Profile
Dominic Willcox
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About Me:
I live in Edinburgh with my partner and two little cats (Beansprout and Parsnip). I’m a chemistry lecturer, but I also rock climb, cycle, play video games, and play keyboard in a band!
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I grew up on a farm in the middle of nowhere in south Devon, and took up climbing from age 11 (before it was cool…). I’ve always been into video games, and my favourite game is Dark Souls, which I played when I was 15/16 and loved it. I still play games when I find the time, at the moment I’m stuck on the last boss of Silksong.
I love music and go to a lot of gigs. I had the rare privilege of seeing Chappell Roan live before she was super famous.
I also have a rare genetic condition called Marfan’s Syndrome, which is why my glasses are so thick (look up something called ectopia lentis).
Chemistry is pretty fun too, but that’s covered later on…
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My pronouns are:
he/him
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How I use Science in my work:
My work is developing new scientific discoveries, so I use all sorts of chemistry on a daily basis.
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My Work:
I’m a chemistry lecturer, and specialise in organic chemistry. I teach students and look at new ways of making fun new molecules and medicines using robots.
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I’m a chemistry lecturer, so that means that I teach university students and have my own research group. I teach organic chemistry, which reacting things together to make new medicines. In my research I have robots (and PhD students) that can look at new ways of making new molecules, known as “methodology development”. These new molecules could be used in medicines or materials, but really I just like making new fun stuff.
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My Typical Day:
I get into work for 8/8:30am and have a coffee. Every day is different for me. Sometimes I’m in the lab, or I’m teaching, or writing, but usually I go home around 4/5pm.
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I usually get into work around 8/8:30, have a coffee and read research papers/catch up on emails. I will go up to the lab and see how the group is doing, maybe even doing some chemistry myself! My routine changes every day, sometimes I have teaching, sometimes I am writing grant applications, sometimes I’m reading papers and thinking of new ideas. My job is very flexible and I can leave whenever I want to, which is usually 4:30pm.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I would like to run lab tours for schools in the local area. Showing them what a real research lab looks like, with our robotics etc.
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Education:
Denbury Primary School 4-11
South Dartmoor Community College 11-16
Torquay Boys’ Grammar School 16-18
The University of Bristol (Masters in Chemistry) 18-22
The University of Edinburgh (PhD in Chemistry) 22-26
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Qualifications:
GCSEs: A* (chemistry), 7xA’s (maths, english literature, english language, music, physics, biology, and religious studies) , B (German), C (History – probably bad handwriting).
A-Levels: A (chemistry), A (maths), A (physics)
Master of Science in Chemistry (1st class)
PhD – Chemistry (no grades here)
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Work History:
Kitchen Porter, The Rising Sun, Woodland (part-time, aged 15-18)
Park Staff, River Dart Country Park (part-time, aged 19)
Emergency Care Assistant, AgeUK (part-time, aged 19-21)
Postdoctoral Research Associate, The University of Glasgow (full-time, aged 26-27)
Postdoctoral Research Associate, The University of Edinburgh (full-time, aged 27-28)
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Current Job:
Assistant Professor of Automation (lecturer)
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Employer:
Institute of Chemistry Sciences, Heriot-Watt University
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
rock-climbing chemistry lecturer
What did you want to be after you left school?
I wasn't really sure, but I knew something in science
Were you ever in trouble at school?
No, because I didn't get caught...
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
Musician, or chef
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Radiohead
What's your favourite food?
Pizza
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
1) have a home music studio. 2) have a home bouldering gym. 3) become a professor before 40
Tell us a joke.
what's the most important rule in chemistry? Never lick the spoon...
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