Profile – Chemistry Zone

Education:

Leeds Grammar School

Oxford University (MA Geology)

Edinburgh University (PhD)
Qualifications:

O levels in Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Geology, English Language and Literature, German, French, History
A levels in Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Geology, General Studies

MA Geology

PhD
Work History:

Postdoctoral Research Assistant, Leeds University

Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Reader, then Professor at Bedford College which became part of Royal Holloway University of London
Current Job:

Professor of Isotope Geochemistry

About Me:

I’m semi-retired and have been enjoying mixing travel with continued work in research
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I live in Surrey, and enjoy travel, hiking and camping when possible. At home I enjoy baking, including bread, reading, music. I speak conversational French and German (both from school only) which have greatly enhanced my enjoyment of travel.
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I’m responsible for several labratories, including X-ray fluorescence spectrometry used for rock chemical analysis, and also mass spectrometers for isotopic analysis. Thus I deal with inorganic chemistry and its application to earth processes. This also involves plenty of algebra and statistics! And also use of screwdrivers, soldering irons etc to repair equipment.

I used to teach a lot, including of field classes to geologically interesting areas such as Scotland and Tenerife. I found teaching very rewarding.
My Typical Day:

This varies dramatically depending on what needs to be done, and what I want to do. Sometimes I spend 14hr days in the lab using mass spectrometers or running chemical separations, sometimes I teach, sometimes I’m studying rocks in the field, sometimes I fill in forms!

Matthew Thirlwall