Profile
Paul O'Nion
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About Me:
I have been working in science since 1995, I love Outreach activities & the opportunity to demonstrate science to the next generation.
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I live in Swindon with my wife, three girls, 4 fish & 50 cactus. I love seeking out opportunities to carry out fun experiments with people. I have worked in science for a long time now & love the challenges it presents. I am lucky that where I work I am able to also go out in the community & set things on fire!
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I have worked at RSSL for 8 years. I am a technical specialist in the food and flavor area. my main experience is chromatography ( separating different molecules). I typically help solve problems, they can range from ‘Why does my product smell odd?’ to ‘Can you give me a full flavour profile of this new offering’ I work with other teams in the building who all have different specialist areas to try to provide the best service we can.
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My Typical Day:
I get up very early & drive to work with a cup of tea to keep me awake. I have to put this in my locker when i get there as you can’t take food or drink into the laboratory! I then answer my emails, often people will want to know if I can help them with a science problem, Then I sit as the mass spectrometer, its like a very powerful weighing machine that helps me identify tiny amounts of different chemicals.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I would use it to support a Science Road show in our local community
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Education:
I attended Pates Grammer School in Cheltenham for my GCSEs & A levels before going to Birmingham university to study chemistey.
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Qualifications:
I did Maths (B) Physics ( C) and Chemistry ( B) at A- Level before studying Chemistry at Birmingham where I got a 2-2. The degree definitely has helped my initial career but after that is has been the experience I have got on the way that has helped me progress my career. I do still use A level maths & My degree in day to day work.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Loves Mass Spec!
What did you want to be after you left school?
A scientist!
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Only once when I punched another chap who had punched me! Not my finest moment.
Who is your favourite singer or band?
W.A.S.P
What's your favourite food?
Flapjacks!
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