Staff Spotlights

Anna Price is a systematic reviewer working in the HS&DR Evidence Synthesis Centre within ESMI.  She has kindly made some time to answer our questions.

1. In three words, how would your friends describe you?

Kind, determined, and outspoken.

2. When was the last time you were really proud of a work related achievement, and what was it?

Working with our extended team as Trial Manager for the HemiSPAIRE Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT), and managing to keep recruitment going (to a degree at least) throughout the multiple challenges of Covid-19.

3. Meal down the pub or fancy restaurant? What dishes would you choose?

I’d be happy with either, thought I do love a fancy restaurant. Pan fried fish with salad or vegetables, followed by a brownie or any pudding with chocolate in it.

4. Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what are they?

None that I can think of…

5. How would you describe your work in ESMI?

Our work is collaborative and involves careful and detailed syntheses of existing evidence to answer questions about the organisation and delivery of health and social care. The work is carried out in response to questions raised by stakeholders, and informed through close collaboration with those with direct experience of the topic in question.

6. It’s the weekend, there are no real chores to do, the weather is looking good. What will you do with your day?

First, find somewhere warm to meet with a friend for an extended coffee and a natter (social distancing permitting). Then, several hours later, go for a walk on Dartmoor or the South West Coast Path. On a really good weekend I would try and fit in cocktails/wine in the evening.

7. What’s your favourite book and film?

Book: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. Film: Baby Driver (2017).

8. When you were little, what did you want to be?

At six years old I liked the idea of being 40; something I managed to achieve a while ago. I also briefly wanted to be a theatre director.

9. How long have you worked at Exeter, and what were you doing before you joined ESMI?

I have worked at the University of Exeter since 2012. Previously I worked in the Child Mental Health Team in various roles, including working as a researcher on the CATCh-uS project. As part of my role in CATCh-uS, which focussed on health service transitions for young people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), I also completed my PhD in Medical Sciences. More recently I worked as a Trial Manager on the HemiSPAIRE RCT, based in the Exeter Clinical Trials Unit. All of my work has been linked by a practical focus on informing health and social care policy through evidence based research.

10. What is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?

A party with dancing.

Ed Griffin is a cost effectiveness modeller of new medical interventions within ESMI.  He has kindly made some time to answer our questions.

1. In three words, how would your friends describe you?

Short and over-confident.

2. When was the last time you were really proud of a work related achievement, and what was it?

In September 2018 when we wrote a cost-effectiveness appraisal report of a new therapy in lung cancer. I led a team in which the whole was greater than the sum of the parts. They synergy we had is really satisfying and we all feel that the work we’ve done really contribute to equality in health improvement in the NHS. 

3. Meal down the pub or fancy restaurant? What dishes would you choose?

Yorkshire born and economics bred, so a down to earth pub with cheap ale, wife, friends, random punters, and a sleeping dog at my feet. Would probably have to put up with the only veggie option, microwaved lasagne.

4. Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what are they?

Not very good at hiding, but then I don’t play much cricket in the workplace. I’m a pretty miserly seam bowler.

5. In one sentence, how would you describe your work in ESMI?

I’d say we conduct privileged work which is technical, allows for creative thought, and informs national regulation in health provision.

6. It’s the weekend, there are no real chores to do, the weather is looking good. What will you do with your day?

Head straight out. Or more realistically, spend an hour getting the kids and their bikes ready, then head out. Yep, we’re often seen navigating the paths around Bovey: 2 adults, 3 kids, 4 bikes, 1 hound.

7. What’s your favourite book & film?

I’ve been watching a few Netflix series this year. Three have stuck. Better call Saul is a spin-off of breaking bad, in which a self-taught lawyer and defender of the less fortunate called Jimmy McGill finds countless ways of beating the system. Ozark, which follows the misfortunes of a normal middle-class American family who get involved in laundering money for a Mexican drug cartel. The decisions they make to protect their kids at all costs leads to deeper and deeper involvement. And finally, Continuum, which follows an inadvertent time-travelling cop who comes from the future to change the future. Involves many other time-travelers, also from the future, but different points in the future. So it bends your mind into knots thinking about fate and parallel time-lines.

