For Nora Valtonen-Matilla, the path to physics was anything but linear. She originally studied biochemistry, but her creative interests soon led her in other directions. Before joining IceCube, she worked professionally as a photographer and special-effects makeup artist. Although she no longer works in those professions, creativity remains a big part of her life. She loves designing elaborate nail art (a detail anyone who knows her will recognize!) and capturing landscapes or astrophotography shots under dark, starlit skies.
“Embrace your differences!”
Nora Valtonen-Mattila
After completing a master’s program in astroparticle physics—where she studied the connection between gamma rays and neutrinos using data from the Fermi-LAT satellite—Nora found her way to IceCube for her PhD at Uppsala University. Today, she continues her research as a postdoc at Ruhr University Bochum, focusing on everything supernovae related. What keeps her excited about IceCube is that it continues to push her forward while still giving her a real sense of community. “I need to be challenged by what I’m doing,” says Nora. “And IceCube gives me that.” She values working with researchers worldwide who share the same goal: uncovering the mysteries of the universe through neutrinos.
As a person with ADHD, Nora often reflects on her long and winding route. But Nora doesn’t regret a thing. Her journey taught her persistence and the importance of thinking creatively. She encourages others—especially neurodivergent scientists and women in STEM—to bring their full selves into the lab. “If we all thought the same way,” she says, “we wouldn’t make any discoveries.” Nora’s journey is a vivid reminder that scientists are shaped not just by their research but by the passion, creativity, and authenticity they bring to their work.
You can see more of her stunning landscape and astrophotography on Instagram.