Steve's Short Bio
So why should I listen to anything this guy says?
I grew up in the town of Moe, in regional Victoria. After school I attended RMIT University where I completed a PhD in Applied Physics. My research project was in condensed matter physics, studying the motion and self-organisation of tiny round particles (about 1 micrometer diameter) using laser scattering techniques.
Immediately after my doctorate I moved to the lovely town of Konstanz, Germany. There I worked on a 3 year research project in the physics department of the local university. My project was to design and construct an 'optical tweezer' laser/microscope setup, which would trap and control the position of a particle floating in a fluid, in order to measure properties of said fluid. But more importantly I spent 3 fantastic years being a part of the local community and enjoying the traditions and culture of southern Germany. I especially have fond memories being part of the Konstanz Rugby Club during the mid 2000s.
After my stay in Germany I returned to Australian and took on a 2 year appointment at the Australian National University in Canberra. This project involved setting up a similar optical tweezer system for the Research School of Chemistry 'polymers and soft condensed matter' group.
After that appointment I left academia and have worked a small variety of jobs in the technical field, such as doing construction materials testing for a small company, and working in operations at a particle accelerator facility. During this period I also completed a graduate certificate in geography at the ANU.
My recreational activities include, gaming, hiking and lifting weights. I also obviously like building things- particularly with retro electronics and 50s sci-fi style design. Long distance motorbike trips, with minimalist hammock camping, is also something I like to do as much as I can.