I’m a post-doctoral research in the Department of Physics at the University of Oxford and a junior research fellow at Somerville College. My research grew out of work which centers on the application of astrochemical models of star formation to galaxies beyond the Milky Way; in particular, I have spent much of my time on the use of sulphur compounds as a signature of stars in the process of forming. I’m also principal (and, I suppose, principle) investigator for the Galaxy Zoo project.
Before arriving in Oxford, I was educated (with varying degrees of success) by Torquay Boys’ Grammar School, Magdalene College Cambridge and, for my PhD at University College London, where I still lecture.
I’m also strongly involved in what is slightly oddly known as popular science, most famililarly as co-presenter on the really nearly-fifty-year-old Sky at Night program alongside Sir Patrick Moore, and most recently as coauthor of Bang!, with Patrick and Dr Brian May. The book was included on the longlist for the 2007 Royal Society Book Prize. As both are distinguished musicians and have CBEs, I have a lot to catch up on, which I will no doubt use as an excuse for the lack of updates on this site. I also have a regular column (on observing the night sky) in The Times and am trying to expand the range of writing I do.
Apart from astronomy, my interests are theatrical or foodie, or occasionally both…