Non-academic interests

Powerlifting

I have been actively competing in powerlifting since late 2021 when I started my PhD at Oxford. Powerlifting consists of three core lifts: the squat, the bench press and the deadlift. In a competition, you have three attempts at each of the lifts, and you choose your own weights so you are only competing against yourself.  Your highest successful attempt at each of the three lifts is added together for your overall total. My best total is 655kg/1444lbs, my favourite lift is the squat and I compete in the under 93kg/205lbs weight class. 

I was awarded the Oxford Half Blue¹ for powerlifting in 2021-22 and 2022-23, and a Full Blue in 2023-24. I was also awarded a £150 Legge award from Queen's College, Oxford in 2023-24 in recognition of my powerlifting achievements.

You can follow my lifting journey on my Instagram, and find my competition results on openpowerlifting.

Being outdoors

I always prefer to explore new places on foot — it lets me connect more deeply with the local rhythm, culture, and surroundings. 

I am fortunate enough that my wife's family live in Snowdonia, a beautiful part of North Wales. When we visit, I enjoy going on long walks on local hills. I am also lucky that my dad loves nature, and so we usually take an annual trip to Wales to spend time in nature. My favourite hill is Moel Eilio (Wales), my favourite beach is Ynys Llanddwyn (Wales) and my favourite forest is Grunewald (Germany).

¹ The Blue is the highest honour granted to individual sportspeople at the University of Oxford, click here for further info.