Please let us know what you are doing now and where?

At present, I am working at CERN located in Geneva, Switzerland as part of the beam instrumentation group. My primary role is to oversee the design and manufacturing of a novel beam position monitor which tracks the position of particle bunches, specifically electrons, in the world’s first proton-driven plasma Wakefield acceleration experiment known as AWAKE.

What did you study at BGS?

I studied Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Geography at A-Level.

What route have you taken since leaving BGS?

When I left BGS in 2015, I started a Master of Physics degree at the University of Manchester. In 2019, I graduated with first-class honours. I then directly moved on to do a PhD in Particle Accelerator Physics at the University of Oxford which I am due to complete in Summer 2023.

As a PhD student at Oxford University, what is an average week like for you?

My typical week has varied throughout the duration of my PhD which started in October 2019. At that time, I was based in Oxford and my days mainly involved attending the postgraduate courses offered by the Particle Physics Department during the first three terms of the PhD. I then worked significantly on numerical simulations during the pandemic before moving to Geneva in July 2021 to carry out my experimental investigations at CERN. Currently, my weeks consist of office-based work and installation work in the underground caverns in preparation for tests over the summer when CERN restarts the circulation of protons for so-called Large Hadron Collider (LHC) Run 3.

Do you have any advice for current students and other BGS alumni thinking of following a similar career path or academic studies?

The philosophies that I try to follow in my career and life in general are to enjoy and embrace the path that I am on, to give my all into everything I do, to always have a goal that is higher than the last and to keep the faith when times are hard.

What do you hope to do in the future?

I hope to continue to contribute to the exploration of new physics and technology either through a role in a scientific organisation or via the private sector. I’m actively looking for opportunities post PhD in all corners of the world and would be willing to take on any challenge if I think it’s worthwhile, and aligns with my scientific goals and beliefs.

When you look back at your time at BGS, what are some of your fondest memories?

Undoubtedly, it was my teachers and peers who created the warm and inspiring environment which I had the fortune of studying in and with them I shared many fond memories; from the School trip to Paris, to the Extreme Physics interschool competitions at Durham and Oxford University, to the daily classes and lunches. I can say, hand on heart, that I appreciate every moment of my time at BGS and the people who made my experience so enjoyable.  

Are there any particular teachers who helped to shape your career choice?

Every teacher whom I ever went to for advice and help had an influence in my career choice. In particular, Miss Robinson, my senior school Maths teacher who encouraged me to take on dual Maths at A-Level, Mrs Hanham, my sixth form Maths teacher who kindly responded to my multiple emails even outside of working hours, Mrs Leaver, my sixth form Geography teacher who always gave me great professional advice, and Mrs Lewis, my year 7 form teacher and, later on, my Physics teacher who took care of me as I started my BGS journey and sparked my love of Physics. To all my teachers, I really owe a lot and I will be forever grateful for them.