Serena Skov Campbell: The Inspiring Journey of a Physicist and Data Scientist
Serena Skov Campbell is more than a familiar name in the circles of science, technology, and data analytics. Known for her sharp intellect, professional achievements, and dedication to diversity in STEM, she has carved out a place as a respected data scientist at PwC. At the same time, her marriage to actor and comedian Aziz Ansari has brought her into the public eye, creating interest in both her professional and personal life. This article explores her academic background, career achievements, and personal journey, providing a comprehensive look at Serena Skov Campbell.
Early Life and Education
Undergraduate Studies at The University of Manchester
Serena began her academic career at the University of Manchester, where she pursued an MPhys in Physics from 2009 to 2014. During her time there, she was mentored by Sir Konstantin Novoselov, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist recognized for his groundbreaking work with graphene. Serena’s master’s project focused on the permeation of gases through graphene and its applications in conservation science. Her research required extensive laboratory work, including chemical etching, Raman spectroscopy, and the design of experimental setups.
Her undergraduate studies laid the foundation for her interest in materials science and experimental physics, equipping her with critical research and analytical skills that would serve her later in her doctoral studies.
Doctoral Research at King’s College London
After completing her degree in Manchester, Serena advanced to King’s College London, where she pursued a PhD in Experimental Physics with a focus on plasmonics. From 2014 to 2019, she investigated plasmonic aluminum metamaterials, specifically exploring self-assembled hyperbolic metamaterials in the deep UV spectrum. Her work had significant implications for ultraviolet plasmonics, a field with applications in fluorescence enhancement, Raman scattering, and biosensing.
Her PhD project demonstrated her ability to lead advanced research, combining fabrication methods with optical characterization. Serena’s research was recognized through her participation in conferences, including META 17 and SPIE Photonics Europe, as well as involvement in the Reactive Plasmonics EPSRC Programme.
Career Path
The Royal Danish Consulate in Manchester
Before her PhD, Serena gained international experience working at the Royal Danish Consulate in Manchester as a consular assistant from 2012 to 2013. This role reflected her adaptability, organizational skills, and ability to navigate multicultural environments.
Twinkle ORBYT Mission
From 2017 to 2019, while pursuing her doctorate, Serena served as a mentor for the Twinkle ORBYT mission, a student-led space science project. This position allowed her to bridge her academic expertise with outreach, helping young scientists engage with real-world research and astronomical data analysis.
Data Scientist at PwC
In September 2019, Serena joined PwC UK as a Data Scientist in the Investigative Analytics team, based in London. At PwC, she has worked on high-impact projects addressing fraud detection, forensic investigations, and compliance issues. Some of her contributions include:
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Procurement Protect Project: A year-long DevOps initiative aimed at building a software asset that detects anomalies in procurement systems. The project utilized Java, XML, and Groovy and was successfully adopted by FTSE100 firms.
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Quantexa Subject Matter Expert: Serena has become a recognized expert in Quantexa, leveraging the platform to analyze financial data and uncover hidden fraud risks.
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COVID-19 Research Project: She participated in analyzing over 200,000 scientific documents related to COVID-19, applying machine learning algorithms with Python libraries such as NumPy and Pandas to support HR and policy responses.
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Data Automation and Visualization: She has created Alteryx apps and macros, along with Tableau dashboards and custom D3.js visualizations, to streamline analytics workflows across the firm.
Her work has had tangible results, including fraud detection in major corporations and the creation of innovative data science tools used across PwC.
Advocacy for Women in Technology
Beyond her technical work, Serena is a vocal advocate for diversity in STEM. At PwC, she plays an active role in the Her Tech Talent initiative, mentoring and supporting women in technology. She has championed representation in leadership positions and worked to create inclusive spaces for female professionals in tech.
Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. Serena has been nominated for the TechWomen100 Award in both 2024 and 2025, recognizing her contributions to the advancement of women in technology.
Honors and Awards
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3MT® Competition Finalist (2015): Representing King’s College London, Serena reached the final heat of the Three Minute Thesis competition, where doctoral students explain their research in plain language within three minutes.
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TechWomen100 Nominations (2024 and 2025): Celebrating her leadership and advocacy in the technology sector.
Organizations and Conferences
Serena has been an active member and contributor to several scientific organizations and conferences, including:
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META 17 Conference (2017, Incheon) – Speaker on plasmonics research.
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SPIE Photonics Europe (2016) – Speaker presenting experimental physics work.
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Reactive Plasmonics EPSRC Programme (2015–Present) – Research participant in collaborative plasmonics projects.
Personal Life
Marriage to Aziz Ansari
In addition to her professional success, Serena gained international media attention when she married actor and comedian Aziz Ansari. The couple wed in June 2022 in Tuscany, Italy, in a private ceremony attended by close friends and family. Reports suggest that around 120 guests were present.
Their relationship began around 2018, when Aziz was living in London. They were first seen together publicly at the US Open in September of that year. By December 2021, the couple had become engaged, and just months later, they tied the knot.
Age and Background
Born in December 1988, Serena Skov Campbell is currently 36 years old as of 2025. Originally from Denmark, she has lived and studied extensively in the United Kingdom, where she continues to build her career.
Dr. Serena Skov Campbell: A Role Model in STEM
Serena’s story is one of perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and impact. From studying under a Nobel laureate in Manchester, to publishing groundbreaking research in plasmonics at King’s College London, to leading cutting-edge data science projects at PwC, she has consistently demonstrated excellence.
Her commitment extends beyond personal achievement to lifting others. By mentoring women in tech and championing diversity, she ensures that future generations benefit from a more inclusive and dynamic STEM landscape.
Conclusion
Serena Skov Campbell, PhD, embodies the fusion of science, technology, and advocacy. As a Data Scientist at PwC, she applies her expertise to combat fraud and drive forensic insights. As an academic, her doctoral research advanced knowledge in ultraviolet plasmonics. And as an advocate, she has championed equity and diversity in STEM, earning recognition and nominations for prestigious awards.
Her personal life, including her marriage to Aziz Ansari, has made her name recognizable outside of academic and professional circles. Yet, it is her accomplishments in physics, data science, and advocacy that truly define her legacy.
With her continued influence in both the technical and advocacy spaces, Serena Skov Campbell stands as a role model for aspiring scientists, technologists, and leaders worldwide.
