Another example of the wonderful talent to be found on Evenbreak!
Introducing Duncan …
To find out more about Duncan, we asked him a few questions…
What would be your dream role?
My dream role would be involved with science, engineering or environmental issues, as these are all areas that have interested me my whole life. Ideally something around working in a team, solving challenges together as a group.
What do people you’ve worked with or volunteered with say about you?
They would say I like to get things done! If I’m going to do something then I like to do it properly – I don’t like bodge jobs as they always cause more problems in the future.
What are you particularly proud of?
Leading a group of volunteers, working in a farm shed using basic workshop tools, to build from scratch and erect a wind turbine. We made our own generator, efficient turbine blades, and mast, succeeding in erecting a working machine that has withstood two winters and gales. It’s amazing what you can do without high-tech tools!
Can you tell us something not many people would know about you?
I enjoy medieval and renaissance music, and play a viola da gamba. I play regularly with another person for the National Trust, and had been hoping to play at an event with a group of historical re-enactors, but that’s been put on hold, sadly, because of lockdown.
What’s your disability?
I am registered blind – I lost my sight at four years old.
Professional Experience
Worcester Learning Zone March 2019 to present
Tutoring A Level and GCSE students in chemistry, physics, mathematics and geography
Private Tuition 2018 – present
A Level, GCSE and Key Stage 2 students in chemistry, physics and mathematics
Transition Worcester Energy Group July 2016 to present
Initiated and Managed a project to build a hydroelectric generator at Diglis Weir on the River Severn at Worcester. The project has paused awaiting the building of a fish pass.
[www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/16209197.green-matters-advantages-of-hydroelectric-power]
Project Managed a team of volunteers to build and maintain a wind turbine on a local farm.
Acted as Consultant on a project to build a photovoltaic array on a local farm.
Worcestershire County Council, Sustainability Team March – October 2016
Researched information and advised on issues such as hydrogen-powered cars and the Worcestershire District Heat Network
Greengineering, Kidderminster 2015
Research Consultant
[www.greengineeringuk.co.uk]
The project I worked on at this company was commercially sensitive and protected by a non-disclosure clause in my contract of employment.
UK Business Council of Sustainable Development Sept 2015 – April 2016
Researcher; conducted research into reusing waste plastics and the ‘circular economy’
Transition Worcester Nov 2014 – Nov 2015
Initiated and project managed a concept to create a local currency for Worcester.
Established and managed a team of volunteers to visit local businesses to discuss the concept with business owners.
Organised and led a promotional public meeting
[www.worcesterbid.com/news/e-bulletins/02102015-e-bulletin]
Education
PhD, School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham
2007 – 2012
Thesis title: ‘Development of Differential Evolution Algorithms Applied to Crystal Structure Solution from Powder Diffraction Data’
Learnt and applied specialist crystallographic programs and the Pearl computer programming language to real world problems in chemistry
BSc Honours First Class, Chemistry with Environmental Science
University of Birmingham
2004 – 2007
To find out more about Duncan, email rachaels@evenbreak.co.uk
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