My first degree is Chemistry with Information Technology and Instrumentation from Caledonian University, Glasgow. (I wish I had applied myself more in the I.T. department as I initially had no idea how to go about putting this assessment together.) I then obtained a M.Sc. in New Materials at the University of Aberdeen. The course was part taught, part research. During my research project I was exposed to a 'can of worms' which was later to become the bain of my life..... the subject of my Ph.D. Initially I  was sponsored by BICC Ltd. to optimise the critical current (Jc) of superconducting wires. This six month project turned into three and a half years (and ongoing) and has since changed direction several times (as all Ph.D.'s do). Primarily the crux of the work was concerned with investigating the three homologus members of the BiSrCaCuO system: 2:2:0:1, 2:2:1:2 and 2:2:2:3 (where Bi:Sr:Ca:Cu), using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). I used XRD daily as a tool to assess the homogeniety of the ceramics I was preparing. This was mostly completed using a Hägg Guinier camera. I touched on indexing but have never attempted any Reitveld analysis.

In my current employment I am involved with plutonium R&D. Most of this is performed using EPMA. I am training up on the XRD facilities with the expectation of inheriting all of the kit when the current operator retires, in a years time. By that point I expect to be more on the XRD side of life as opposed to microscopy. I have recently started various collaborations with analogus companies in both San Francisco and New Mexico: the Lawrence Livermore and Los Alamos national laboratories, respectively. I am just back from my first trip to both labs and have the jet lag to prove it. Unfortunately it was all work and no play this time but there will be more opportunity in the following year for extended visits.

Enough of the work side of things. In my spare time I do a lot of climbing. I have a training wall in my garage which I built my self. (It is surprising the things you learn from watching "Changing Rooms" on the telly.) My other main interest is in music. I am a self confessed vinyl junky (I own a few records). I used to DJ when I lived in Aberdeen but I find that between work and other commitments I have no time for that side of my life anymore. I have decks set up in my living room which I don't use as often as I used too (C.D.'s are too easy these days) but I still entertain any friends which come round to the flat at the weekends. As you can no doubt guess my neighbours are really pleased to be living next door, below and above me.