Priyanshi Purohit

Why did you get involved in physics outreach activity at university?

I decided to get involved in physics outreach at university because I am passionate about making physics accessible and engaging for a wider audience. As an astrophysics student, I have benefited greatly from opportunities to learn from others, and I wanted to help inspire curiosity and confidence in STEM among young people and the wider community. Through outreach activities, I enjoy communicating complex scientific ideas in a clear and engaging way, encouraging students to explore physics beyond the classroom. I also value the opportunity to develop my science communication, teamwork, and leadership skills while helping to promote diversity and inclusion within STEM subjects.

How have you benefitted from your physics outreach work, both professionally and personally?

My physics outreach work benefited me both professionally and personally. Professionally, it helped me develop strong communication and presentation skills by explaining scientific concepts to audiences with different levels of knowledge. It also improved my confidence in public speaking, teamwork, leadership, and event organisation skills that are valuable in both academia and industry. Personally, outreach allowed me to share my enthusiasm for physics and astronomy with others and see the positive impact that science engagement can have. It was rewarding to help students build confidence in STEM subjects and to inspire curiosity about the universe. The experience strengthened my own understanding of physics, as explaining concepts to others often deepened my knowledge and encouraged me to think about science from different perspectives.

What hints or tips would you give to other students who are thinking of getting involved in outreach?

My advice to students considering outreach is to give it a try, even if you do not feel like an expert. Outreach is not about knowing all the answers it is about sharing your enthusiasm for science and helping others engage with it. Start with opportunities that interest you, whether that is working with schools, participating in public events, or creating online content. Be prepared to adapt your communication style to different audiences and focus on making concepts clear, relatable, and engaging. Most importantly, do not underestimate how much you can learn from the experience. Outreach can boost your confidence, improve your communication skills, help you build professional networks, and provide a rewarding opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists.

“Priyanshi is an outstanding OPE ambassador who consistently demonstrates enthusiasm and professionalism. Her ability to deliver engaging planetarium shows and connect with students of all ages makes a lasting impact, inspiring curiosity and confidence in physics.” one of the student remembered her in another session and was very happy and said ‘Priyanshi, you made me so much interested with space that I got a special telescope on my birthday'”
Shanti Pise, University of Hertfordshire