8. When you were little, what did you want to be?

To outdo my older brothers, and in many ways to be just like them.

9. How long have you worked at Exeter, and what were you doing before you joined ESMI?

It’ll be two and half years at Christmas. Prior to ESMI I was a freelance health economic modeller, doing a similar thing but without the back-up of a professional team, and being paid by the poacher rather than the game-keeper.

10. What is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?

The smile on my son’s face.

If you would like to get in touch with Ed to pass on your Netflix series recommendations, or your favourite family friendly local bike routes, or to chat about his work, please visit his staff page.

Andy Salmon is a modeller within the PenCHORD team.  He has kindly made some time to answer our questions.

1. In three words, how would your friends describe you?

Loyal, giving, studious.

2. When was the last time you were really proud of a work related achievement, and what was it?

Helping a MedSci student get a place in the med school in 2014.

3. Meal down the pub or fancy restaurant? What dishes would you choose?

Anything with duck in.

4. Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what are they?

I can tie a bowtie.

5. In one sentence, how would you describe your work in ESMI?

It’s different every week.

6. It’s the weekend, there are no real chores to do, the weather is looking good. What will you do with your day?

When did that last happen? Bake my wife a cake, do some piano, bit of study, catch up on the news, sleep.

7. What’s your favourite book?

‘Run, Baby, Run’, by Nicky Cruz and Jamie Buckingham.

8. When you were little, what did you want to be?

Older :)

9. How long have you worked at Exeter, and what were you doing before you joined ESMI?

I trained in medicine but gave it up in 2004.  My last job before ESMI was community phlebotomy in Coventry (ask me about the guy with the £20 note).  Then I did a healthcare statistics MSc in Leicester in 2011-12 before coming here.

10. What is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?

A greyhound on our sofa.

 

If you would like to get in touch with Andy to ask him about the guy with the £20 note, or to chat about his work, please visit his staff page.

Becky Whear is part of the Evidence Synthesis team that helps to manage the PenCLAHRC question prioritisation process and conducts systematic reviews for relevant questions identified from this process. She has kindly made some time to answer our questions.

1. In three words, how would your friends describe you?

Friendly, honest, kind

2. When was the last time you were really proud of a work related achievement, and what was it?

I am really happy with the way the Creative Communications seminars have worked out. The speakers seem to really enjoy coming a long and the audience is always receptive to new ideas. I like the idea that this might help us make our research more accessible and that it makes us think outside our usual boxes for delivering evidence.

3. Meal down the pub or fancy restaurant? What dishes would you choose?

Probably the pub (but if I do get have a nice child free night with the hubby a restaurant is always good). My favourite is steak which is bizarre as I used to be vegetarian!

4. Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what are they?

Not really!

5. In one sentence, how would you describe your work in ESMI?

Evidence synthesis for health related research.

6. It’s the weekend, there are no real chores to do, the weather is looking good. What will you do with your day?

Take our dog and little girl to the beach or the moors for a walk, a play and a swim.

7. What’s your favourite film & book?

One of my all time favourite films is Love Actually (although I may have finally watched it too much!) I don’t get to read books much I think the last one a remember reading was The Time Travellers Wife.

8. When you were little, what did you want to be?

A primary school teacher

9. How long have you worked at Exeter, and what were you doing before you joined ESMI?

I have worked here now for 9 years and I love it, I feel very privileged to do the work I do and I am fortunate to work with lovely people. Before this I worked at Dartington Social Research Unit (now the Dartington Service Design Lab) and spent a year working in a young offenders institute in Scotland, on an RCT looking at young offenders nutrition, mental health and behaviour.

10. What is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?

My dog Murphy (and my little girl!).

 

If you would like to get in touch with Becky to swap your favourite walking routes and local swimming spots, or to chat about her work, please visit her staff page.

Michael Nunns is a systematic reviewer working in the HS&DR Evidence Synthesis Centre within ESMI.  He has kindly made some time to answer our questions.

1. In three words, how would your friends describe you?

Handsome, intelligent, modest

2. When was the last time you were really proud of a work related achievement, and what was it?

Probably at the point of submission of our Long Term Conditions project. It was a very complicated review, and it was an achievement to finish it slightly ahead of our deadline, but the most rewarding aspect was having worked closely with an inspiring group of young people with the sort of difficulties we were writing about.

3. Meal down the pub or fancy restaurant? What dishes would you choose?

Well, I am known for my appetite, so would probably aim for menu items which appear the largest. Oh, and steak.

4. Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what are they?

I play bass, and used to be known for my impressions…

5. In one sentence, how would you describe your work in ESMI?

Producing systematic reviews in topics related to health services and their delivery.

6. It’s the weekend, there are no real chores to do, the weather is looking good. What will you do with your day?

Play or watch sport, or go for a walk with the family.

7. What’s your favourite book & film?

I feel it would be an insult to my 10 year old self if I pretended it was anything other than Jurassic Park (film and book).

8. When you were little, what did you want to be?

Footballer, paleontologist or ideally both.

9. How long have you worked at Exeter, and what were you doing before you joined ESMI?

I seem to have spent most of my adult life here! Before joining ESMI in 2016, I worked in Sport & Health Sciences for 7 years as an associate lecturer while I completed my PhD part time. I came to Exeter in 2006 to do my MSc, and have also worked as a ‘finance assistant’ and receptionist in what used to be HuSS.

10. What is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?

A gummy grin from my 3 month old daughter :)

 

If you would like to get in touch with Michael to tempt him to showcase his impressions, or to chat about his work, please visit his staff page.

Daniel Chalk is a modeller within the PenCHORD team.  He has kindly made some time to answer our questions.

1. In three words, how would your friends describe you?

Friendly witty geek

2. When was the last time you were really proud of a work related achievement, and what was it?

Undertaking some modelling work with Royal Cornwall Hospital in 2016, looking at reducing delays in the pathway for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.  The changes made as a result of the project have led to people with bladder cancer getting their diagnosis over five weeks earlier, which may well save someone's life.  That feels really good.

3. Meal down the pub or fancy restaurant? What dishes would you choose?

A fancy meal in a pub ideally!  As for dishes, anything that sounds interesting gets my attention.

4. Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what are they?

I used to be heavily involved in an amateur dramatics group, playing all sorts of roles from vicars to pirates. You'll have to ask the audiences to whom I performed whether they'd call it a 'talent' :)

5. In one sentence, how would you describe your work in ESMI?

Using computer modelling and simulation to help people in the NHS make informed decisions to improve patient care.

6. It’s the weekend, there are no real chores to do, the weather is looking good. What will you do with your day?

Head to the nearest public footpath and start walking.  Hopefully with a pub lunch en route!

7. What’s your favourite book & film?

Favourite book would have to be Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.  Favourite film is trickier - anything a bit odd always interests me though (Being John Malkovich is a good example).  The Shining and A Clockwork Orange are also up there for me.

8. When you were little, what did you want to be?

It's difficult to remember, but I think part of me wanted to be actor.  I'm happy to stay on at ESMI until Hollwood calls though :)

9. How long have you worked at Exeter, and what were you doing before you joined ESMI?

Since 2011, so over eight years now.  Before that, I was working for Royal Mail, writing letters on behalf of the chairman.

10. What is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?

My lovely fiancée (and soon to be wife).  Our cat.  Good cake.  Mostly in that order :)

 

If you would like to get in touch with Daniel to pass on your oddest film recommendations, or to chat about his work, please visit his staff page.

Becca Abbott leads and support evidence synthesis and systematic reviews as part of the Evidence Synthesis Team (EST).  She has kindly made some time to answer our questions.

1. In three words, how would your friends describe you?

Small and Smiley

2. When was the last time you were really proud of a work related achievement, and what was it?

I am happiest at work (and I guess pride comes into it) when I can see that my work has made a difference to someone. For the past 4 year, myself and two colleagues run a workshop called ‘Searching and Beyond’. We devised the course between us, and continually develop it with feedback – most recently changing the delivery of it so that participants engage with us before the day itself. It’s really great to see how much people take out of it – and how well it is received. I always feel proud at the end of those days.

3. Meal down the pub or fancy restaurant? What dishes would you choose?

Pub hands down – probably a steak and ale pie (well it would be if we were at the Nobody Inn)

4. Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what are they?

Absolutely none! It’s tragic!

5. In one sentence, how would you describe your work in ESMI?

All things evidence synthesis

6. It’s the weekend, there are no real chores to do, the weather is looking good. What will you do with your day?

Go for a bike ride up on Dartmoor, lunch in the pub - back home for tea and cake, or gin and tonic (depending on how late it is!) and then home-made pizzas and movie (or some Scandi noir! ) in the evening.

7. What’s your favourite film?

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. I have probably watched all three at least 7 times, and its nothing to do with the gorgeousness of Aragorn :)

8. When you were little, what did you want to be?

A doctor….well I guess I am of sorts!

9. How long have you worked at Exeter, and what were you doing before you joined ESMI?

I joined the Evidence Synthesis Team in ESMI in 2012. Prior to that, I was at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia carrying out primary research and teaching in the area of children’s physical activity and health.

10. What is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?

My two naughty cats – Charlie and Lola – and a really good Crankhouse coffee of course! :)

 

If you would like to get in touch with Becca to see just how small and smiley she is, or to chat about her work, please visit her staff page.

Kerry Pearn is a mathematical modeller within PenCHORD.  She has kindly made some time to answer our questions.

1. In three words, how would your friends describe you?

Very healthy appetite

2. When was the last time you were really proud of a work related achievement, and what was it?

It was superb to get this compliment after Mike presented our work to the project committee, about mapping and reconfiguration of hyperacute stroke services in Wales. We had really enjoyed working together to produce what we believed was a great piece of research, and so it was the icing on the cake to know that others also thought highly of it, and to know that our work will be used to help to inform the decision making process about the impact (on patients and hospitals) of any considered changes to their service configuration.

3. Meal down the pub or fancy restaurant? What dishes would you choose?

A 20 course fancy meal, where each dish pops, floats or smokes. Picture Heston Blumenthal meets tapas

4. Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what are they?

Fishing for my tea (with varying success)

5. In one sentence, how would you describe your work in ESMI?

Using mathematical methods to analyse data in order to help inform NHS clinicians during their decision making process.

6. It’s the weekend, there are no real chores to do, the weather is looking good. What will you do with your day?

Are there waves? Go surfing.
Is there a north westerly wind? Go kitesurfing
Else explore the moors on foot or by bike, and maybe grab some new tors

7. We have heard that you make a difference to your local community. Would you tell us more about your volunteering work?

I am very lucky to help out at a local charity called RideOn, that has a simple motto: To help more people ride more affordable bikes more often. This simple motto masks a whole host of initiatives they are involved in which benefits the local community. I was drawn to them as they tackle two aspects that I believe are important: 1) improve the mental & physical health of the community (by encouraging and supporting people to ride a bike); 2) improve the health of the environment (by keeping bikes out of the landfill and by supporting people to switch from the car to the bike for short journeys). To be honest it's quite a selfish volunteering role as I get to hang out at a fun and friendly place full of interesting people and I chip in with whatever task is needed.

I am also on the food transport team for FoodCycle, which serves up a free delicious 3 course meal from surplus food from supermarkets every Tuesday night, and everyone is welcome.  If you are looking for a local volunteer opportunity, they'd love to hear from you.

8. What’s your favourite film that you've watched this year?

I really enjoy watching a movie with no prior knowledge of the plot. Swiss Army Man sure raised the bar for what I was least expecting to see.

9. When you were little, what did you want to be?

Old enough to drive.

