We work among extraordinary people doing extraordinary things; get to know some of them by reading these quick-fire interviews.
Name: Max Howe
Job title: Senior Teaching Technician
What are you currently working on?
We are moving some of the undergraduate teaching labs from DWB to Mansfield Road this summer so that has taken up a lot of my time recently. We have also been ordering and installing new equipment ready for the move of the Condensed Matter Physics lab next summer. This week we got our first dry fridge (a 1.5K, 9T system) up and running which was exciting; we are planning to use them for undergrad labs on adiabatic demagnetisation and the quantum Hall effect which have to be completely redesigned as our new building is not able to host our current systems.
Describe a typical day.
During term I get in early to transfer liquid helium into cryostats for the students to use then I spend the day demonstrating the practicals to students and fixing labs when they break. When I have the time, I work on improving current practicals and developing new practicals for the course. Outside of term, I get do work on longer-term fixes and improvements to practicals, as well as working on the wider scope, pedagogical side of practical labs.
What got you into physics?
At school I just really enjoyed learning about atoms and this naturally led me to study chemistry and physics at university. The amazing educators I have had have helped me to pursue my interests and inspired me to go into a partial teaching role.
If you had an entire day at your disposal (not at work/studying), what would be your ideal way to spend it?
I am not a morning person so I’d have a lazy start to the day, followed by a pastry and a coffee in bed while watching TV. I would probably potter around the garden in the afternoon, provided the sun isn’t too intense, and read my book, maybe play some tennis at my local club. Then I would like to spend the evening in a garden / beer garden with friends and maybe watch a film afterwards.
What is your favourite place in Oxford?
I like big green spaces, so Uni Parks and South Park are favourite spots of mine. I like going for a long walk listening to music or a podcast but also just sitting in the shade with friends.
Plan B: what would you be if you weren’t doing the job you are currently doing?
I would probably be doing a PhD as I had considered doing one before I got this job. Alternatively, being a video game tester does sound very appealing.