George Watson

# Interdisciplinary scientist at the physics–biology interface

George Watson, a devilishly handsome young man with rectangular, dark-framed glasses and a head of luscious brown curls, sits in his office. He looks like someone you'd take home to meet your mother.

Employment

  • Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (2021–)
    Statistical Officer
  • University of York (2017–2021)
    Research Assistant in Molecular Dynamics Simulations (2021)
    Postgraduate Research Assistant in Biophysics (2017–2021)
    Graduate Teaching Assistant (casual work, 2018–2020)

Qualifications, memberships, & awards

Dr George D. Watson MPhys (Hons) PhD (Ebor.), MInstP

Academic qualifications

  • PhD Physics
    University of York • 2017–2021
    Thesis: “Atomistic simulation of interactions between DNA and integration host factor”
    Supervisors: Agnes Noy, Mark Leake
  • MPhys (Hons) Theoretical Physics (with first-class honours)
    University of York • 2013–2017
    Dissertation: “Probing DNA intercalation through targeted molecular dynamics simulation of ellipticine and anthracene-derived ligands”
    Supervisor: Robert Greenall

Certificates & Courses

  • Machine Learning
    Stanford University (Coursera) • 2021
    Topics: Linear regression, Linear algebra, Octave/MATLAB, Logistic regression, Regularisation, Neural networks, Applying machine learning, Machine learning system design, Support vector machines, Unsupervised learning, Dimensionality reduction, Anomaly detection, Recommender systems, Large scale machine learning
  • Introduction to Machine Learning
    Duke University (Coursera) • 2021
    Topics: Machine learning, Model learning, Image analysis with convolutional neural networks, Recurrent neural networks for natural language processing, Transformer networks, Reinforcement learning
  • Managing Big Data with MySQL
    Duke University (Coursera) • 2021
    Topics: Relational databases, Entity–relationship diagrams and relational schemata, Queries, Joins, Addressing business questions

Memberships

  • Member, Institute of Physics (MInstP)

Awards

  • Shortlisted: Graduate Teaching Assistant of the Year, Physics Awards 2019
    University of York • 1 May 2019
  • Shortlisted: Postgraduate Makes a Difference, Physics Awards 2019
    University of York • 1 May 2019
  • Best Talk, Physics Postgraduate Conference 2018
    University of York • 21 September 2018
    (Prize sponsored by the Institute of Physics)

Publications

Key to symbols:

  • † These authors contributed equally to this work.

Talks

Internal

  • Biological Physics Seminar Series
    University of York • 22 May 2020
    “Simulating the shape of DNA”
  • Physics Postgraduate Conference 2018
    University of York • 21 September 2018
    “Molecular dynamics simulation of supercoiled DNA minicircles”
    Winner: Best Talk
  • Regular Physics of Life Group & Biological Physics Group meetings
    University of York • 2018–2021

Poster presentations

External

Internal

  • Biophysics of Infection & Immunity Symposium: From Molecules to Cells to Tissues
    University of York • 22 November 2019
    “Atomistic simulations reveal modality of IHF–DNA binding”
    PDF
  • Physics Postgraduate Conference 2019
    University of York • 26–27 September 2019
    “Atomistic simulation of DNA supercoiling”
  • BPSI Autumn Symposium 2019: Modelling the Ecology of Complex Communities
    University of York • 26 September 2019
    “Atomistic simulation of DNA supercoiling”
  • BPSI Spring Symposium 2019: Light and Life — A Molecular Perspective
    University of York • 19 May 2019
    “Atomistic simulations unveil the influence of DNA topology on IHF–DNA interaction”
    PDF
  • PoLNET2 2018 Symposium: Molecules, Mechanics, Medicine and More!
    University of York • 10 December 2018
    “The influence of DNA topology on IHF–DNA interaction unveiled by atomic simulations”
    PDF
  • BPSI Summer Symposium 2018: Business as Usual?
    University of York • 28 June 2018
    “The influence of DNA topology on IHF–DNA interaction unveiled by atomic simulations”
    PDF
  • BPSI Spring Symposium 2018: Digital Healthcare
    University of York • 28 June 2018
    “Atomistic simulation of DNA supercoiling”
    PDF

Other conferences attended

Teaching

  • Molecular Simulation (practical demonstration)
    University of York • 2018–2020
    Provide support and assistance to third-year students during molecular dynamics workshop sessions
  • Advanced Computational Laboratory (practical demonstration)
    University of York • 2018–2019
    Supervised, guided, and assisted students developing various programs for physical simulation, in a variety of languages including Fortran, during third-year computational laboratory; led an experiment in single-particle plasma simulation, which included giving a short introductory lecture
    Shortlisted: GTA of the Year

Outreach

  • York Festival of Ideas Fringe Family Fun Afternoon
    University of York • June 2019
    “DNA Detectives”
    Hosted interactive DNA bracelets and DNA origami activities for children aged 5–11, explaining the structure and function of DNA appropriately
  • York Researchers’ Night (YorNight)
    University of York • November 2018
    “Meet Your Molecules in VR”
    Performed interactive virtual reality demonstrations of biological molecules and 3D visualisation techniques in biophysics to members of the public of various ages and backgrounds at a well attended event

Administration

  • Redesigned and maintained the Physics of Life Group website and @PhysLifeYork Twitter account
  • Maintain and update the website for the SynCrop Marie Curie Innovative Training Network; set up and continue to moderate a private area for file hosting

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