We recently caught up with Gianamar, alumnus from 2015, about his achievements whilst at college and how he has progressed further in Science at Cambridge University.

1.       What is your fondest memory from Hills Road?
Whilst it is difficult to pick a single fondest memory of my time at Hills Road, for there are so many, I would have to pick the Physics Society talk with Sir Roger Penrose. I have been a great admirer of Sir Roger's work in theoretical physics for many years, and the opportunity to meet him in person and to speak to him about physics was absolutely spectacular.

2.       We can see that you’ve already had many achievements, particularly in the National Science and Engineering Competition. Could you tell us a little bit more about it and what it was like competing?
In both my years at Hills Road I took part in the National Science + Engineering Competition, and came third and second nationally in successive years, respectively. Both of my projects were about cosmology, which is still what I would like to study in the future. Competing in the event was an excellent way to present and communicate my work to the general public, and to meet other like-minded students.

3.       As a first year undergraduate, what are you currently studying and where?
I'm currently studying Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Earth Sciences and Maths) at Trinity Hall, Cambridge.

 
4.       Why did you choose to follow this path?
I've always loved physics, and I thought that it would be useful to continue with a broad scientific education in my first year, so Cambridge's Natural Sciences course seemed to be the most appropriate for me.

5.       Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope to see myself doing a PhD in five years, although of course it will depend on how well I manage to do in my exams in the next few years! My ambition is to go into research in astrophysics, although it still all seems so far away.

6.       If you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking about University and/or Further Education, what would it be?
I would advise anyone thinking about University or Further Education to really delve deeply into their favourite subject whilst still at sixth-form, as it can be excellent both in terms of preparation and motivation for university study.

Do you have a story you would like to share with the Hills Road Alumni Network? If so, please email alumni@hillsroad.ac.uk - we look forward to hearing from you!