Profile

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Zhixin Hu

    • About Me:

      I live in the Greater Manchester area, father of 2 boys. I like playing tennis, and travelling when I can.

    • Read more

      I am from China originally, studied in US for 5 years, and since then I’ve always been working in the North West (over 15 years now), worked on a few different engineering sectors and roles, most of which used some math skills somehow. Now I am enjoying working in the space sector, which is a sector requiring more mathematical knowledge and skills.

    • My pronouns are:

      he/him

    • How I use Science in my work:

      My work involves risk analysis ensuring safety of rocket launch, therefore requires understanding and modelling of fire and explosions, which involves physics, chemistry and mathematics.

    • My Work:

      I am a risk and safety specialist working with UK Civil Aviation Authority. My work involves assessing safety for rocket launch in the UK.

    • My Typical Day:

      With hybrid working, everyday is different. After dropping my boy at school, I will be at my computer desk checking emails, joining a meeting or reading a report. In the afternoon I can do some analysis or coding, and discuss with colleagues on some recent rocket launches.

    • What I'd do with the prize money:

      If I win the prize money, I want to donate to KingsTrust fund or other similar charity to provide more support to young people who want to get into engineering field.

    CV

    • Education:

      2004-2008: University of Maryland, USA (MSc & PhD)

      1999 -2003: University of Science and Technology of China (BSc)

    • Qualifications:

      BSc, MSc, PhD

    • Work History:

      SEP 2005 TO DEC 2007
      National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), USA
      Guest Researcher on ventilation-controlled fire with FDS (Fire Dynamic Simulator)

      MAY 2009 TO MAR 2012
      Shell Global Solutions, UK
      Research Fellow, Part of an EU-funded research program ‘FP6 Engine Efficiency’;

      APR 2012 TO JULY 2016 – ESR Technology Ltd
      Senior Safety and Risk Consultant

      SEP 2016 TO MAR 2024 – Various Consultancies
      Senior/Principal Fire Engineer, Explosion Consultant

    • Current Job:

      APR 2024 TO PRESENT DATE – UK Civil Aviation Authority
      Risk and Process Safety Specialist; Responsibilities include:
      • Apply commercial and in-house fire, explosion and fragmentation models
      • Part of the space analysis team, a cross-disciplinary team covering orbital, flight safety and ground safety analysis
      • Apply cross-discipline lessons learnt to develop good practice.

    • Employer:

      UK Civil Aviation Authority

    • My Interview

      • What did you want to be after you left school?

        I wanted to be a news anchor

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        I was a stutter and I am still one, although much better now than when in school

        If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?

        I also fancied being a trader, although I know I am far from being qualified.

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        Coldplay

        What's your favourite food?

        Chinese food

        If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!

        Good sleep, never have to control on diet, time paused on those first a few years when I was in America.

        Tell us a joke.

        Why is 9 afraid of 7?

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