10. How long have you worked at Exeter, and what were you doing before you joined ESMI?

I joined ESMI in 2014. I was previously working at Cranfield University modelling crops in fields, instead of people in hospitals.

11. What is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?

Warm waves (either of the surfing variety, or a friendly hello).

 

If you would like to get in touch with Kerry to give her a warm wave or to chat about her work, please visit her staff page.

Neel Ocean is a behavioural economist within PenTAG, with an interest in decision-making and well-being.  He has kindly made some time to answer our questions.

1. In three words, how would your friends describe you?

I asked my two closest friends. They said: ‘independent, passionate, genuine’ and ‘floofy, smart, sincere’.

2. When was the last time you were really proud of a work related achievement, and what was it?

I tend not to get that proud of things because I’m usually thinking about the next thing or how to improve things.

3. Meal down the pub or fancy restaurant? What dishes would you choose?

A good burger, ideally with a leaner type of meat than beef. And sweet potato fries.

4. Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what are they?

Not that hidden (because I plaster it all over my website), but I’d say I’m a decent musician.

5. In one sentence, how would you describe your work in ESMI?

Health economics and modelling, particularly related to drug appraisals for NICE.

6. It’s the weekend, there are no real chores to do, the weather is looking good. What will you do with your day?

Play computer games, go for a walk, play drums, read/write

7. What are your favourite games?

Deus Ex and the Metal Gear Solid series

8. When you were little, what did you want to be?

Mathematician, electrical engineer, computer scientist, game developer, chemist, musician, actor, graphic designer, doctor. Still haven’t decided yet.

9. How long have you worked at Exeter, and what were you doing before you joined ESMI?

Around 6 months. Last year, I was finishing up my PhD in Economics (behavioural economics to be more precise) and part-time teaching fellow work at the University of Warwick.

10. What’s it like to have such a cool name?

Would it be cooler if I told you that ‘Neel’ is (approximately) Hindi for ‘blue’?

11. What is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?

Obscure nerdy references that nobody else understands. Chikapu. Karl Pilkington.

 

If you would like to get in touch with Neel about Leeeeeeroyy JENNNKINS, or Flumph: lightly cooked tastes like chicken, or his work, please visit his staff page.

Morwenna Rogers is an Information Specialist within the Evidence Synthesis team, where she designs and runs literature searches for systematic reviews. She has kindly made some time to answer our questions.

1. In three words, how would your friends describe you?

Thoughtful, sociable, stubborn

2. When was the last time you were really proud of a work related achievement, and what was it?

Probably when I wrote and submitted a paper recently on how to search medical databases for qualitative research in dementia – I presented the work at the Cochrane conference in 2015 so it was great to get it written up

3. Meal down the pub or fancy restaurant? What dishes would you choose?

Down the pub! I’d eat something in a basket. Probably scampi.

4. Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what are they?

I realised recently that I have expert knowledge on how to run a village hall. It’s not a talent I would have chosen for myself.

5. In one sentence, how would you describe your work in ESMI?

I search for the evidence, and teach others how to search for it too

6. It’s the weekend, there are no real chores to do, the weather is looking good. What will you do with your day?

I’d head to the beach with my family and a book. Afterwards I’d meet some friends for beers in a sunny pub garden

7. What’s your favourite book?

I think this is a common answer, but my mum read The Lord of the Rings to me when I was 8. It’s been my favourite book ever since. The idea that the most seemingly insignificant and powerless people can overcome evil through courage and loyalty was inspiring to me as a child and has stayed with me ever since. And it’s got hobbits, dwarves and elves in it, which are obviously awesome

8. When you were little, what did you want to be?

I wanted to work with animals in some capacity, preferably cute furry ones

9. How long have you worked at Exeter, and what were you doing before you joined ESMI?

I’ve worked at Exeter for 6 years. My job before that was as Library and Information Manager at the Royal College of Psychiatrists but I had 4 years in between where I was at home with my lovely girls, learning how to write indexes for books and generally getting immersed in village politics!

