Profile

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Alex McGinty

    • About Me:

      I live in Oxford where I research other planets. In my spare time I read books, exercise and teach physics to GCSE and A level students.

       

    • My pronouns are:

      He/Him

    • My Work:

      I use the same models which are used for weather predictions on Earth but I use them to understand telescope observations of other planets.

      At the moment I am working with observations of the James Webb Space Telescope. 

    • My Typical Day:

      I tend to get into the office around half 9, where I use super computers to run models. I have lunch with friends either in our department or at other places around Oxford. In the afternoon I have group meetings with people doing similar work either in Oxford or across the world over zoom.

    CV

    • Education:

      I went to school in south Wales, where I went to my local primary school then my local secondary school. They were both good schools with teachers who promoted by interests. At secondary school I had a very passionate science who helped me enjoy science again after a first two years which I did not enjoy.

      At GCSE I did History, Geography and Computer science all subjects that I still use today in different aspects. After my GCSEs I stayed on for sixth-form where I did A levels in Physics, Maths and Further Maths (Maths, Maths and more Maths).

      Then COVID hit so didn’t sit these exams. I then started a physics with Astrophysics degree at the University of Exeter. Astrophysics is the study of the science of space. My first year was fully online. After things opened up I really enjoyed my time at Exeter. I became president of the astronomy society where I led star gazing nights. I did a research project for my masters about weather forecasting for future Mars space exploration. In this project I used the same model the Met Office uses for climate modelling but I applied it to Mars.

      I am now doing a PhD at the University of Oxford studying lava planets. These are planets which are soo hot that the surface is made of lava.

    • Qualifications:

      GCSEs: English language, English Literature, Maths, Numeracy, Double award science, History, Geography and Computer Science

      A Levels: Physics, Maths and Further Maths

    • Work History:

      Retail at Next, Summer researcher at Oxford, Physics tutor, Physics lab demonstrator

    • Current Job:

      I am now doing a PhD at the University of Oxford studying lava planets. These are planets which are soo hot that the surface is made of lava. We get a stipend from a research council (in my case STFC), I could have earned more by going into industry after my degree but Im doing what I love.

    • Employer:

      University of Oxford

    • My Interview

      • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        Alien meteorologist

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        I loved physics and felt like I wanted to do something in Physics

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        Not really

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

        I used to want to be a historian but did not enjoy the writing.

        What's your favourite food?

        Pasta