Profile
Georgia Orton
My CV
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Education:
I went to school in rural Shropshire. Afterwards I went studied Chemistry at university in Sheffield and Bordeaux (France).
In my degree I got to do some research which was really fun, so I decided to do a PhD (research degree) in London. Now I work as a research scientist at the University of Nottingham.
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Qualifications:
GCSEs: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, English Language and Literature, Geography, French, Design and Technology, IT, RE (A* – A) and Music (B).
A-Level: Biology (A), Chemistry (B), Maths (B), English (AS-B)
MChem – Master’s in Chemistry
PhD (Chemistry) -
Work History:
2012 – 2015: Front of House Staff in a Theatre (Part time alongside studies)
2015 – 2019: PhD at King’s College London
2019 – current: Research Scientist at University of Nottingham (PRDA) -
Current Job:
Research Scientist at University of Nottingham (PDRA)
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About Me:
I work in a laboratory making tiny cages out of molecules (tiny particules)! They are so tiny that you need special machines to see them, but I want to put other molecules inside them to see what happens…
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I live in Nottingham with a friend. I have two cats, lots of chickens, 4 ducks and two pet sheep who all live with my parents as I don’t have space in my tiny house for so much wildlife!
I love doing sport, learning different languages and cooking for my family and friends. I am also dyslexic.
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The cage structure of MOFs means that there is lots of space inside to do reactions. By changing the shape and size of the cage we can control which reactions happen, and therefore which things we make. Hopefully we can learn to do new reactions.
A lot of the chemicals I need to use react with oxygen in the air or set on fire as soon as they touch air. I have to use special equipment and techniques to handle these chemicals safely.
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My Typical Day:
I like to get to work early and start doing experiments in my lab (listening to some good music). I spend about half my day in the office and half the day in my lab. An important part of my work is reading about the work other scientists have done to see if I can get any good ideas for my own work.
It is also my job to help other people working in the same lab as me, and make sure they work safely. -
What I'd do with the prize money:
I would like to visit primary schools in rural areas and show them how to do some experiments.
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The elements important to my work are:
Platinum (Pt) – Platinum is a very expensive metal that you might have seen in jewelry. As a chemist I also use it in my lab because it is very good at helping other elements join together to form new particles. Unfortunately we don’t have very much of it on earth and it is very expensive, so I would like to find a cheaper way to do this.
Iron (Fe) – We have lots of Iron on earth and its quite cheap. Nature uses Iron a lot to help other elements join together to make new particles. Inspired by nature, I am trying to find a way to use Iron to replace Platinum and make things cheaper and more sustainable.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Curious, hyperactive... and sciency!
What did you want to be after you left school?
A vet
Were you ever in trouble at school?
I was very shy at school so didn't get into much trouble except for forgetting to listen to the teacher.
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Probably Samm Henshaw at the moment
What's your favourite food?
Anything with cheese on!
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
To have my cats living with me, to fix global warming, to always be happy.
Tell us a joke.
What's a cheese's favourite TV channel? The Brie Brie C!
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