I left art behind pre-GCSE. I missed it and so picked it up in my spare time. Art is a great way to release stress and dabble with creativity. While science is fun and requires active imagination to think up innovative experiments, art affords you a zone to worry less about the outcome. The process of painting is just that, a process. So you can really just enjoy the way colours come together to create something on the page. 

I have recently started stretching my own canvas over homemade frames - essentially to make use of old fabric conference papers. My current favouite thing to draw is naval ships, inspired by Patrick O'Brian's Master and Commander book series.

I've always loved being outside. Growing up on a farm in west Wales meant I was outside from dawn till dusk most days. I was lucky enough to move into a house with a garden at the start of my PhD. I've since grown all sorts from flowers to vegetables and really appreciate the opportunity to build a little oasis for wildlife.

One of my favourite pastimes is surfing. I've been surfing for the past 10 years and despite progressing to a decent level, I learn something new in every single session. Whether it's learning to read the wave, figuring out my body position on the board, or finding a way to paddle through big waves - even when I'm out on the water, I love to learn and challenge myself.