Profile
Luke Norman
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About Me:
I was born in Nottingham and have never left since. My main hobbies are reading (mainly Sci-fi and fantasy books), as well as TV and Film (currently watching a lot of Star Trek for an upcoming science public engagement event)!
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My pronouns are:
He/Him
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My Work:
I am a science communicator based at the University of Nottingham’s Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre. My work is based around a technique called scanning electron microscopy which allows you to see objects at really high magnifications.
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Read more
As a science communicator, I run a range of public engagement and outreach initiatives all in the field of electron microscopy. My main one is called “Under the Microscope” where every month we image an object suggested by the public. Previous examples have included: lizard scales, chocolate, meteorites, and dinosaur teeth! I also deliver schools based outreach where my team and I perform live imaging in the classroom to aid students’ learning around a particular topic.
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My Typical Day:
Being a science communicator I don’t really have a typical day, everyday is different! My day can consist of planning a new outreach project, delivering a session to schools, working with businesses across the UK to understand how using our equipment may help them solve a challenge, or creating content for our social media feeds and website.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I would use it to run a live electron microscopy show for students in Nottinghamshire to come along and suggest some items to be imaged. This money could also be used to buy some more exotic samples that are often suggested but we can’t easily obtain e.g. a shark tooth.
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Education:
Primary School – Forest Glade Primary, Sutton-in-Ashfield
Secondary School and Sixth Form – Quarrydale Academy, Sutton-in-Ashfield
University – University of Nottingham – Chemistry MSci
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Qualifications:
GCSE – 10 A* to C
A-Levels – Chemistry – A* | Physics – B | Mathematics – B
Chemistry MSci 1st class degree
PhD in Chemistry
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Work History:
Student Trainer at UoN Students’ Union (2015- 2018) delivering training sessions to undergraduates on a range of topics from society administration to personal development.
Brand and Insight Ambassador at UoN Students’ Union (2016 – 2018) analysing data on student satisfaction at the University.
PhD student at the University of Nottingham (2017 – 2021) working on producing chemical reactions of single molecules using carbon nanotubes.
Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Nottingham (2021 – 2022) working on producing sustainable metal nanoparticle catalysts for green chemical reactions.
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Current Job:
Knowledge Exchange Fellow at the University of Nottingham (2022 – present) working on communicating materials characterisation science to people outside of the university e.g. businesses or the public.
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Employer:
University of Nottingham
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My Interview
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What did you want to be after you left school?
An actor (and did!)
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Not really
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
A full time science presenter
Who is your favourite singer or band?
The Wombats
What's your favourite food?
Pizza (specifically Hawaiian)
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
To do an electron microscopy segment on Sunday Brunch, To play a hobbit in the Lord of the Rings TV show, To write and publish a book
Tell us a joke.
What type of animal is a penguin? A brrrr-d!
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Supportive, Proactive, Motivated
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