Profile
Emma Carter
still working on the GA (but getting out to enjoy the sun quite a lot too)
My CV
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Education:
St. Hildas C. of E. High School (1985-1990); Liverpool Blue Coat School (1990-1992)
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Qualifications:
1992-1996, University of Birmingham, MEng&Man degree (Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing and Management) – back again 2002-2006 for a PhD
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Work History:
Churchfields Components (diesel tubes), Lloyds (gears), Universal Steel Tubes (steel tubes!!)
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Current Job:
Research Fellow
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Part of my work is about trying to design and make a device that uses the Casimir Force . (This is a quantum effect that is only really noticable on the micro-scale but causes a strong attraction between two parallel plates). I am working along side Physicists to design the device so that the Casimir Force causes part of it to move without being pushed. I am also writing a computer prgramme that will help optimise the design of a micro-artificial nose . This is a device that can detect certain gases and has lots of different applications including illness diagnosis. I am trying to help make it smaller and cheaper but also detect more smells. I also did some work on making some periodic gold structures that were so small I created an artificial material (these are called ‘metamaterials’)
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My Typical Day:
Cycle in, work on the computer, go swimming, help some students and make stuff in the clean room.
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I either cycle to work or drive my Smart Roadster depending on the weather. A lot of the work I do is on the computer – things like designing the masks I use to make the devices, writing computer code, developing a model to see what the device should do when I test it, and then analysing results and writing about them.
I sometimes go swimming at lunchtime and then have lunch in one of the cafes on campus either with a friend or on my own reading the paper.During term time I may have students popping in to discuss a project they are working on. If I am actually making something I need to put a special suit on and go into our clean room to use the equipment in there. -
What I'd do with the prize money:
Make a series of short films explaining micro-engineering, nanotechnology and other science stuff in a fun way.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Inquisitive, sporty, friendly
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Yes – for holding hands with a boy!
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Muse and Katy Melua
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
To have children, play the drums really well and get some decent biceps
Tell us a joke.
A jump lead walks into a bar and asks for a drink. The bartender says ‘OK, but don’t start anything’
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