My CV
Senior Data Engineer, Data Scientist, and Theoretical Physicist
Summary
Senior Data Engineer and Data Scientist with a PhD in Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics and over a decade of Python development experience, alongside production Scala. I build and optimise large-scale data pipelines, deploy machine learning models, and turn research-grade methodology into reproducible production systems — currently in Quantexa’s R&D division, previously at the Office for National Statistics where my work fed directly into published UK national statistics.
I remain an active researcher in quantum gravity, publishing sole-author work on supersymmetric black hole horizons and maintaining open-source symbolic computation tools that verify those results. As a neurodivergent thinker (ADHD and dyslexia), I bring a pattern-first perspective that fuels creative problem-solving and meticulous attention to detail.
Highlights
- Six papers and preprints in theoretical physics — four sole-authored — in Journal of High Energy Physics, Classical and Quantum Gravity, and on arXiv, most recently two sole-author preprints in 2026.
- Production methodology at national scale: researched and implemented the price index and aggregation methodology behind the ONS least cost grocery index and multilateral index methods for consumer price statistics.
- Performance engineering: demonstrated up to 100x speedups migrating Spark workloads from regular UDFs to Pandas UDFs; built dynamic Airflow DAG generation with autoscaling to cut pipeline build time and resource cost.
- Recognition: three ONS Recognition Awards; 97% in the Quantexa Academy (Quantexa Certified Data Engineer); STFC PhD Scholarship.
- Open source: author of
py_integrability_sugra, a Python/Cadabra2 engine verifying Killing Spinor Equation integrability across the string/M-theory descent.
Skills
- Programming & Development:
- Languages: Python, Scala, Java, C++, SQL, Bash, PowerShell, PHP, Visual Basic.
- Web Development: HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, PyScript.
- Version Control & CI/CD: Git, GitHub Actions, Jenkins.
- Data Engineering & Pipeline Automation:
- Big Data Technologies: Apache Spark, Hadoop, Airflow, Elasticsearch.
- Pipeline Development: ETL pipelines, dynamic DAG generation, data processing, data standardisation.
- Data Management: Data cleansing, parsing, entity extraction and resolution, data quality.
- Methodologies: Agile delivery, workflow automation, reproducible analytical pipelines (RAP).
- Data Science & Machine Learning:
- Libraries & Frameworks: Pandas, NumPy, SciPy, PySpark, Matplotlib, Seaborn, R.
- Machine Learning: Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, Keras, PyTorch, XGBoost, Statsmodels.
- Analytics: Time series analysis, index number theory, signal processing, quantitative research, mathematical modelling.
- Data Visualisation: Tableau, Power BI, Plotly.
- Cloud Infrastructure & Containerisation:
- Platforms: Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Cloudera, Microsoft Azure.
- Containerisation: Docker.
- Infrastructure: Cloud, on-premise, and hybrid deployments; scalability, reliability, cost optimisation.
- Scientific & Symbolic Computing:
- Systems: Cadabra2, Mathematica, Maple, MATLAB, LaTeX.
- Domains: Tensor and Clifford algebra computation, differential geometry, Lie algebras, supergravity.
- Hardware, IoT & Networking:
- Devices: Arduino, Raspberry Pi.
- Networking: TCP/IP networking, debugging techniques, system diagnostics.
- Communication:
- Technical documentation, conference and seminar presentation, educational content and video production, mentoring.
Experience
Senior Data Engineer - Quantexa
October 2024 - Present
- Role Context:
- Promoted to Senior Data Engineer within the Data Engineering Accelerators and Demos (DEAD) team in Quantexa’s R&D division.
- Lead innovative projects, mentor junior engineers, and advance Quantexa’s scalable data engineering capabilities.
- Data Pipeline Architecture:
- Architected and optimised scalable data pipelines for large-scale data integration, advanced analytics, and entity resolution.
- Established best practices in ETL pipelines, big data processing, and data standardisation to ensure high-quality data.
