Profile
Vicki Stevenson
filling in my profile...
My CV
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Education:
Blacklaw Primary School 1975-1982; Claremont High School 1982-1987, Stewarton Academy 1988
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Qualifications:
Strathclyde University, Laser Physics and Optoelectronics, 1988-1992
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Work History:
British Steel research laboratories, IQE semiconductor manufacturer
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Current Job:
researcher in renewable energy
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A lot of people dismiss solar energy in the UK (it’s too rainy!). I’ve worked on a solar air heater which saves gas / electricity and my prototypes even worked in Port Talbot (one of the rainiest places in the UK) – see the picture of me with lots of tall glass ducts! I also investigate other ways of saving energy and replacing fossil fuels in buildings.
Something which people tend to forget is the amount of energy needed to make buildings! I actually teach students in the Welsh School of Architecture about the energy hidden in materials and construction waste. There are a lot of alternative materials out there which we can use if we think about it. -
My Typical Day:
typical? look for new opportunities, do some computer modelling, chat to my friends about how we can do new things!
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I liftshare with a friend from a neighbouring village into the Welsh School of Architecture at Cardiff University, and normally arrive at 9am. The school has a variety of people working there – including scientists (like me), engineers, environmental managers and psychologists as well as architects.
When I get into the office the first thing is to check my e-mails – maybe a new opportunity has arrived overnight (like a chance to be in “I’m a scientist”!). I deal with people all over Wales, UK, Europe and sometimes further afield, so maybe I’ll find out about a new conference, or an opportunity to work with people!
Just now I’m modelling a new type of solar air heater, so I’m doing a lot of maths on the computer, but later on in the year I’ll have the opportunity to work on the prototype – it’s currently being built in North Wales!
I also get involved in opportunities to tell other people about my work and science in general – just now I’m getting organised to give a presentation and look after a stall at the Big Bang day in Wales!
During the day I’ll make a point of finding different people in the department and chatting to them about our different projects – they’re very helpful (particularly the ones who are more experienced with the computer model I’m using)! We’ve all got different abilities and sometimes I’m able to help with their projects too.
Most days I leave about 5pm, but sometimes (like yesterday) there was an event on in the evening about government policies which affect the development of hydrogen as part of our energy infrastructure – lots of people from universities all over the UK as well as people from Welsh Assembly Government. -
What I'd do with the prize money:
buy a video camera to help show people the interesting sides of science!
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
curious, interested, friendly
Were you ever in trouble at school?
I once got caught sticking my tongue out at a teacher – not a good day!
Who is your favourite singer or band?
U2
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
someone to do the housework, more space to keep bees and a remote control for the weather!
Tell us a joke.
how many physicists does it take to change a light bulb? 2 – 1 to hold the bulb and 1 to rotate the universe
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