We are pleased to see two of our finest technicians taking to the Butterworth Hall stage on Tuesday 26^th November to deliver an energetic, explosive and educational showcase.

Alan Burton a Senior Research Group Technician and Paul McCarroll an Electronics Engineer both from the physics department will be entertaining children and adults alike. Just to get an insight into the reasons why they wanted take part, we went to ask a few questions:

Q1. What does some of your role involve and your motto?

Paul- If academics have an idea and the equipment doesn’t exist, it is my job to invent ( design and manufacturer) the electronic system they want. I also fix anything to do with electronics in the department. My motto is, if it doesn’t explode, how shall I make it!

Alan- I fix things that are broken and work with high pressure gasses and vacuum systems. I also get to invent new processes. My Motto is, If it moves and it shouldn’t, you fix it, if it doesn’t move and it should, you fix it!

Q2. Why did you want to get involved with the Christmas lectures? What does it entail? 

We were encouraged by Ally Caldecote who leads outreach in the physics department. We are full of great ideas which we are often unable to carry out due to the nature of our jobs. This is a chance for us to share these ideas and show them off in style. The Christmas lecture will involve a few big bangs and that’s all we’re saying! You’ll have to come along to see for yourself the full extent of our great ideas.

Q3. Why do you think the Christmas Lectures are an important part of outreach?

The Christmas lectures are a family event which gives us the chance to educate adults and children on science careers, especially technician roles. Not many people know that technicians get to work on discovering planets and next generation materials as well as other cool projects.

Q4. What is the best thing about being at Warwick at Christmas?

The social events! The Physics department is like a big work family and this means a great time is always had at the Christmas events