In the interests of international scientific advancement, synchrotron celebrity Dr X-ray Ted recently shared some of his most valuable professional secrets in an exclusive Lightspeed interview obtained through his manager Nicola Scarlett from CSIRO Minerals in Clayton.
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Lightspeed: As a major contributor to international synchrotron relations, what is your proudest moment? Dr X-ray Ted: Declaring to the world at the 2007 Australian Synchrotron/ASRP User Meeting that 10BM1 (powder diffraction beamline) at the Aussietron is tops! |
Ted continues: This is closely followed by my time on the TEDDI (Tomographic Energy Dispersive Diffraction Imaging) beamline at Daresbury.
L: What can you tell us about your research achievements to date and your impact on the international synchrotron community?
X: My impact on the international community has been gentle - I am a 'soft' toy after all. My poster presentation many years ago at AXAA is still discussed in some quarters (admittedly those quarters which are rather dark and smell like beer...). I think it is safe to say though, that I left my mark on Daresbury in particular. However, since my little trip to the vet I don't have these urges anymore so the Aussietron should be safe.
L: What is your current research focus?
X: Continued characterisation of the novel deuterated compound: Tellurium-D Dysprosium Barium Sulphate (TeDDy Baryte). There has been a hiatus in this work due to theft of equipment on a recent field trip. That was the day the Teddy Bear had his pick nicked.
L: Who is your favourite synchrotron scientist and why?
X: A powder diffraction beamline scientist whose name I cannot reveal (sigh). I think we shared a few special moments at the Swiss Light Source two years ago. However, what happens at the synchrotron STAYS at the synchrotron...
L: What do you like most about visiting the Australian Synchrotron?
X: Seeing my favourite beamline scientist (sigh).
L: How do you like living in Melbourne? Was the move from Sydney to Melbourne a difficult one?
X: I wouldn't say it was difficult, more a little uncomfortable being packed in between the undies and socks of my close collaborator.
L: Does your busy schedule leave you any time for hobbies or sport?
X: I would like to play the piano but I have bearly any time to practise. That and the fact I have no fingers are currently limiting my ambitions in this direction.
L: What advice would you like to offer less-experienced synchrotron users?
