Could you tell us a few things about the workshop you organised?
I first thought about doing the workshop during my second year placement with Dr Graham Spink. The research involved variance reduction methods being used to increase the efficiency of calculation time for bulk solids via Density Functional Theory. The placement revolved entirely around Linux and I felt myself trying to learn how to use its Kernel as fast as I could. It ultimately took 2 weeks of forum hopping and many youtube videos until I finally got my program to run through the command line.
After my placement, I wanted to share what I learnt so that someone who needed to use Linux or any UNIX-like operating system could jump straight into it rather than spend days setting it up. This led to me hosting a workshop that would go over the basics and what are the must-have tools for a computational scientist.
The Institute of Physics is the professional body for physicists in the UK. What did you gain from getting engaged with them?
The IOP gave me the opportunity to interact with other physicists and connect with students from various disciplines, such as Computer Science and Electrical and Electronic Engineering. I was able to publicise my event nationally through the IOP website and gain valuable experience in the organisation of a scientific event, such as the Linux workshop I organised.
What are the main academic skills you acquired?
The workshop felt similar to what giving a lecture would be like. It helped my confidence in public speaking and improved my presentation skills in terms of written and verbal communication.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us about your experience?
I would like to thank Dr Graham Spink and my supervisor Dr Theodoros Papadopoulos for bringing me in contact with the IOP and helping out with the event.