- Airflow Optimisation:
- Implemented dynamic Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs) and autoscaling in Airflow, optimising resource usage and boosting scalability.
- Built a dynamic DAG generator that assembles ETL pipelines from configuration files, enabling rapid deployment of new pipelines without bespoke code.
- Technology & Tools:
- Applied Airflow, Spark, and Google Cloud Platform across cloud and on-premise infrastructures.
- Focused on infrastructure optimisation, automation, and performance enhancement.
- Mentorship & Inclusivity:
- Mentored junior engineers, ran code reviews, and fostered a collaborative learning environment.
- Advocated for neurodiversity and inclusivity through clear documentation and accessible resources.
Independent Researcher — Quantum Gravity - Self-directed
2024 - Present
- Research:
- Resumed sole-author research on supersymmetric near-horizon geometries, publishing preprints on D = 11 warp factor rigidity and gauged D = 5 vector-multiplet horizons (see Publications).
- Symbolic Computation:
- Author of
py_integrability_sugra, a Python/Cadabra2 verification engine proving Killing Spinor Equation integrability holds on-shell across D = 11 M-theory, Type IIA, Heterotic, D = 9, D = 6, D = 5, and D = 4 theories. - Designed a unified 9-step Cadabra2 pipeline driven by a JSON theory schema, so new supergravity theories can be verified from configuration alone.
- Author of
Data Engineer - Quantexa
January 2023 - October 2024
- Role Context:
- Worked in the Data Engineering Accelerators and Demos (DEAD) team in Quantexa’s R&D division.
- Completed the Quantexa Academy with a 97% score, earning the title of Quantexa Certified Data Engineer.
- Technical Expertise:
- Built production Scala for the core codebase, contributing improvements and software enhancements.
- Applied Java, Python, and Scala across a range of data engineering projects.
- Big Data Technologies:
- Used Spark, Hadoop, and Elasticsearch to define best practices across the business.
- Developed and optimised ETL pipelines for big data processing, data cleansing, parsing, and standardisation.
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Engaged with delivery teams, clients, and partners to deliver high-quality data solutions in cloud and on-premise environments.
- Implemented solutions for data classification and entity extraction/resolution, strengthening Quantexa’s data technologies.
- Collaboration & Support:
- Supported academy participants and team members, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Senior Data Scientist - Office for National Statistics
March 2022 - January 2023
- Role Context:
- Worked in the Economics Statistics Group (ESG) as part of the Data Science Campus and the Economics Insights squad.
- Collaborated with data scientists, statisticians, and economists to deliver high-quality data products and services.
- Price Index Methodology:
- Researched and implemented the price index and aggregation methodology for the least cost index.
- Tracked the price of lowest-cost grocery items for 30 products across multiple retailers using web-scraped data on GCP.
- Data Analysis & Visualisation:
- Extracted, analysed, and interpreted large datasets from diverse sources using Python and R.
- Developed and maintained data pipelines and visualisations using Python, R, SQL, Tableau, and GCP.
- Expert Group Memberships:
- Active member of the Data Science and High-performance computing (DaSH) expert group.
- Contributed to the Index Numbers Expert Group (INEG).
- Founding member of the ONS Data Science Network, promoting data science across the organisation.
- Projects & Transparency Initiatives:
- Investigated the feasibility of using transparency declarations to improve intelligence on public sector expenditure and enhance ONS public statistics.
- Supported capital stocks statistical production by improving accessibility and reproducibility, assisting developers with GCP systems.
- Mentorship & Presentations:
- Delivered Spark application debugging, tuning, and optimisation as part of the Spark at the ONS event hosted by DAPCATS.
- Joined the DAPCATS mentoring scheme to support other data scientists and analysts with their projects.
- Awards & Recognition:
- Three Recognition Awards:
- August 2022: facilitating team transparency with GitHub.
- December 2022: aiding GCP system migration.
- May 2023: pioneering a cross-ONS data scientist network (awarded after leaving the organisation).
