Thomas Mullen

I graduated from the University of Manchester with an MPhys Physics degree. My Master''s research aimed to improve cancer treatment planning in radiotherapy. It developed a relativistic risk model by analysing the variation of many doctors across a large patient cohort. I really enjoyed research in a multi-disciplinary environment and collaborating with researchers from a range of expertise. During my intermittent year, I started off working as a data scientist for a small start-up in the automotive industry, then moved to the public sector, working as a data scientist in the Department for Transport.

Throughout my degree, I was fascinated with the applications of mathematical physics in biological systems. It was because of this idea, coupled with international collaboration, that the Zenith program appealed to me. Before applying to the program, I spoke to several PIs about their work and soon recognised the scientific importance that the zebrafish is having in today's neuroscience. I was keen to work under the Zenith PIs' supervision, as their passion and motivation would be key driving factors for me to excel in their labs. I was also attracted to the Zenith program's ethos of breaking the stereotypes of academia and encouraging equality and diversity across the field. Talking to the PIs in person made it clear that they were dedicated to putting this ethos into practise. I know that after this program, I will have more than a degree, but a network of relationships across Europe that will enable us to synthesise and practically implement our ideas.

Project at ZENITH

Publications

  • (poster) Thomas Soares Mullen, Adrien Jouary, Alexandre Laborde, Edite Figueiras, Joaquim Contradanças, Michael Orger [2022]. A head-fixed assay for larval zebrafish to study state changes across multiple timescales. ()