Chris Leigh, MSci 2000, PhD 2004
I
first arrived at the physics department back in 1996 as a mature
student, following a short-term career with the RAF. I graduated
with an MSci(Hons) in Astrophysics in June 2000, but enjoyed St
Andrews so much I applied for and was accepted onto a PhD course
in Astronomy investigating the atmospheric nature of Extra-Solar
planets.
Following graduation in 2004 I was awarded a short-term 'Japan Society for the Promotion of Science' fellowship to conduct research at the University of Tokyo.
On my return to the UK in late 2004 I secured a post at the Astrophysics Research Institute of Liverpool John Moore's University, where I remain project manager for the National Schools' Observatory (NSO). The NSO is a web-based resource that allows school children throughout the UK to request astronomical observations using the Liverpool Telescope - the world's largest fully robotic telescope. In my post I also have time to continue my research on exoplanets and have secured time on professional telescopes around the world.
I am lucky enough to have entered an exciting field of science that allows me to work with astronomers from around the globe and has seen me travel to many corners of the world such as Japan, Greece, the USA and Chile. Although I have just started out on my career in Astronomy, I am confident that the thorough grounding I received at St Andrews in many aspects of science and technology has prepared me well for what may come, but more importantly, has given me a chance of pursuing my dreams.
First posted BDS 25.2.07