Age: 37

University: University College Wales Aberystwyth, University of Southampton

Qualifications: Bachelor of Science (Physics with Planetary and Space Physics), PhD in upper atmospheric physics

Job at RAL: Solar-Terrestrial Physicist.

Career:

Chris had always been interested in science and since a young age knew he wanted to be a research scientist. Growing up on the south coast he used to collect fossils, which started an interest in geology and palaeontology (the study of prehistoric life). However it was the telescope in his bedroom and a fascination with astronomy that would shape his career and lead him to his undergraduate degree in physics with planetary and space physics at University College Wales, Aberystwyth. His PhD project at the University of Southampton led to him studying the Aurora Borealis using the EISCAT radar. Wanting to continue his work with this instrument, Chris joined RAL as a member of the EISCAT support group and later became involved in the ionosode project. Recently Chris has taken on a wider range of projects including the STEREO project and is involved with public relations for the space science and technology department.

What made you choose a career in science?

What do you find most rewarding about your job and your field?

I would say the sheer depth of the subjects I'm studying. There is so much for me to learn and to find out about. At the moment I'm really enjoying getting involved with the STEREO project, which is great as it's such a big challenge. I'm having to learn about the Sun, and about space instrumentation since I had only worked on ground based instruments before now. There is a lot for me to learn and a lot of challenges to tackle, which I'm finding really rewarding. The creative side of my job also lets me get involved with the PR side and broadcasting, I do regular interviews for BBC Radio Oxford about our projects and I entered the 2002 Tomorrow's World search for a science presenter competition and managed to get to the finals, and so I'm pursuing that element as well.

Why do you think other people should pursue a career in science?

Well if you really want an interesting job, then science is great as it is a fantastic way of exploring what is interesting around you. I suppose all scientists are just inquisitive, they get a kick out of finding out new things. As my tutor at Aberystwyth once said "I'm just a big kid, playing with expensive toys," and that's really what it is. Science benefits from that childish, inquisitive nature. Instead of taking anyone's word for something, you try to find things out for yourself and build up your own knowledge. I would recommend a science career to anyone who has an enquiring mind.

What advice would you give to young people considering a career in science?

Never underestimate the importance of maths. It may seem really boring, but it is such a useful skill. With science, like any other job, you need the right tools. Maths is a language which can be used to describe the complexities of the universe in a convenient form. Even now I'm always wishing I had the time to refresh myself on maths, because it's such a powerful tool to have.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I play in a band called "Dumber than Chickens," I play the guitar and am learning to play the drums. A lot of people at RAL play musical instruments, since music is quite mathematical and so goes hand-in-hand with physics. Also I think it's very important that everyone has a creative outlet. I also act with the Old Gaol Theatre Company in Abingdon, and have recently been helping to set up an improvisational theatre company called Oxford Impro.