- Three Recognition Awards:
Data Scientist - Office for National Statistics
June 2021 - March 2022
- Role Context:
- Worked within the Economics Statistics Group (ESG) and the Reproducible Data Science and Analysis (RDSA) team, formerly Emerging Platforms Delivery Support (EPDS).
- Multilateral Price Indices:
- Researched and implemented multilateral price indices for big data alternative data sources (scanner and web-scraped data) and new index methods.
- Implemented calculation, imputation, and time series extension methods in Python.
- Data Pipeline Development:
- Developed and maintained data pipelines using Python, SQL, Spark, and Cloudera.
- Delivered new index methods via Spark for the Consumer Prices Alternative Data Sources ETL Reproducible Analytical Pipeline.
- Technical Presentations:
- Presented on Pandas UDFs in the Data Science seminar series, demonstrating up to 100x performance gains over regular UDFs.
- Team Support & Induction:
- Member of the DaSH expert group, the INEG, and the EPDS induction team onboarding new starters.
- Provided mentorship and technical support to new team members.
Mathematics, Software, and Technology Consultant - Self-employed
January 2019 - Present
- Client Advisory:
- Advise clients on applications of mathematics, software, and technology, including statistical analysis, machine learning, and IoT devices.
- Research new methods and technology for innovative applications.
- Training & Tutoring:
- Provide training and tutoring in mathematics, software, and technology.
- Develop custom code in Python, PHP, JavaScript, and MySQL.
- Web Development:
- Consult on web development projects; build and maintain websites and web applications.
Electronics Repair Technician - Self-employed
January 2009 - Present
- Technical Repairs:
- Repair electronics including PCs, laptops, and mobile phones.
- Upgrade computer software and hardware.
- Customer Service:
- Provide system diagnostics, troubleshooting, and technical support to clients.
Postgraduate Researcher - King’s College London
November 2014 - February 2019
- Quantum Gravity Research:
- Researched black holes in quantum gravity using supergravity, differential geometry, topology, and Lie algebras.
- Developed Python code for large-scale computations of tensors and Clifford algebras in quantum gravity.
- Publications & Conferences:
- Published in peer-reviewed journals, including multiple sole-author papers.
- Attended and presented at international conferences and seminars.
- Academic Leadership:
- Planned weekly journal clubs and other academic activities.
- Collaborated with supervisors and peers to advance research goals.
Researcher - King’s College London
October 2011 - June 2012
- Quantum Computing Research:
- Investigated quantum integrable models and spin chains with applications to quantum information processing.
- Analytical Skills:
- Reviewed and analysed physics journal papers to support research objectives.
- Produced detailed reports in LaTeX documenting findings and methodologies.
- Academic Training:
- Conducted research under the supervision of Dr B. Doyon in the mathematics department.
Teaching, Tutoring & Outreach
Freelance Mathematics, Statistics, and Computing Tutor - Witherow Brooke
July 2021 - May 2022
- Delivered tailored lessons for university students via video calls and an online whiteboard.
- Supported advanced topics including linear algebra, statistics, and Python.
- Helped students improve problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and confidence through clear explanations and practical examples.
- Used online tools to create interactive lessons integrating programming exercises.
Freelance Mathematics Content Writer and Video Developer - Nagwa
July 2020 - February 2021
- Planned, researched, and wrote ‘explainer’ content in LaTeX for mathematics topics from GCSE to undergraduate level.
- Created educational materials that simplified complex concepts for a diverse audience.
- Recorded, edited, and published lesson and question videos on Nagwa’s platform.
Science Communication Volunteer - Institute of Physics
July 2015 - August 2015
- Participated in ‘I’m a Scientist, Get Me Out of Here’, an online outreach event.
- Answered school students’ questions on black holes, physics, and my research during live web chats.
- Simplified complex topics to inspire and engage young audiences.
