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Alex Bainbridge

Looking forward to the chats, but unfortunately unable to take bookings for 21/22/23 or 29 march

    • About Me:

      I am a physicist who builds particle accelerators at Daresbury Laboratory in Warrington. Outside work I enjoy reading geeky books, video games, and fencing.

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      I am originally from Berkshire but now live in Cheshire. I studied an integrated masters degree in physics at Swansea University, and stayed to do a PhD in experimental physics. At Uni I joined the Fencing club and learned to fight with the epee and sabre, and did a season on the university team. I also spend a lot of time in Northern Ireland, where half my family is from.

      In 2015, coming up to the end of my PhD, I got offered the job I have now moved up to Cheshire to join Daresbury Lab as a magnet designer.

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      I work for Accelerator Science and Technology Centre, part of STFC Daresbury Laboratory as a senior physicist and specialist in accelerator magnets.

      I work on a large number of projects including CLARA (Compact Linear Accelerator for Research Applications), our own accelerator at Daresbury, as well as the European Spallation Source and the Compact Linear Collider.

      I also work with Alex Headspith (also in this zone) on the ZEPTO (Zero Power Tuneable Optics) project, a new way of using permanent magnets in accelerators to make them more energy efficient.

      I am also the department outreach lead, and assist our lab public engagement team with organising accelerator related outreach activities.

    • My Typical Day:

      There’s a lot of day-to-day variety in my job. Sometimes I’m doing simulations, other days I’m doing measurements, sometimes I’m even at conferences abroad!

    • What I'd do with the prize money:

      I’d design and make a portable 3D printed model that explains how a particle accelerator works and what they are for, that could be taken to schools.

    My CV

    • Education:

      I did my GCSE’s and A-Levels at John O’Gaunt school in Berkshire. I then went to Swansea University to study an MPhys (4 year integrated masters degree) in physics and then stayed to do a PhD, finishing in 2015.

    • Qualifications:

      I passed 11 GCSE’s (4A*, 1A, 6B) in various subjects including triple science, then did A levels in physics (A), chemistry (B), maths (B) as well as an AS level in psychology (A).

      I then went to uni and got MPhys degree in Physics, passing with 1st class honours. I then did a  4 year PhD in experimental physics and wrote my thesis on time-resolved electron diffraction.

    • Work History:

      During my A-levels I did evening shifts down my local Co-op. At uni (and afterwards) I did private tutoring in maths and science, as well as teaching undergraduate labs whilst doing my PhD. In 2015 I started working in accelerator science at Daresbury Laboratory and am still there!

    • Current Job:

      Senior Physicist (Magnetics and Radiation Sources group)

    • My Interview

      • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        Mad Magnet Man

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        A scientist!

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        Once or twice ;)

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        Pink Floyd

        What's your favourite food?

        Sushi

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

        Unlimited coffee, a trip to space, and the chance to drive an F1 car

        Tell us a joke.

        What do nuclear scientists do on holiday? They go Fission!

Questions answered by Alex

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