Profile
Ollie Thomas
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About Me:
I live with my partner in Oxford. I’m a PhD student trying to make the world a better place with better batteries. I love cooking, gaming, napping, and most importantly science!
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I grew up in Devon and I love the natural world. Nothing makes me happier than spending time outside making bonfires and talking at cows as though they can understand me (except maybe ice cream). I went to university in Durham where I studied chemistry before moving to Oxford for my PhD. I did all this whilst living with disability because science really is for EVERYONE!!!
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My pronouns are:
He/Him
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My Work:
I am trying to make new batteries which are cheaper and more sustainable than the ones we use at the moment.
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To try and minimise the negative impacts of climate change and reduce any further global warming many countries are trying to stop using fossil fuels and start using more renewable sources of energy such as electricity generated by wind or solar power. To help do this we need cheaper better batteries. My work involves making new materials for batteries, and understanding how and why they work (or more often don’t work) and how we can make them better.
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My Typical Day:
I wake up at 7am and cycle to work. Once I get to work at about 7:45 I catch up on any emails. I then get on with the days work which varies a lot. I might be grinding together some powders in a special box called a glovebox which doesn’t let any air in, or baking some samples in a furnace (oven). To try and understand what I have made I might take X-rays of them or look at them using a special microscope. Other days I might make these materials into a battery and try and see how, or if, they work. My day finishes at 5 which is when I go home, have dinner and relax. I might do a crossword, play video games, or watch some TV with my partner.
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Education:
I went to school at Ivybridge Community College, though due to my disability I missed a lot of school and did a lot of learning at home.
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Qualifications:
• A levels – Chemistry (A*), Physics (A*), Maths (A)
• GCSEs – 9 A*- A Including English, Maths, 3 Sciences, and French -
Work History:
RNIB volunteer
National Marine Aquarium volunteer
GCSE/A-level science tutor
Care home chef
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Chemist, cook, questioner
What did you want to be after you left school?
I never really knew what I wanted to be (I still don't really). Every time I've had to choose what to do I've just chosen what I enjoy. I love science, research, cooking, talking, and teaching and I just choose what I think will make me happy...,.
Were you ever in trouble at school?
When I was in primary scool someone came in to do a science demonstration and I wasn't really paying attention and just started mixing together the things they had bought in to see what happened (I think there was some syrup, and washing up liquid, and baking powder). My teacher was NOT happy......
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
Maybe a doctor or cook, something sciencey where I can help people/make them happy.
Who is your favourite singer or band?
I don't really listen to music but I love audiobooks and listen to a lot by Brandon Sanderson
What's your favourite food?
Pretty much anything with Soy sauce
Tell us a joke.
A waiter asked me if I would like a box for my leftover food. I said, "no thanks, but I'll wrestle you for them........" (sorry I know that was awful)
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