joey-reiness

Joey Reiness

Hi! I recently started working as an AI Engineering Researcher for MathLabs, after finishing my PhD in Particle Physics Phenomenology at Durham University.

About

Education

I recently finished my PhD in Particle Physics at Durham University. My PhD has focused on using computational and analytical techniques to assess the validity of new theories for the building blocks of our universe. I have focused, in particular, on addressing properties of the Higgs Boson - a particle famous for its Nobel-Prize-winning discovery at CERN in 2012.

Before going to Durham, I completed my Bachelor's & Master's degrees in Natural Sciences (Physics) at the University of Cambridge. I attained a First Class result in all four years, earning my election as a Foundation Scholar of Downing College.

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Employment & Volunteering

I have recently joined the MathLabs team as an AI Engineering Researcher, specializing in building software applications for involved mathematical and computational-physics pathways.

Alongside my PhD, I was involved in both paid and voluntary non-research roles. I have taught second year undergraduate theoretical physics at Durham University for four years and volunteered extensively with the Outreach Team. In the summer of 2019 I was a visiting lecturer for the Master's-level Modern Cosmology course at the University of Costa Rica.

During my time at Cambridge, I worked as a software intern at RealVNC in Cambridge, automating testing of their automotive mobile application. As a teenager in Devon, I worked part-time at the local leisure centre for two years while studying for my A-levels.

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Skills

Problem-solving was at the core of my Batchelor's & Master's studies at Cambridge. My ability to think analytically was further honed by carrying out original scientific research throughout my PhD. Logic & creativity are crucial in attempting to address unanswered questions about our universe.

Presenting work at international conferences & teaching undergraduate physics at Durham University has taught me to clearly & efficiently convey complex concepts. Outreach work at the London Royal Society and various festivals has refined my engagement with the public and helped me adapt my delivery based on the audience.

Organising conferences, outreach work and scientific collaborations have all involved extensive group work. In group situations I often obtain leadership roles but I can equally step back.

Self-organisation is key for any long-hours STEM degree. It is also key in juggling research, work, volounteering & interests. I have also been involved in organising conferences, as well as running events for the University College Middle Common Room as Social Secretary.

In undertaking many different tasks in different areas & fields, I have had to become a fast learner and pick new skills up quickly: from using some new programming language to help a colleague, to using graphic design to make a conference poster.

Technologies

Experienced:

Familiar:

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Languages

  • English: Native
  • Spanish: Advanced (C1)
  • French: Elementary (GCSE)

Interests

  • Guitar & Other Instruments
  • Camping & Hiking
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Health

Publications

Throughout my PhD I have published scientific research in several scientific journals. My most prestigious publication is in Physics Reports (ELSEVIER), which has an Impact Factor of 28.3. I have also published in Physical Review D (APS) and Journal of Physics G (IOP). You can see a full description of my work at the INSPIRE HEP database. My thesis, which is currently in progress will also be submitted for publication.

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Projects

I have been involved in both academic and non-academic projects. For example, I created my department's blog and suggestion board using NodeJs, Express and MongoDB. This blog is now recognised by the university and has a Durham University domain.

I have created outreach talks and sessions, organised conferences and more.

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Awards

  • 2016: Awarded Whitelegg Prize & elected Foundation Scholar for Master's results
  • 2015: Awarded Whitelegg Prize & elected Saunders Scholar for third year Bachelor's results
  • 2014: Awarded Whitelegg Prize & elected Saunders Scholar for second year Bachelor's results
  • 2013: Awarded Whitelegg Prize & elected Graystone Scholar for first year Bachelor's results
  • 2012: Queen's Scout Award
  • 2012: Gold, Silver & Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards