Profile
Stephanie Buttigieg
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About Me:
I’m a Maltese astronomer in Cambridge, uncovering the mysteries of supermassive black holes 🕳️🔭. Outside of research, I stay active hiking, cycling, lifting, or rowing 🥾🚴♀️🏋️♀️🚣♀️ — and I love curling up with a good book and a cup of tea 📚 ☕.
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I was born and raised in Malta, and I’m always eager to share the richness of my culture and language 🇲🇹. I first moved to the UK at 20 to pursue my studies, and over four years later, I’m still here, slightly more used to the weather, but just as passionate about what I do.
I’m currently studying at the University of Cambridge, one of my dream universities. Being here still feels surreal at times. I love dressing up, putting on my gown, and going to formal dinners in the candlelit halls. 🎓✨
I love being active, especially when it gets me outdoors in the British countryside. I’m usually recovering from one sports injury or another, but that hasn’t stopped me! These days I’m mostly cycling and lifting weights, and I’ve set my sights on completing a triathlon in the coming months.
I’m deeply passionate about increasing the representation of women in STEM. As a small act of rebellion against outdated stereotypes, I unapologetically embrace the colour pink in every corner of my academic life — from my presentation slides to my laptop case, and even in the pages of my research papers.
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My pronouns are:
she/her
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My Work:
I research supermassive black hole mergers using cosmological simulations and mathematical models, to make predictions for gravitational wave observations 🕳️✨.
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At the centre of most galaxies lies a supermassive black hole — weighing anywhere from a million to a billion times the mass of our Sun. When two galaxies merge, their central black holes come along for the ride. Various processes gradually drain energy from these black holes, bringing them closer until they eventually merge — and it’s those processes that I study!
When the black holes finally collide, they send ripples through the fabric of spacetime called gravitational waves. My research predicts how often these cosmic events will be detected by future observatories, and explores the unique properties of each merger.
To achieve this, I use cosmological simulations, powerful computer models that recreate a representative portion of our universe. These simulations track stars, gas, mysterious dark matter, and even black holes. Since simulations aren’t perfect, I combine them with mathematical models to refine my predictions and better understand these extraordinary phenomena.
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My Typical Day:
I usually aim to get up around 8am, grab some breakfast, and cycle to my department. Most of my day is spent coding and reading research papers, with plenty of coffee breaks shared with fellow PhD students. After work, I either hit the gym or join a group ride with the cycling club. Evenings vary — sometimes I head to college for a formal dinner, catch up with friends at the pub, or simply curl up in bed with a good book.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I love sharing science content on social media, and I’m especially proud of my ‘Astronomy in Maltese’ series, where I talk about space topics in my native language. If I win the prize money, I’d use it to grow my social media presence by getting better video equipment and hiring a professional editor to make my content even more engaging. I’d also love to try new things like live Q&A sessions, animated videos, or teaming up with other creators to bring fresh ideas to my channel.
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Education:
I completed my secondary and sixth form education in Malta. I also completed my undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Physics at the University of Malta, with an exchange year at the University of Warwick in the UK. Following that I completed my Master’s degree in Astrophysics at the University of Cambridge, and I’m still here doing my PhD.
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Qualifications:
O Levels (equivalent to GCSEs): Maltese, English Language, English Literature, Italian, Mathematics, Physics, Design & Technology, Religious Studies, Environmental Studies, Computer Science.
A Levels: Pure Mathematics (A), Computer Science (A) and Physics (A)
Intermediate Levels: Systems of Knowledge (A), English (B), Applied Mathematics (A) and Philosophy (A).
B.Sc in Mathematics and Physics – First class
MASt in Astrophysics – Distinction
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Work History:
I’ve always been in full time education but I have worked a few summer jobs along the way.
- Waitress (you have to start somewhere!)
- STEM summer school teacher.
- CERN Summer Intern (this was the coolest job ever)
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Current Job:
PhD student!
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Employer:
My work is supported by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
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My Interview
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What did you want to be after you left school?
An engineer (like my dad)
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Once, and I felt awful about it.
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
Physiotherapy or sports science
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Taylor Swift!
What's your favourite food?
Traditional Maltese bread (ideally eaten on the beach)
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
To always have a reason to smile, become a cat mum and complete a triathlon!
Tell us a joke.
What do two black holes say to each other? Nothing, they just wave.
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Passionate, curious and bubbly
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