Dashboard – I'm a Scientist 2024

About Me:

I am a physicist who builds particle accelerators at Daresbury Laboratory in Warrington. Outside work I enjoy reading geeky books, video games, and fencing.
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I am originally from Berkshire but now live in Cheshire. I studied an integrated masters degree in physics at Swansea University, and stayed to do a PhD in experimental physics. At Uni I joined the Fencing club and learned to fight with the epee and sabre, and did a season on the university team. I also spend a lot of time in Northern Ireland, where half my family is from.

In 2015, coming up to the end of my PhD, I got offered the job I have now moved up to Cheshire to join Daresbury Lab as a magnet designer.
My pronouns are:

He/Him
My Work:

I’m a specialist in all things to do with magnets! I design, build and measure new and unusual magnets for particle accelerators.
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I work for Accelerator Science and Technology Centre, part of STFC Daresbury Laboratory as a senior physicist and specialist in accelerator magnets.

I work on a large number of projects including CLARA (Compact Linear Accelerator for Research Applications), our own accelerator at Daresbury, as well as the European Spallation Source and the Compact Linear Collider.

One of my big projects is the ZEPTO (Zero Power Tuneable Optics) project, a new way of using permanent magnets in accelerators to make them more energy efficient.

I am also the department outreach lead, and assist our lab public engagement team with organising accelerator related outreach activities.
My Typical Day:

There’s a lot of day-to-day variety in my job. Sometimes I’m doing simulations, other days I’m doing measurements, sometimes I’m even at conferences abroad!
What I'd do with the prize money:

I’d design and make a portable 3D printed model that explains how a particle accelerator works and what they are for, that could be taken to schools.

Candidate CV questions (extra)

Education:

I did my GCSE’s and A-Levels at John O’Gaunt school in Berkshire. I then went to Swansea University to study an MPhys (4 year integrated masters degree) in physics and then stayed to do a PhD, finishing in 2015.
Qualifications:

I passed 11 GCSE’s (4A*, 1A, 6B) in various subjects including triple science, then did A levels in physics (A), chemistry (B), maths (B) as well as an AS level in psychology (A).

I then went to uni and got MPhys degree in Physics, passing with 1st class honours. I then did a 4 year PhD in experimental physics and wrote my thesis on time-resolved electron diffraction.
Work History:

During my A-levels I did evening shifts down my local Co-op. At uni (and afterwards) I did private tutoring in maths and science, as well as teaching undergraduate labs whilst doing my PhD. In 2015 I started working in accelerator science at Daresbury Laboratory and am still there!
Current Job:

Senior Physicist (Magnetics and Radiation Sources group)
Employer:

STFC Daresbury Laboratory

My Interview
- How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
  
  Mad Magnet Man
  
  What did you want to be after you left school?
  
  A scientist!
  
  Were you ever in trouble at school?
  
  Once or twice ;)
  
  Who is your favourite singer or band?
  
  Pink Floyd
  
  What's your favourite food?
  
  Sushi
  
  If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
  
  Unlimited coffee, a trip to space, and the chance to drive an F1 car
  
  Tell us a joke.
  
  What do nuclear scientists do on holiday? They go Fission!