Profile

Photo:

David August

My CV

  • Education:

    Stracathro Primary 1994-2001
    Brechin High School 2001-2007
    The University of Edinburgh, Degree 2007-2012
    The University of Edinburgh, PhD 2012-2016

  • Qualifications:

    Standard Grades, 8 1’s and one 2. These gave me a great background in lots of different things. I still use what my tech teachers taught me to fix my kid’s toys.

    Scottish Highers, 4 A’s in Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and a B in English. These got me my place at University but I didn’t get into the four different medical schools I applied for and had to choose my back-up option of chemistry instead. I’m now very happy this happened even if I didn’t think so at the time.

    1st Class MChem Degree with Industrial Experience. This gave me all of the skills I needed to start my research career. But I also got experience working in labs and for different companies that allowed me to choose what I wanted to do in future.

    PhD in Chemistry. This taught me how to do research. How to work out and prove things that no one has done before. This is something I really enjoy and is why I still do it now.

  • Work History:

    My Summer job whilst at School and University was working as a water sports attendant at Monikie Park, Angus. I also spent a Summer working in Rhode Island, USA as a windsurfing and sailing instructor on the Camp America Scheme. My degree also had a year in industry where I got the chance to work in a pharmaceutical development lab where I got to help make medicines in multi-ton batches.

  • Current Job:

    I work at the University of Manchester in the Group of Prof. David Leigh (www.catenane.net). My work focuses on tying molecules into knots and weaving the worlds smallest fabrics.

    • About Me:

      I’m a Research Associate at the University of Manchester where I work on tying knots in molecules and weaving the world’s smallest known fabrics.

    • Read more

      I live in the Peak District with my wife and two young boys. I enjoy the great outdoors and spend a lot of time out and about exploring, building dens and spying on the wildlife. I love computer games (PC or Xbox), board games and reading SciFi/Fantasy novels. I can play the flute and I’ve made use of lockdown to learn the guitar. I used to keep praying  mantids but currently I only have some stick insects. Growing up, I was a competitive swimmer and I love anything to do with the water. I’m particularly keen on windsurfing and I have sailed a yacht to Spain and back!

    • My Typical Day:

      My kids get me up early and I take the long train into Manchester. I work in a lab where I make new knotted molecules and tiny fabrics but much of my day is now spent talking to others about chemistry and coming up with new and exciting things to try.

    • My Interview

      • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        Knot-tying Ice-cream-loving Chemist

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        Doctor (I didn't manage to get into medical school)

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        Rarely

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        Ed Sheeran

        What's your favourite food?

        Lasagna or ice-cream

        Tell us a joke.

        Don't trust atoms, they make up everything!

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