10. What is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?

Watching some ridiculous comedy (currently Murder in Successville) with my husband and a bottle of wine

 

If you would like to get in touch with Morwenna for top tips on running your village hall or her work, please visit her staff page.

Tracey Jones-Hughes is part of the Health Technology Assessment group of PenTAG, where she assesses the clinical and cost-effectiveness of health technologies.  She has kindly made some time to answer our questions.

1. In three words, how would your friends describe you?

Easy-going, funny.

2. When was the last time you were really proud of a work related achievement, and what was it?

I think possibly the systematic review on removal of arsenic contamination in groundwater. It was the first time I was involved in obtaining funding for the review as well as leading it.

3. Meal down the pub or fancy restaurant? What dishes would you choose?

Pub – ham, egg and chips.

4. Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what are they?

I can raise each of my eyebrows independently.

5. In one sentence, how would you describe your work in ESMI?

I review clinical effectiveness evidence for health technology assessment

6. It’s the weekend, there are no real chores to do, the weather is looking good. What will you do with your day?

It would probably involve the dogs rather than the children, as they’re at an age where I completely cramp their style. So probably out exploring with the pups and if I’m feeling particularly energetic, I might even run.

7. What’s your favourite book?

I don’t really have any favourite books, I love a good murder mystery to wind down with though.

8. When you were little, what did you want to be?

A vet

9. How long have you worked at Exeter, and what were you doing before you joined ESMI?

I’ve worked at ESMI for approximately 7 years. Prior to that I have been a nurse and an environmental scientist (amongst other things!)

10. What is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?

My two sons cleaning their bedrooms

 

Juan Talens-Bou is an Information Specialist for ESMI, gaining experience on a traineeship before studying for a masters in Library and Information Management.  He has kindly made some time to answer our questions.

1. When was the last time you were really proud of a work related achievement, and what was it?

At the moment I am quite proud of how quickly I have adapted to my new work, because I have been meeting the deadlines and, as far as I know, my work has been helping colleagues and researchers.

2. Meal down the pub or fancy restaurant? (or tea or coffee?)

Definitely the pub

3. In three words, how would your friends describe you?

I think they would say funny, energetic and outdoorsy.

4. You’ve quite recently moved from Scotland; what do you miss most about it?

I miss hiking hills and eating macaroni cheese pies, but not at the same time.

5. What has surprised you most about Devon, or Exeter, in particular?

I was very surprised by the weather which is sometimes changeable but generally much warmer than Scotland! I also like the beauty of the Devonian coast and the amount of natural spaces in Exeter.

6. Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what are they?

I'm not sure it's a 'hidden talent' exactly, but I have been researching my family history for some time and I have managed to reach the 1500s!

7. In one sentence, how would you describe your work in ESMI?

Assisting researchers and information specialists with their work.

8. It’s the weekend, there are no real chores to do, the weather is looking good. What will you do with your day?

I will go for a lovely walk down the coast or the canal.

9. In three words, how would you describe ESMI?

Necessary, inspirational and gratifying.

Nicola Huxley is a Research Fellow in Decision Analytical Modelling and Operations Research in ESMI.  She has kindly made some time to answer our questions.

1. When was the last time you were really proud of a work related achievement, and what was it?

Probably my work as project manager on the NICE appraisal looking at colorectal cancer treatments, which we did last year. I had not been a project manager before, and I also believe it was the first time that a member of the current cost-effectiveness team in PenTAG had managed a multiple technology assessment. So I was very proud to put that substantial report together and complete it on time.

2. If you had this weekend all to yourself, with no obligations to anyone, what would get up to?

Either catching up with friends I haven’t spoken to in a while, or trying to do some reading- I started Game of Thrones last year and I’ve still got a lot of books to get through!

3. What was the best academic conference you’ve ever attended, and what made it so good?

HTAi 2012 in Bilbao. It was the first conference I ever went to, and being very early in my career, it was great to get an insight into the wider international HTA community. It was also a good opportunity to get to know some of my colleagues better.

