Based in York , northern England , inquiry associateDr Craig Pokuhas long guard an pursuit in the natural world and as hazard would have it , combining this with his love of maths was a match made in heaven for study urban air quality . Here , Dr Poku describes the journey that led him down the environmental way of life , and how he has been able to use his perspective within the scientific community to beam a spark on poor representation within Earth sciences .
What do you do ?
I am a research comrade in urban air quality at the University of York .
What did it take to get here ?
Since I was youthful , I was always concerned in the rude world . And when at schooling , I observe that I gravitated towards scientific discipline subjects . I go to university to do a math degree , which top me onto doing a master ’s , which I perfectly hat . So , I dropped out ! This gave me the opportunity to ferment within Adult Social Care in local governance . However , during this time , I realised that I wanted to continue with research but in a different scope . I had applied for master / PhD programme and was offered a place at Leeds to do a PhD in Atmospheric Sciences , which focalise on improving our understanding of UK murkiness . During my PhD , I was always focused on " why should we care ? " With this mentation , I was always bringing in societal constituent into my work and the nature of my research direct me into read a lot into strain quality shock on fog organization .
After finish up my PhD , I began my first research scientist position investigating how we could amend haze forecasts in Delhi , India . This attitude gave me an insight into aura tone impacts on fog formation , where combined with my develop interest in environmental injustices made me want to go into air quality research . I ’ve always been interested in line quality give that I raise up in London , so doing research that could help communities such as my own became quite important to the elbow room I navigate science . I then find out the chance at York being publicise and here we are today !
suppose you ’ve satisfy yourself as a teenager at a careers bonny : How would you describe what you do to your former self ?
Urban air quality is a mess of a trouble that requires interesting maths and physics to turn to it . Given how much you like mathematics applications Craig , this could be an country of interestingness !
What ’s the most common misconception about your occupation of workplace ?
In my current role , my big fear was that not having a interpersonal chemistry background would think of that I would not be able to go into air calibre research . However , my time in inquiry has permit me to realise that with most science , it ’s not as clear cut what background is the best for that bit of enquiry . This thought physical process has become more decisive given that research topics such as melodic line calibre , mood change , and food sustainability all expect interdisciplinary ways of intellection as they ’re all so complicated .
What has been a particular source of pride for you in your vocation ?
In my former role , I was fortunate to co - moderate a undertaking called " Black in Geoscience " week , which focused on hash out the poor histrionics in our bailiwick . What I enjoyed about this project most is being able to connect with so many Black scientists across the world . In addition , I enjoyed examine the impact that the project had as people were more uncoerced to discuss the internal diagonal that they hold in the study .
Any particularly memorable missteps ?
I had a big presentation to deliver to my department . The night before saw me turn of late and , retentive account forgetful , I accidentally delete the faulty folder meaning all my datum was endure … After an initial panic , I realised that I had some patch that I could still demonstrate even though they were n’t in the ripe formatting . Fortunately , I was able to have some supporter from photoshop and after that , I was a quite a little more heedful !
What do you never leave behind the house without ?
Would have to be my earpiece , I mean how else can I listen to my favouritepodcastswhilst getting on with life ?
What ’s one piece of advice you ’d give to someone want to ship on the same career ?
If you think an chance would be right for you , go for it ! I get to where I am because I spoke to a lot of people , realised what I did n’t like doing , and figured out that actually what matters to me is guarantee the science I do gets residential district call for .
