Profile
Simon Park
My CV
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Education:
Dunsmore School, Rugby; University of Leeds, University of Nottingham
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Qualifications:
BSc (Hons), PhD
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Work History:
University of Nottingham, Institute of Food Research, University of Surrey
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Current Job:
Senior Lecturer in Molecular Microbiology
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I’m a lecturer in microbiology and study the most important life forms on Planet Earth, its bacteria. I study the bacteria that give you food poisoning but these are the vast minority that make you ill. Most bacteria are harmless or even beneficial so I spend a lot of my time doing weird things to champion them!
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My Typical Day:
No day is ever the same, which is good if you get bored easily like me
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I’m a night owl, not a lark, so I always get up later than I should and spend the rest of the day trying to catch up. A typical day can be filled with taking a lab class where students get to see the bacteria living on their mobile phones, doing research to find out how bacteria make us ill, or doing very boring admin. The worst part of the job!
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What I'd do with the prize money:
Use it to run a DIY Microbiology workshop for schools. Teachers and students
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Curious, Creative, Messy
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Not really, but I used to do things in Chemistry that I was supposed to.Only a few small fires, some bad smells and explosions
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Oh dear! Has to be “Rush”. I’m that old. Have you ever heard of them?
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
I’d go for health not wealth
Tell us a joke.
A photon walks into a hotel reception and asks for a room for the night. The receptionist, says “yes, would you like us to take your luggage” The photon replies “No thank you, I’m travelling light”
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