Dr Thomas Procter
I am a former nuclear physicist turned data visualization researcher at ThoughtExchange.
My transition moved me from performing experiments on tiny things (atomic nuclei) to finding more effective ways to communicate information to bigger things (people).
I now spend my time finding new ways to effectively communicate analysis results from group discussions that vary in size from several dozen to several thousand people.
Science Work
What I studied
During my physics research days I used a technique called Laser Spectroscopy to study the nucleus inside radioactive atoms. As the nucleus is so small (millions of times smaller than the width of a human hair!) it cannot be seen using conventional methods we would use for larger things (like shining a torch on an object). Instead, we use a laser (aka an incredibly powerful torch) to shine light on the electrons that surround the nucleus in the atom. Under particular circumstances the electrons will absorb the light from the laser and re-emit it in a different direction which can be detected. The size and shape of the nucleus alters the "circumstances" that dictact when the electrons absorb and re-emit the light. So by investigating when the electrons absorb and re-emit the light we can deduce information about the size of the nucleus in the center of the atom.
My Background
I started my academic career studying undergraduate physics at the Universty of Manchester, England. After obtaining my Masters I continued my studies with the University of Manchester and gained a PhD for my work on New Techniques of Laser Spectroscopy on Exotic Isotopes of Gallium and Francium based at the ISOLDE facility at CERN, Switzerland.
After my PhD I moved to TRIUMF, Canada's National Lab for Particle and Nuclear Physics, to work as a Post Doc in the laser spectroscopy group. At TRIUMF I worked on developing the experimental beamline and assisted in experiments on radioactive isotopes of gallium, francium and rubidium.
Thoughtout my academic years I have presented my work at international conferences, been a part of scientific mentoring and ambassador programs, supervised students and participated in outreach activities.
Why I left
I moved from academia to industry after my Post Doc to give myself a new challenge, apply my skillsets in a different field and gain more stability in my work/life balance.
Publications
In my physics days I was fortunate enough to publish and be co-author on a selection of papers. As physicists are not the most artistic when it comes to naming things I have refrained from listing all the titles here. If you're interested you can click the circles below to check out the papers or click on the buttons to view them in different ways.
The circles in red (and my Thesis in green) are my own publications and the size of the circles relate to the number of citations (which mainly arise from the neighboring circles!).
Sport
Outside of my work (and between injuries) I try to exercise and play sports as often as I can manage. In particular I have played for and helped manage several football teams, depending on where my work and study has taken me. Below are just a few highlights of my sporting years...
Westside 2013-Present
UoM Physics 6-a-Side Team 2012-2013
CERN FC 2011
University of Manchester Physics FC 2006-2009
Hulme Hall FC 2005-2006
Hobbies
For my downtime away from work and sport I foray into several ventures of varying levels of usefulness. With that time I try keep up to date with the latest video games, slowly improve my abilities on the guitar and read the books I feel I should have read years ago (mainly to distract myself on long journeys). I also dabbled in the movie industry before I got swiftly knocked back into the real world upon discovering the harshness of YouTube comments...
CERN based acting career
Video Games
Video Games
I also occasionally stream my games in case anyone out there feels inclined to watch great games played badly: