What is the topic of your research?
What are you aiming to do and how does it relate to other work in your field?

The topic of my research is modeling radiation emitted from radionuclide-containing materials and the subsequent effects on surrounding media. The direct test case for this is in the decommissioning of high-level nuclear waste such as spent fuel. If exposed to water, predictions can be made over the hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide generation from radiolysis and subsequent dissolution of the fuel. 

How far along the journey are you? First year, second year, writing-up etc.?
What has the journey been like so far?

I'm currently wrapping up my last modeling project and will begin writing up in the next few months. My journey was pretty turbulent in the first year with little idea over where my efforts should be spent. At the beginning of my second year came across an assumption in a paper that I disagreed with and set out to test it. Since then I found myself, with the support of my supervisor, going down a very specific path with a very specific goal and have published two papers as I direct result of testing such an assumption. I am now developing the idea and testing it in a multitude of scenarios before writing it all up in my thesis.

What attracted you to the research opportunities at Bristol?

I did my undergraduate and masters at Bristol so was already familiar with the School of Physics, I enjoyed my research projects the most in both degrees and accredited it to the research group I had done them with so decided to stay. 

What is Bristol like as a place to live?

I have had the pleasure of living in Bristol for almost 8 years now and I still manage to find new interesting spots and fun things to do. One of my favourite things to do is show people around the city, I am incredibly proud to call Bristol home and in my opinion, it is one of the best places to live in the UK.

What was it like starting a research degree as a new student?
What advice would you give to someone thinking about doing a research degree in Bristol Physics?

I cannot say from my own experience but plenty of my friends quickly settled in and are thoroughly enjoying being part of a research team here. From my own experience, I highly recommend doing a research degree in Bristol Physics.