpel and precision scissors to remove an animal’s hide, feathers, or scales. Taxidermist them use salt and chemicals such as ammonium alum, potassium alum and aluminium sulphate to preserve and soften the hide, which is left to dry in a kiln or open air. They then use clay or foam to create a cast from the mould, and attach the hide to the artificial figure. The taxidermist then inserts artificial eyes, teeth, and claws and secures the animal to a plaque or mount.

Attributes: resilient, creative, observant

Geologist

Geologists work to understand the history of our planet so they can understand Earth’s history and can predict how events and processes of the past might influence the future. Geologists seek to understand the processes of landslides, earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions well enough to avoid building important structures where they might be damaged. They prepare maps of areas that have flooded in the past in order to prepare maps of areas that might be flooded in the future. Geologists locate rocks that contain important metals, plan the mines that produce them and the methods used to remove the metals from the rocks. They also locate and produce oil, natural gas, and groundwater. Geologists study past climates of Earth and how they have changed across time. This provides an understanding of how our current climate is changing and what the results might be. They also study the age of rocks, attempting to piece together a chronology of events for the formation of our land masses and changes over time.

Attributes: observant, curious, creative

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Surgeon

A surgeon cuts the human body to remove diseased tissue or organs, to repair body systems, or to replace diseased organs with transplants. Surgeons correct physical deformities, repair bone and tissue after injuries, or perform preventive or elective surgeries on patients. Surgeons work with all types of tools, from scalpels to calipers and it is important that the surgeon fully understands all of the aspects of the tools used. Surgeons oversee the administration of medications as needed throughout the surgery and must be knowledgeable of the various types of medications used and the potential reactions when they operate on a patient.

Surgeons specialise in different types of operations, for example eye-surgeons, orthopaedic surgeons (bones) and brain surgeons.

Attribute: collaborative, resilient, hard-working