1. 11/05/07Claire Timlin - RECFA Meeting1 A PhD in Experimental Particle Physics Claire Timlin Imperial College

2. 11/05/07Claire Timlin - RECFA Meeting2 Who Am I? What Do I Do? What Did I Do Before my PhD? Why Choose A PhD? Why Experimental Particle Physics? Why Imperial College? Introduction

3. 11/05/07Claire Timlin - RECFA Meeting3 Theory Lectures Introduction to Experiments at IC Computing Lectures Gseps! Testing CMS ECAL Crystals at IC Pick Experiment Testing Crystals in Rome Learning to code C++ at CERN Learning to use Root and CMS Software Analysis of Test Beam Data Write up of Crystal Results Validation of Electron and Photon Objects in CMS Software Investigation of Track to EM Cluster Matching Efficiency W’→e ν analysis… Outreach 1 st Year2 nd Year3 rd Year

4. 11/05/07Claire Timlin - RECFA Meeting4 Atmosphere at CERN Working on CMS at the Such an Interesting Time Enjoying What I Do Every day – Well Almost! Contributing to a Field of Study I Really Care About Working in Different Countries Learning Many New Skills Working with People Who are Truly Passionate About What They Do Close Working Groups with People from IC The Best Bits!

5. 11/05/07Claire Timlin - RECFA Meeting5 Lack of Computing Tutorials at Beginning of PhD GSEPS Good Idea in Principle System Needs Reworking Admin! Often Required to Submit the Same Information Twice 6 Weeks’ Advance Notice of Any Trip Pay (Structure Rather than Amount) The Worst Bits!

6. 11/05/07Claire Timlin - RECFA Meeting6 Pros and Cons of Staying in Particle Physics ProsCons FlexibilityInsecurity Continuing to Work in an Interesting and Diverse Field Finance for UK Post Docs Opportunities to TravelNecessity to Travel Away from Family Working in International Collaborations with Motivated People

7. 11/05/07Claire Timlin - RECFA Meeting7 So, has doing a PhD been worth it? –Diverse range of skills –Enthusiastic colleagues –Buzzing working atmosphere What am I planning to do next? –Lots of thinking still to do –I want to continue working in the field… …but will job insecurity, the constant need to travel away from family and finances make it too difficult? Summary Hmm?YES!

8. 11/05/07Claire Timlin - RECFA Meeting8 Any Questions?