Profile

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Tim Burrow

My CV

  • Education:

    Education…

    That began back in Ancient Gree…. Just messing.

    Ysgol John Bright, a secondary school in North Wales, I studied all the way to A-levels, keeping a maths, chemistry, and physics core all the way through school (and art! I did consider being an architect at some point, one of the many things I wanted to do)

    In the summer of 2015, two years after finishing high school, I was offered a goalkeeper scholarship in Scotland. I attended the University of the West of Scotland, attaining a first class BSc(Hons) in chemistry whilst playing for Queens Park FC under Gus MacPherson

    Shortly after completing my degree in 2019 I was accepted for a PhD position at The University of Manchester

  • Qualifications:

    I attained (A-C) at A-level in art, physics, chemistry, and the welsh baccalaureate.

    Have a First Class BSc(Hons) in Chemistry

    Working towards a PhD in Physical Chemistry

    I have numerous other qualifications, mainly related to sports, ranging from being an assessor for The Duke of Edinburgh Award, UEFA qualified football/goalkeeper coach, and various others.

    This mindset of wanting to do everything is still as infectious as when I was younger. As such, I have always tried to do every opportunity that presented itself, which I will always encourage you to do. With it, I have been fortunate enough to be given new opportunities and revel in those experiences.

  • Work History:

    This was quite difficult to remember back far enough!

    – Head of Academy Goalkeeper Coach at Broomshill Sports Club
    – Research Assistant at UWS
    – Laboratory technician at UWS
    – Ambassador for the RSC for Spectroscopy in a Suitcase
    – STEMNET Ambassador
    – Assistant teacher at the British International School of Istanbul
    – Duke of Edinburgh Leader and Assessor
    – Goalkeeper coach for Just4Keepers
    – Car mechanic
    – Waiter

  • Current Job:

    Doing my PhD and trying to do outreach activities such as this!

    • About Me:

      Welsh scientist with a background in sports, namely rugby and football, who made a surprising move into academia

    • Read more

      I initially lived in Oxford, near the UK Synchrotron (Diamond Light Source), before moving to Manchester for my PhD. I am massively keen on getting outdoors as much as I can, whether that is playing a number of different sports or exploring new areas on my bicycle or hiking!

      Big fan of traditional Welsh/Scottish folk music and usually my to-go-to music choice for when I am studying!

      Fun fact: I never dreamt I would be doing a PhD, I was fortunate to be given a goalkeeping scholarship where I could play professionally and work towards a BSc(Hons) in chemistry during my time in Scotland!

    • Read more

      My research is based upon the heavy elements of the periodic table. I am aiming to grasp our knowledge on these, mostly radioactive, elements so we have a better understanding in how to deal with them. My main focus is with Uranium, a typical element found in Nuclear Power Plants, so by determining these hidden chemical properties we can develop ways to recycle Uranium in an environmentally friendly manner (and save the world!)

    • My Typical Day:

      A lot of my day is running simulations via a supercomputer! But when I have experiment time, it is very hectic but very exciting!

    • Read more

      Days are extensive and intensive!

      As someone who only does experimental work at synchrotrons, most of my time is actually spent working via a laptop.

      I develop code that runs a series of calculations, these calculations consider all the different interactions that can take place in an atomic and molecular perspective.

      In addition to that I am working with collaborators within The University of Manchester to come up with new experiment ideas we submit to the synchrotrons.

       

    • What I'd do with the prize money:

      Develop an introductory science course that would be, primarily, aimed towards adults wishing to return to education and can turn to this as an open resource

    • My Interview

      • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        radioactive - sport loving - physical chemist

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        Everything!

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        Never...

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        Eric Clapton

        What's your favourite food?

        Mushroom Risotto

        If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!

        This is very tough! 1. Wales to win the rugby world cup 2. 30 hour days and an 8 day week, would be lovely! 3. To continue being fortunate enough to do what I love

        Tell us a joke.

        Well, I do love jokes and chemistry puns, but only periodically

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