Dashboard – I'm a Scientist 2024

About Me:

I know everything there is to know about (good) TV shows. I also play football and basketball for fun and compete in Kabaddi (a mix of rugby and tag).
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My favourite genre is crime drama. From Line of Duty to Peaky Blinders all the way to Breaking Bad – there is no crime drama worth watching that I have not yet watched. I also dabble in feel-good comedies like Brooklyn 99 and Modern Family.

At university, I play in campus leagues (within the university) for both football and basketball. I have also had the pleasure of representing the university (against other universities) in the sport of Kabaddi. I have slowly worked my way up to the first team and immensely enjoyed competing (and winning) nationally.
My Work:

I’m a Chemical Engineering undergraduate at the University of Manchester currently undertaking a year-long placement at Johnson Matthey
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I currently work in Research and Development in the Emissions Control Team, developing catalysts which reduce emissions and make the air we breathe safe. Catalysts speed up reactions. The reactions I work with convert harmful substances into less harmful substances. Using catalysts in these reactions allows for a much quicker and more efficient reduction in emissions as the emissions are being produced.
My Typical Day:

I wake up and have breakfast (Weetabix and a coffee). I get to work at 8am, where I do lots of experiments in the lab. Then I have lunch with friends, and in the afternoon it’s back to the lab to look at my results. I go home at 4pm
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I run experiments on a much smaller scale than they would happen in real life. This is cheaper and quicker than having to replicate whole systems. The equipment I use to run experiments is called a test rig. I operate test rigs every day. When I’m not in the lab with equipment, I’m at my desk analysing the data from my experiments and writing them up to share my work with colleagues.
What I'd do with the prize money:
1. STEM Workshops or Webinars: Organize workshops or webinars that focus on different STEM topics. Invite experts or professionals to share their knowledge and experiences, fostering engagement and learning among students.
2. STEM Outreach Programs: Develop outreach programs that bring STEM activities to schools, community centers, or other public spaces. This could include hands-on experiments, demonstrations, and interactive activities to make STEM subjects more accessible and engaging.
3. Science Fairs or Exhibitions: Use the prize money to organize a science fair or exhibition where students can showcase their STEM projects. This not only promotes public engagement but also encourages creativity and innovation.
4. STEM Educational Materials: Invest in creating educational materials such as pamphlets, brochures, or online content that can be distributed to schools or made available to the public. These materials can cover interesting STEM concepts in an accessible and engaging way.
5. STEM Challenges or Competitions: Organize STEM challenges or competitions that encourage students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems. Use the prize money to fund awards, certificates, or resources for participants.
6. Guest Speaker Series: Arrange a series of talks by notable figures in STEM fields. These talks can inspire students, providing insights into various STEM careers and opportunities.

Candidate CV questions (extra)

Education:

Primary School, secondary school and college all in Leicester

University at the University of Manchester
Qualifications:

9 GCSEs

3 A Levels, 1 AS Level, 1 EPQ

MEng Chemical Engineering with Industrial Experience (In progress)
Work History:

I am a part-time tutor

I have worked as a Team Lead on NCS
Current Job:

1 Year Undergraduate Intern
Employer:

Johnson Matthey

My Interview
- What did you want to be after you left school?
  
  Rich
  
  Were you ever in trouble at school?
  
  I wasnt the worst behaved
  
  If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
  
  I would still be at University
  
  Who is your favourite singer or band?
  
  21 Savage
  
  What's your favourite food?
  
  Pizza (basic I know)
  
  If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
  
  Be able to speak every language in the world, peak athletic ability, Immense imtelligence
  
  Tell us a joke.
  
  Did you hear about the Italian Chef who died? Sadly he pasta way