4.  To marmite or not to marmite?

Never marmite! I recently tried marmite chocolate and was not impressed. Just the memory of it is making me want to brush my teeth.

5. You have quite a reputation in ESMI for being interested in Murder-Mystery.  If you were a famous detective, who would it be and why?

I may have thought about this in too much detail. But here goes:
I’m normally quite good at solving mysteries before the reveal, but I don’t think I’m genius enough to be a Sherlock Holmes style detective. I’m also not sure I could handle waking up every day knowing I’m going to stumble across another mystery, like Jessica Fletcher in Murder She Wrote. You’d never be able to just go for a coffee with friends, it would always be coffee, friends and ‘Oh look, someone has been poisoned, and it’s been cleverly disguised to look like an inheritance issue; but really they were blackmailing the café owner’. Sometimes you need to be able to step away from the mysteries.
To me, the most sensible choice is to be a DCI Barnaby from Midsomer Murders. The culprits are always caught within a couple of days (and they always confess, so no tricky court cases); aside from the titular crime there doesn’t appear to be any other lawbreaking in Midsomer; and you’re always safe if you’re the main character. And as a bonus, Midsomer’s reputation probably means the house prices are quite low.

6. How long have you worked at Exeter, and what were you doing before you joined ESMI?

I joined PenTAG in September 2011, so nearly 5 years. Before then I was doing an undergraduate masters in mathematics with statistics at Lancaster University and working in a pharmacy during my holidays.

7. We have heard that you make a difference to your local community.  Would you tell us more about your volunteering work?

I volunteer for an organisation called The Cinnamon Trust. They’re a national organisation that helps older people and their pets, by providing dog-walking and short- and long-term fostering for all kinds of animals. I’ve been dog-walking with them for about 3 years and aside from being a great way to have all the fun of owning a pet without any of the costs and commitments, I’ve met some really interesting people and got to see areas of Exeter I wouldn’t normally have a reason to visit. It’s definitely an opportunity where I feel I’m getting as much out of volunteering as the dogs and owners I’m helping.

8. In three words, how would your friends describe you?

Fun, imaginative, honest

9. In three words, how would you describe ESMI?

Eclectic, smart, industrious (and whenever possible, all about the acronyms!)

10. What is your favourite time of the working day and why?

I like mid-to-late afternoon, when you’ve recovered from your post-lunch dip and have settled back into work. I find it’s usually when I’m most productive.

Hello Sebastian Rachuba, and thank you for taking the time to answer some of our questions.

1. When was the last time you were really proud of a work related achievement, and what was it?

That was the submission of my PhD thesis and esp receiving a large box with published copies of it.

2. Meal down the pub or fancy restaurant?

It depends, could be a pub (e.g. The Old Firehouse or Mill on the Exe) but from time to time restaurants are nice as well (highly recommend the Cafe Catalan on Magdalen Road).

3. In three words, how would your friends describe you?

As most of them are Germans they would probably say: “Loyal, musikliebend und ein Familienmensch“ which means something like loyal, music-loving, and a family man.

4. You’ve quite recently moved from Germany to the UK; what do you miss most about Germany? 

Our friends, our families, our congregation,  …. but it’s good to meet them on Skype every now and then. And we are quite lucky to live in a region where others go to and spend their holidays.

5. What has surprised you most about the UK, or Devon in particular?

The weather! Surprisingly, the first months didn’t have as much rain as we’ve been told – which is great.

6. Do you have any hidden talents?  If so, what are they?

I am an organist and used to play the organ during services back in Germany. I got lessons over quite a long time until I started studying – happy to explore opportunities in Exeter and on the campus.

7.  In one sentence, how would you describe your work in ESMI?

Applying mathematical and statistical models and methods to support informed health care decision making which improves service provision in the NHS.

8.  It’s the weekend, there are no real chores to do, the weather is looking good.  What will you do with your day?

Have a great day out with the family in Devon walking, cycling, running, playing and after that having a picnic or a BBQ.

9. In three words, how would you describe ESMI?

Cutting edge research, team work, and cakes.