Dr Samuel Grant is a Lecturer (Education) in the School of Mathematics and Physics. 

Can you tell us a little about your role?

I’m an education-focused lecturer in the School of Mathematics and Physics with a research background in astrophysics. My primary role is to coordinate and deliver teaching to students from Northeastern University as part of the N.U.in programme, a first-year, first-semester study abroad programme. I am also involved at all levels of undergraduate teaching in the School, from lectures to labs and everything in between. In the limited time left, I maintain my research interests mostly through postgraduate students.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Almost every term-time day involves lecturing; there is only a one-week gap in my current calendar when I don’t have a 10am Maths lecture throughout the week, but I am often lecturing in Physics alongside this. My day will therefore always begin with lecture prep, going over my prepared notes and examples to ensure I don’t get lost midway through a thought. After morning lectures, my days will still centre around student engagement, taking small group tutorials and leading lab sessions from Levels 1 to 3, whilst trying to keep my door open for any students needing help with coursework. There are days when my office is only occupied for some lunch and email checking, other times I can catch up with a PhD student on their research and chip away at my varied marking and administrative requirements.

Can you tell us a bit about your research?

Most of my research career has involved observing dynamic activity on the surface of our Sun, which demanded working with vast amounts of data. A few years ago, in partnership with some colleagues, we decided to apply this expertise in big data analysis to our passion for sport. Working in conjunction with rugby, football, and GAA clubs across the UK, we use the copious data from wearable technologies to mine for key tactical and physical insights, from making the optimal substitution to identifying injury markers in player motion. My particular focus lies in developing the physics of rugby collisions, building better models for them and categorising the risk associated with amateur and professional players alike.

What's the most fulfilling part of your job at Queen's?

My time as a post-doctoral researcher was often characterised by solo work, so having a lot of personal interaction with the students and being able to see them develop during their time with us is rewarding. The faces of those I teach quickly become familiar, which leads to small moments like seeing Level One students reappear at Level Three a few years later, more confident in themselves and capable of tackling tougher tests. It is also always nice to see those you took to heart celebrating their graduation and heading off on unique paths. Being a small part of their journey with us is fulfilling, and I hope that I can be the positive influence that many of my lecturers were many years ago!

Can you share a standout moment or experience that has stayed with you during your time at Queen's?

There are many landmark moments given Queen’s is where I completed my PhD and conducted many of my notable research outputs over a decade. However, it’s the small touches that can remain in the memory. Last academic year, I was tasked with creating and delivering a new Maths course to the Northeastern students with a newborn at home. I expended a lot of energy and worry, hoping it went well on the few hours of sleep I could manage, so having some of the class give me Christmas cards and a present was a touching confirmation that they were happy with my efforts.

About Sam

Outside of work, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?

I had more time for hobbies before my son was born, but now I spend most of my free time making sure he doesn’t cause too much chaos! I’m still involved in amateur rugby and cricket, both playing and off-field organisation (I am far better at the latter!).