Profile
Adam Baskerville
My CV
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Education:
Secondary school: Rainham Mark Grammar School,
University: University of Kent studying Physics with Astrophysics,
PhD: University of Sussex in quantum chemical physics,
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Qualifications:
GCSE’s, A-levels, Open University course in particle physics, Masters degree in Physics and Astrophysics, PhD in quantum chemical physics
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Work History:
During secondary school I had a part time job as a swimming instructor. When I went to University I had a part time job working in a powerlifting gym. My full time job is now as a scientist.
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Current Job:
I am a postdoctoral research fellow in quantum physics at the University of Sussex.
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About Me:
I enjoy mathematics, quantum mechanics, programming and lifting heavy things.
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I live in Surrey with my fiancee and work at the University of Sussex as a postdoctoral research fellow in quantum physics in collaboration with Bristol University. I enjoy reading old physics textbooks, stargazing with my telescope and powerlifting and strongman training.
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My primary responsibility lies in the development of new, more accurate quantum theories
and their efficient and accurate computational implementation. I have implemented a wide variety of mathematical and scientific techniques using parallel and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) programming techniques where beneficial. I have specialised knowledge in computationally efficient, high accuracy calculations going beyond standard computer precision; using techniques including DoubleDouble/QuadDouble data types and ball arithmetic. I use a variety of programming languages to achieve these tasks including C++, Python, C, Rust, Bash and Maple. -
My Typical Day:
I spend my day mainly reading literature articles or textbooks, solving and programming mathematical equations in order to understand the bizarre quantum world.
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I wake up at 5:30 am everyday and get in to work at 7 am. A normal day might first involve responding to lots of emails and admin tasks. I might then read recent literature articles relevant to my research to keep up to date with the current knowledge/understanding in my field. I will then start the bulk of my work which involves deriving and solving mathematical equations to describe real world quantum problems which I then program on a computer to solve. The end goal of this is to understand how fundamental particles interact, building a complete picture of the fundamental building blocks of nature. I might also have some teaching to do or to assist current research students with their tasks.
This is my work office:
I have three whiteboards which I use for working through mathematical problems and discussing problems with colleagues. I have multiple monitors allowing for more space to work and to view multiple things at the same time increasing efficiency. I also have access to very powerful computer facilities to assist with solving some very complex and demanding problems.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I would invest the money into a quantum leap hands-on activity which we are developing for science outreach events. It teaches users about what quantisation is in quantum mechanics.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Analytical, Reserved, Focused
What did you want to be after you left school?
Pharmacist
Were you ever in trouble at school?
A few times ;)
Who is your favourite singer or band?
I have varied music tastes. I like the composer Vivaldi, but also like Deadmau5
What's your favourite food?
Sushi
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
Good health, travel to exotic places and keep learning more about the World
Tell us a joke.
1+1=3 for large values of 1.
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