Profile

I live in Lewes, near Brighton. In my free time I like to walk in the South Downs. I love reading, from crime novels to science fiction. The last book I read was The girl in the spider web. I think about maths all the time: I often find interesting math problems when doing everyday things, from looking at the apple tree in my garden to reading about the latest COVID data!

My main job is to study DNA replication using mathematical modelling. DNA replication is the process by which DNA is copied in the cells. It is a very complex process, with a striking feature: it is governed by very random processes, and yet it happens it a very uniform, regular manner in all cells. My goal is to understand how this happens.

I develop mathematical models—sets of equations that tell us what we expect to see in the experiments—and I compare the results of the models with the experimental data. I do not do experiments myself, by the lab is literally 5 steps away from my desk. It is very important for me to understand how the experiments are performed, because this allows me to really understand the data! Here are a couple of pictures so you can get an idea on what the data I work with looks like!

DNA replication timing data

Three-dimensional model of chromosomes

On a typical day I will go to the office at 7:30am. I try to start my day with some difficult piece of work, for instance trying to find new ways to solve a problem or figuring out how to analyse some new experimental data. About half of the time I work with pen and paper, working some equations for example, and the rest of the time I use my computer. I avoid distractions during the first hours of my workday: no phone, no emails.

If I do not have any meetings, I usually keep working until lunchtime, and in the afternoon I do some light work: reading, paperwork and emails.

A couple of days a week I start my day writing. Writing is hard work, even when you know what do you want to write! Since the lockdown, almost all the meetings and seminars are online. A few times a week I attend such online events, but I am trying to be selective: it is very easy now to fill your schedule with online talks.

I usually go home at arount 5pm, but it depends on the day. If I am “inspired” I stay longer in the office.

You can see a picture of my desk. It is a little bit messy, but the reason is that I cleaned up a few days ago, otherwise it would be *very* messy! You can see the basic tools of my trade: a notebook, a computer, and a nerdy mug.

My desk

DNA replication is the main topic of my work, and it is a critical process in any living organism. The way we study DNA replication requires a range of mathematical tools. I would like to prepare an outreach activity for schools in order to explain how we observe DNA replication in the lab, and how we use mathematics to understand the experiments! I would use the money to prepare the activity and buy the necessary materials.