#IAmNYAS: Mark Jackson

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Mark Jackson

After spending a number of years working in theoretical physics at an array of prestigious institutions, including the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the Lorentz Institute for Theoretical Physics, Mark Jackson, PhD, decided to change things up a bit in his career. In 2014, he harnessed his entrepreneurial spirit, years of experience as a researcher, and love of sharing science with the public to found Fiat Physica, a crowd funding platform specifically for physics, astronomy, and space exploration.

What is one of the biggest challenges you’re facing right now?

When I began Fiat Physica I believed that the challenge would be to convince the public that science was worth supporting. This turned out not to be a problem: the public loves science! The problem is that most researchers do a very poor job of communicating their work to the public. Much of Fiat Physica’s focus is now educating researchers on how to market their projects in a way that engages the public.

Who has been your biggest science inspiration?

Linus Pauling: the only person to have won two unshared Nobel Prizes (Chemistry and Peace), social and peace activist, and fellow Oregonian.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received?

If you don’t want your supervisor’s job, you have the wrong job.

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