Profile
Hollie Wright
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About Me:
Hi, I’m Hollie! I’m a researcher at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. I build lasers and develop advanced LiDAR (light detection and ranging) techniques in our optics lab.
I live with my partner, Byron and our dog, Rufus. In my spare time I like watching movies and walking in nature with Byron and Rufus. I also love eating tasty food like sushi and fried chicken!
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My pronouns are:
She/her (but I’m fine with whatever)
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My Work:
I work in photonics — the physics of light! I spend most of my time in the lab building and using lasers.
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My Typical Day:
I start my day by going for a walk with Rufus the dog. I arrive at work around 9am. I spend most of my time in the lab, playing with my lasers and collecting data, but I have usually have a few meetings over the week. I have a coffee break and lunch with my friends every day. I finish work at 5pm and head home for the evening.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I want to create a cool laser-based experiment which I can take to schools and share my passion for light with more students.
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Education:
I went to Our Lady’s High School in Cumbernauld (2005-2011). After school, I went to University of St Andrews to study experimental physics (2011-2016). I then went to grad school at Heriot-Watt University to become Dr Hollie (2016-2021).
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My Interview
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What did you want to be after you left school?
Something to do with science
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Rarely, I was very shy!
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
I'd love to work with dogs
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Right now, my fave is Megan the Stallion
What's your favourite food?
Fried chicken
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
I want my own research lab, unlimited funding, and for my dog to live to at least 30 years old.
Tell us a joke.
Two drums and a cymbal fall off a cliff... *badum tss*
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