Our Researcher in Residence at CERN

From September 2010, Christ College's outstanding Science department will be boosted by its own 'Researcher in Residence'.

Laura Nuttall is currently studying for a PhD in gravitational wave physics at Cardiff University where her research mainly focuses on identifying host galaxies of gravitational wave bursts for follow-up with electromagnetic telescopes. As well this, Laura is studying the characteristics of the LIGO (Laser Interferometric Gravitational Wave Observatory) gravitational wave detectors and is trying and improve sensitivity to facilitate a detection!

Laura said: "I am originally from Bolton and attended Little Lever School Specialist Language College. At that time my interests, as you can imagine, lay in languages and attending this school allowed me to take 3 languages (French, German and Spanish) to GCSE. I then moved on to Bury College where I was convinced I would go to university and study languages. It was there that I discovered some of the challenges of physics and knew this subject would keep me busy for the rest of my life. I gained A2-levels in Physics, Maths, French and German and moved on to study physics at Lancaster University."

She added: "I had perhaps the best four years of my life there, receiving a 1st in MPhys Physics with Astrophysics and Cosmology(Hons), a Princess Alexandria Medal for achievements in the physical sciences, the Pendle college award for academic achievement as well as being netball captain and making the best friends I could ever hope for!"

In the control room of the Gravitational Wave Detector

Laura is now entering the second year of her PhD and so far she says it has been an amazing experience. She has attended conferences all over the world, presented her work and has worked at a gravitational wave detector in Hanford, Washington State, USA for 3 months.

Laura concluded: "I hope to run in to meet as many of you as possible over the next year, giving classes in astro-related topics as well as running some projects."

Head of Science at Christ College Mr Guy Hope said: "The Researchers in Residence (RinR) initiative, funded by RCUK with support from the Wellcome Trust, brings together researchers, young people and teachers via exciting and innovative placements in secondary schools across the UK. RinR aims to enrich the classroom experience, engages young people with real-life research and gives researchers the opportunity to develop new skills."

He added: "We're very lucky to have attracted someone of the calibre of Laura and I'm looking forward to welcoming her to the Christ College community."