Interview Question content

Question 1

who was the Nobel Prize in physics 2021 given to and for what

Answer 1

• it was given to Syokuro Manabe, Klaus Hasselmann and Giorgio Parisi
• For their work on modelling of the earth’s climate to help the fight against climate change and their work on chaotic systems

Question 2

who won the nobel prize in chemistry and for what

Answer 2

• Benjamin List and David Macmillan
• for their work on organocatalysis of optical isomers
• this is important especially in pharmaceuticals as different optical isomers have different effects on the body
• a more simple example of this is that the molecules responsible for the scent of oranges and lemons are optical isomers

Question 3

what are some ways that LIGO could be improved/developed

what are some upcoming events to do with it

Answer 3

• use more sensitive equipment
• make the arms longer
• use a higher frequency EM wave
• a current development is producing a better and more reflective coating for the inside of the mirror

Question 4

why trinity hall

Answer 4

there were a number of important factors on my decision to apply to trinity hall

• I wanted an informal college where there was a strong sense of community
• As music and sport are important hobbies for me I looked for a college with good resources especially for music for example practice rooms

Question 5

how has being head boy helped me develop/what skills have I developed

Answer 5

the main two skills that I’ve developed are

• better teamwork skills, working with the other student leaders and the teachers to improve the school
• communication and public speaking, I’ve had to speak publicly more than I have previously along with discussing my ideas for the school. When doing this it was vital I communicated well
• these skills are very useful in science as you may have to work in a research team as well as communicate your research findings effectively