1. Thomas Andrew Hughes
Profile
I am a physicist awaiting my viva for a PhD in Nuclear Physics Instrumentation. After completing a Bachelors then Masters degree in
Physics and Radiometrics, I took a year out to travel and gain experience outside of academia. During this year I worked as a Fluids
Analyst which gave me some valuable experience in the industrial applications of physics and engineering. Following this position, I
made the decision to continue my Nuclear Physics Instrumentation research by enrolling on a PhD. My PhD has allowed me to expand
my theoretical and experimental knowledge in Nuclear Instrumentation, whilst developing new technologies that hold important
industrial applications. It has also given me the opportunity to travel and work collaboratively with other research institutions
internationally.
With my PhD now handed in I would like to move from research into the nuclear industry. The recent focus on energy generation and
the future of nuclear power, both internationally and in the UK, make entering this industry an exciting and challenging prospect. My
research and industry experience have enabled me to develop skillsthat aretransferableto working in the nuclear industry.
Education
University of Liverpool: PhD, Nuclear Physics Instrumentation
2011 to present (Awaiting Viva)
My PhD has revolved around identifying and imaging radiation hotspots in 3D space. It involved the use of two position-sensitive
germanium detectors to Compton track gamma-rays to a high level of precision, whilst maintaining efficiency levels far beyond what
is currently possible. The applications for this type of detector range from research (end of beam line etc), security and
decommissioning (ability to locate sources), to medical uses such as replacing current radiation medical techniques. Conducting the
research required experimental and theoretical knowledge of an experimental rig and all its associated electronic setups at the
University of Liverpool, from which my thesis data was taken. This permitted me to conduct the entire project myself, from the setup
of equipment to data analysis.
During my PhD I was involved in several international collaborations at research labs in Italy and Germany, as well as assisting on
detector development at locations around Europe. I was fortunate to present at several conferences which took me to various EU
countries as well as the US.
University of Liverpool: MSc (Hons) Distinction, Radiometrics: Instrumentation and Modeling
2009 to 2010
This Masters degree covered basic radiation principles, the use of detection systems and associated instrumentation applications,
and modelling techniques. The range of modules included Alpha Spectrometry, High Resolution Gamma Spectrometry, Nuclear
Instrumentation, Radiation Protection and Dosimetry, Radiation Shielding and Environmental Aspects. These enabled me to do my
dissertation using an AGATA segmented detector to investigate Compton camera techniques for the purpose of building a response
databasefor future academic work. This gave me many practical skillsin theequipment and methods used in radiation detection.
University of Liverpool: BSc (Hons) 2.2, Physics with Astronomy
2006 to 2009
This course covered a large variety of modules including Quantum Mechanics, Relativity, Thermal Physics, Nuclear Physics, Atomic
Physics and Mechanics, and included many different types of problem solving including using some basic coding methods. This course
also included an expedition to Tenerife where I experienced working in the field collected data for project analysis. This gave me
understandingand experience of problem solvingand research whilstworkingas partof a team.
Mold Alun High School, North Wales
A-Levels
 Physics –B
 Mathematics – B
 Further Mathematics – D
 Chemistry – E
GCSE’s
 1 A* (Physics)
 4 A’s (Mathematics , Biology,Geography and History)
 4 B’s (English Language, chemistry,Outdoor Education,
Systems control [Electronics])
 2 C’s (English Literature and Welsh)
Experience
Fluids Analyst, Glyndwr University
2010 to 2011
I took part in a SKTP (Shorter Knowledge Transfer Partnership) between Glyndwr University and Tata Steel Europe. This looked at the
viscosity, shear and stress properties of steel coatings. My role included new research, data analysis, computer modeling and giving

2. Thomas Andrew Hughes
corporate presentations. I regularly had to deal with external suppliers, academics and the staff on the line at Tata, helping me to
develop my communication skills for a widerange of people, and I showed that I could obtain results fromcutting edge research.
Postgraduate Demonstrator, University of Liverpool
2011 to 2015
During my PhD I assisted with demonstrating to postgraduate physics students. This has varied from demonstrating laboratory work
to exerciseclasses in radiation shielding,high resolution gamma spectroscopy,medical physics and modeling.
Student-Staff Committee Representative, University of Liverpool
2011 to 2015
My responsibilities were to communicate issues and act as liaison between Students and Staff. Both aspects of this position required
different social skills as I had to talk to students in a group and individual basis to report back or gather information, and then
present this to the staff in a formal and constructive manner.
Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), University of Liverpool
During my PhD I had the opportunity to take part in the University STEM opens days for local schools. This involved taking groups of
sixth form students through a variety of experiments to demonstrate the valueof STEM subjects.
Skills
 Advanced arithmetic and a variety of problem solvingskills.
 Program Knowledge: Monte Carlo N-Particle transport code (MCNP), MatLab, Fitzpeak, LaTeX, Prospect (Canberra), C+ and
all standard Microsoft,Appleand Linux operating systems and office programs.
 Social and Communication skills.Good team member and have the ability to confidently and effectively lead a team.
 Several years’experience of teachingin a laboratory environment.
 CPD certificatein Project management and essentials of Management (2012)
Interests
Potholing/Caving
I am an active member of the Liverpool University Potholing Club and have held positions as Secretary, President, and training
officer. I am a founding member of the BBPC potholing club and have helped organise several international trips for the club,
including France, Spain and China. With BBPC I have played a major role in exploration and excavation of new cave systems in the
Peak district, being part of a team who has made major breakthroughs to discover some of the largest chambers within Derbyshire
for 20+ years. I also was the expedition treasurer for the 2015 China caves project, where a small group of UK cavers and I traveled
to China atthe invitation of the local government in order to discover and document some world class caves.
Outdoor activities
I enjoy sailing and have been a member and junior representative of Llyn Brenig Sailing club since 2004. I also enjoy walking,
climbing and scrambling, and regularly plan wild camping trips in the highlands of Scotland. I am keen at go-karting and am a
member of my university department football team.
My enthusiasm for the outdoors also fuels my interest in photography as I document the remote locations I explore including
stunninglandscapes and cavephotography.
Other Details
 Full & clean driving license,and car
 Firstaid certificate,St. Johns Ambulance
 Basic Expedition Leadership Award
Personal details
6 Bamford Drive
Liverpool
L6 2AZ
H: -
M: 07403534043
Email:tomhughestom@hotmail.co.uk
ReferencesonRequest