10 Questions with Anthony Watt

1) When did you work at CERN (including its Scientific Collaborations) and what did you work on? 
"I was a summer student at CERN in 2022, and my work revolved around measuring the electrical characteristics of silicon sensors that would be used in the high-luminosity upgrade of the CMS endcap calorimeter. This was in a group at CERN called HGCAL (High Granularity Calorimeter). This involved being in a clean room where I would test the silicon sensor's current-voltage and capacitance-voltage (IV & CV) relationships using a probe station. Once the sensors had gone through the tests, the data needed to be analysed using a framework which would output results regarding testing from which areas of the sensor passed/failed within the given parameters set for testing. I then used Python to analyse the data further so that the data could be presented to HGCAL to understand better how the silicon sensors performed."

2) What is your best memory of working at CERN? 
"My best memory while working at CERN was definitely while I was working in the clean room. You could be in there for hours with your colleague running tests on multiple sensors which needed to be constantly monitored to ensure no issues were occurring. In 2022, the summer in Europe was unbearably hot, so working in the clean room was a great way to stay cool!"

3) What is your current job and where is it located? 
"I have just recently graduated with my BSc in Experimental Physics and I am currently working as a motor claims handler for an insurance company in Ireland."

4) What skills did you develop during your CERN work experience which have been particularly useful in your subsequent career trajectory? 
"While working as part of a team at CERN, I learned how to collaborate with others and communicate effectively in groups. The experience taught me the significance of managing my time efficiently to stay on top of my work."

5) Which skills (if any) did you need to develop further when you left CERN to face your next professional challenges?
"After leaving CERN, I was still working on my bachelor's degree and had to finish my thesis. This involved using Python to analyse data once again. To complete my thesis, I continued improving my Python skills and had to work long hours in a laboratory to obtain results. The experience of working in shifts in the clean room at CERN helped me to make the most of my time in the lab. The shifts in the clean room prepared me for this, enabling me to utilise my time as best as I could within the time I was in the lab."

6) What tips would you give to someone who is considering a career transition from academia to industry? 
"I don't think there can be a universal tip for this as the choice between academia and industry varies from person to person. Academia will suit some more than others, and the same goes for industry."

7) What advice would you give your younger self? 
"Start coding at a younger age. I think the biggest skill someone can currently have is the ability to write and develop code. Being confident with coding in today's world is a massive advantage."

8) Do you still keep a close eye on what’s going on at CERN? 
"I still keep in touch with my colleagues from CERN on a daily basis. I am always updated on the latest research being conducted at CERN through social media. In fact, I even earned a "top fan" badge on the CMS Facebook page for my active involvement. Fortunately, I got the opportunity to visit CERN again during the Third Collisions event. It was a wonderful experience to be back on the CERN campus, meet my supervisor and friends who are still working at CERN."

9) In your opinion, what is the unique value of the CERN Alumni Network? 
"The CERN Alumni Network provides ongoing updates from CERN and invites us to attend events related to academia and industry. This year, we had the CERN Alumni Third Collisions event, which I attended with my dad. He loved visiting CERN, and attending lectures and job fairs. Additionally, CERN Alumni hosts city events where alumni can meet and catch up."

10) Imagine you are stranded on a desert island. You can have one piece of music, one book and one luxury item. Which music, book and luxury item would you choose and why?
"Music - Rae Sremmurd and The Weeknd - Bedtime Stories - Consistently in my top 10 songs each year since it came out.
Book - The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins - Definitely worth a read.
Luxury Item - Being Irish I would have to bring suncream!"