Graduate Teaching Assistant - King’s College London
September 2012 - January 2019
- Assisted in teaching mathematics courses including Probability and Statistics, Cryptography, Calculus, Partial Differential Equations, Geometry of Surfaces, Introduction to Dynamical Systems, and Linear Algebra.
- Ran Maple training sessions in computer labs, supporting students with technical computations.
- Graded assignments and gave detailed feedback; held extended office hours for student enquiries.
- Planned tutorials, oversaw student presentations, and offered guidance and mentorship.
Education
PhD in Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics - King’s College London
November 2014 - December 2019
- Awarded a PhD Scholarship by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) for academic excellence.
- Attended weekly seminars with Triangle London and other academic conferences, presenting research.
- Research from 2017 to 2019 conducted independently, without supervision.
- Thesis: Dynamical Supersymmetry Enhancement of Black Hole Horizons
MSci in Mathematics - King’s College London
September 2008 - August 2012
- Grade: First Class Honours (1:1)
- Covered a wide range of pure and applied mathematics modules, including physics and statistics.
- Dissertation: ‘Integrable Quantum Spin Chains’, supervised by Dr B. Doyon.
- Societies: KCL MathSoc, The Math Network.
Advanced Extension Award in Mathematics - Edexcel
January 2007 - August 2008
- Grade: Merit
- Additional examination set to challenge the top 10% of candidates.
- Developed advanced pure mathematics skills beyond the A-Level syllabus.
3 A-levels & 3 AS-levels - Sir George Monoux College
September 2006 - July 2008
- A-levels: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Physics.
- AS-levels: Computer Science, Psychology, Communications.
Publications
ORCID: 0000-0003-3754-3730 · Google Scholar · arXiv
Preprints
- The warp factor of supersymmetric D = 11 near-horizon geometries: single-point rigidity, the Spin(7) perfect square, and global constraints (Sole Author), arXiv, 2026, DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.2608.29879
- A second rotational Killing field on gauged D = 5 vector-multiplet horizons, and a no-go for varying-moduli black rings (Sole Author), arXiv, 2026, DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.2608.22509
- Symmetry enhancement of Killing horizons in D = 6 supergravity (Sole Author), arXiv, 2019, DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.1912.04249
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
- Symmetry enhancement of extremal horizons in D = 5 supergravity (Sole Author), Classical and Quantum Gravity, 2018, DOI: 10.1088/1361-6382/aac30c
- Dynamical symmetry enhancement near massive IIA horizons (with J. Gutowski, U. Gran, G. Papadopoulos), Classical and Quantum Gravity, 2015, DOI: 10.1088/0264-9381/32/23/235004
- Dynamical symmetry enhancement near IIA horizons (with J. Gutowski, U. Gran, G. Papadopoulos), Journal of High Energy Physics, 2015, DOI: 10.1007/JHEP06(2015)139
Theses
- Dynamical supersymmetry enhancement of black hole horizons (Sole Author), PhD Thesis, King’s College London, 2019, DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.1910.01080
- Integrable Quantum Spin Chains (Sole Author), MSci Dissertation, King’s College London, 2012
Talks & Seminars
- MATHEMATICS OF STRING THEORY (MOST) - King’s College London, London - Publications in Applied Mathematics - Oct. 2018
- 2nd South East Mathematical Physics Seminar - King’s College London, London - Future Research in Mathematical Physics - March 2017
- Winter School on Supergravity, Strings, and Gauge Theory - CERN, Switzerland - Publications in String Theory and Supergravity - Nov. 2016
- Localisation and the Gauge/Gravity Duality - King’s College London, London - Publications in Theoretical Physics - Feb. 2016
- Young Theorists’ Forum - Durham University, Durham - Latest Research in Supergravity - Dec. 2015, Dec. 2016, Dec. 2017
- Spark at the ONS (DAPCATS) - Office for National Statistics - Spark application debugging, tuning, and optimisation - 2022
- ONS Data Science Seminar Series - Office for National Statistics - Pandas UDFs in PySpark - 2021