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Luke Detraux

    • About Me:

      I come from Huddersfield but have moved to Liverpool to study physics. My PhD is in String Theory, but in my spare time I enjoy climbing, reading and sports.

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      In college, I studied Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry. Then I studied Natural Sciences at University of Cambridge, and got my Bachelor’s degree and my Master’s degree.  Before coming to Liverpool to do my PhD in Mathematical Sciences, I took a year out to travel around Europe.

       

    • My pronouns are:

      He/Him

    • How I use Maths in my work:

      A lot of my work involves solving equations, so I use maths everyday to do this. This can be using algebra, vectors or trigonometry.

      I also use fractions and ratios every day to make statistics about my work, to double check I’m doing it right!

    • My Work:

      I am a PhD student studying String Theory. String Theory is a way to describe Gravity the same way we describe other forces, like Electric and Magnetic forces.

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      String Theory comes from the idea that the smallest building blocks of the Universe are tiny vibrating, dancing Strings. The different ways they vibrate is how we get different particles and forces.

      We like String Theory because we think it will better describe how Gravity works and could explain some of the mysteries of the Universe.

    • My Typical Day:

      The hours for a PhD are very flexible, so I can start my day whenever I want! However I usually start work at 9am. My mornings start by checking if any new, interesting papers have been published, and I read those to check for scientific break-throughs.

      After that I will run some simulations and calculations on my computer to see if I can find some new interesting physics.

      I will have lunch with friends and also go to the gym around midday to relax and have a break.

      In the afternoon I might write up some of my results and check it with other scientists to check my work!

      I go home at about 5pm.

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      My day can vary quite a lot depending on what takes my interest. If I find something interesting I can spend the day working on that. If it’s not interesting, I will work on something else.

      I have a lot of conversations with other scientists to spark ideas and this is very fun. I am still learning a lot from other scientists.

       

    • What I'd do with the prize money:

      I think the prize money should go to providing further outreach programs that are accessible to all students. I think the most accessible outreach is online, and I’m sure there are many online resources that would appreciate the additional funding.

    CV

    • Education:

      I went to school at King James’s School, Huddersfield. From there I went to Greenhead College, where I studied Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry. At college I also had a part time job as a fishmonger!

      I went to University of Cambridge, and I was at Churchill college during this time.

      After University i travelled around Europe for a while and also got a job in sales.

      For my PhD I have come to University of Liverpool.

    • Qualifications:

      I got all my GCSE’s at school, with around 10 A*’s.

      In my A-levels I also achieved A*’s in all my subjects.

      At university I achieved 2.1’s in my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

      I am currently studying for my PhD.

    • Work History:

      After university I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do so I took some time out to think. During this time I got a job in sales. The people were very friendly and I had a lot of fun, but I realised that I wanted to go back into science and so I left that job to get my doctorate.

    • Current Job:

      I am currently a fully funded PhD student.

    • Employer:

      University of Liverpool

    • My Interview

      • What did you want to be after you left school?

        I wanted to be a physicist.

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        I only got detention once, for forgetting my homework.

        If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?

        I would be an astronaut so I could go to space.

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        Arctic Monkeys

        What's your favourite food?

        Pizza

        If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!

        1. Win the lottery. 2. Good health. 3. Superpowers

        Tell us a joke.

        Why did the math book look sad? Because it had too many problems!

Questions answered by Luke

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