What is it like being a scientist?
It is very creative, you need to develop ideas and then test them. Also, you get to meet and discuss ideas with people all over the world, who are also excited by science.
What inspired you to become a scientist?
I was very fortunate to have an enthusiastic physics teacher at school. My passion for nanoscience was started by seeing the IBM logo written in atoms when I was in the sixth form – I was amazed at the idea that you could move individual atoms around and then view them.
What is the best thing about being a scientist/ your job?
Every day is different as we explore and discover new things.
What do you do in your free time?
I spend time with my family walking in the beautiful countryside and parks around Manchester.
What is the first science you remember doing?
I remember mixing together vinegar and baking powder at home and the spray covering the newly painted kitchen ceiling. (The ceiling did need repainting…)
What advice would you give a school child who is interested in science?
Keep asking questions and enjoy it. Also, take advantage of all the talks and trips that societies and Universities run to see science in action.
What discovery or invention could you really not live without?
The computer has revolutionised our lives. It has changed the way we do science, model the data, write up the results and communicate it to the rest of the world.
What do you think is the most important thing yet to be discovered/invented?
We still need to develop a sustainable alternative for oil for power, transport and manufacturing. The problem is that oil is such a good resource.