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Jonathan has a PhD from the School of Biology at the University of Leeds, where he tried to work out how some biological molecules (RNA and protein) fit together in a virus. Before that he gained a degree from Cambridge, mostly for persevering with their physics course. He now works for a scientific journal that covers the latest in materials science and so is called Materials Today. While he likes to think he plays viola well, he demonstrates a real flair for sleeping, watching TV, and talking about football. But not at the same time - that would be impressive.
When he won his regional heat in London last year, Jonathan said:
"It was a brilliant experience, despite being wracked with nerves waiting for my turn. The whole set up gets everyone engaged: the Famelab staff were very helpful and the judges were absolutely top. There was no doubting their fairness, honesty (never brutality!), and encouragement. Most of all, there was a great cameraderie among the contestants that I think helped lead to a good standard of talks. Having travelled to London with just a vague idea of seeing if I was any good at all - not knowing if I'd picked the right topics or pitched the level correctly - I'd invite anyone who feels the same to give it a go."
Jonathan on winning FameLab 2006:
“I would encourage everyone with an interest to enter - the benefits are enormous. I've gained a real confidence and drive to go out and find the opportunities to speak, perform, and have fun with the science that interests me. It is a brilliant experience, and it's not only about the opportunity of fame and fortune. FameLab forces you to think more carefully about how science works and what catches the imagination.”
Some things that Jonathan has done since winning FameLab 2006:
- Regular appearances on BBC Radio Oxford for science phone-ins
- Performed at Science Oxford
- Judged Institute of Ideas debating competition for sixth formers
- Visited Copenhagen with British Council for Sixth Form Conference
- Visit Sri Lanka with British Council to talk to school children
- Forthcoming events at Cambridge Science Festival, Cheltenham Science Festival, East of England Science Teachers Conference and Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW JONATHAN'S SHOWREEL
© Cheltenham Festivals 2006/7
