Profile
Martin McCoustra
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About Me:
I’m a Scottish Astrochemist!
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I’m Professor of Chemical Physics at Heriot-Watt University. I was the first person to hold a Chair in Chemical Physics at any Scottish University after returning to Scotland in 2006. I studied chemistry at Heriot-Watt University to PhD before moving to Norwich and the University of East Anglia. I was the youngest Lecturer in Physical Chemistry in the UK for a few years after that. I then moved to the University of Nottingham where I was promoted to Professor.
I come from a Carronshore in the Falkirk area and went to Larbert High School. I’m left-handed! I was also one of the founding members of Falkirk Youth Theatre when I was at Primary School!
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My Work:
I study aspects of how chemistry controls the evolution of the modern Universe; an area known as Astrochemistry.
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Molecules control the modern Universe. They help stars and planets form; they control the size of stars; and they seed the Universe with the potential for life. Take a look at – http://www.stars-r-us.org – to get a little more information. My research group focuses on aspects of how small molecules are formed on and in icy dust grain and how these molecules are returned to the gas phase where they can be most readily observed. Have a look here – http://www.astrochemistry.hw.ac.uk – for a little more detail.
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My Typical Day:
I typically get into my office in Edinburgh around 8.00am having driven from Falkirk. Usually, I then do my email and any administrative work (yuck!!!) that needs doing before taking the opportunity to chat with some of my colleagues and students over a coffee. If I’m teaching, I’ll prepare for the session an hour or so in advance of delivering the material. I teach a variety of aspects of physical chemistry including atmospheric chemistry and surface chemistry which I am interested in. Usually, my day ends around 5.30pm as I have to drive back to Falkirk to collect my wife from her work at around 6.30pm. Then I settle down with dinner, a movie or a book and some music.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
Give it away… to the student chemical society at Heriot-Watt University to encourage them to undertake public engagement activities.
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Education:
Larbert High School; Heriot-Watt University
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Qualifications:
9 “A” O Grades – English, Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Technical Drawing, French, Latin and History; 5 “A” Highers – English, Maths, Chemistry, Physics and History; BSc, PhD, DSc
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Work History:
1988-1994 Lecturer in Physical Chemistry, University of East Anglia; 1994-2006 Lecturer and Senior Lecturer in Physical Chemistry then Reader and Professor in Chemical Physics, University of Nottingham;
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Employer:
Institute of Chemical Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Studies the Chemistry of "Nothing"
What did you want to be after you left school?
Go to University
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Everyone gets into trouble sometime...
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
I think I've got the job that suits me and I really do enjoy it!
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Pink Floyd
What's your favourite food?
A decent steak and bottle of wine!
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
An interesting question... (1) I'd like to live in an independent Scotland; (2) I love to own and drive a classic Ford Mustang; (3) I love to continue to enjoy my life and work to the fullest extent possible!
Tell us a joke.
A bad one... BREXIT!
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