A mature student from Windermere is over the moon to be awarded a doctorate in astrophysics after spending the last 14 years working towards it.
David Glass donned his cap and gown at his University of Central Lancashire graduation ceremony this week where he was awarded a PhD in astrophysics.
The 61-year-old dedicated star gazer has been working towards this goal since 2010 when he enrolled onto the University’s BSc(Hons) Astronomy by Distance Learning and studied part-time alongside his career as a specialist engineer in the oil and gas industry.
"I really like the sense of community within the JHI, so I had no hesitation in taking on research for a PhD once I completed my undergraduate degree."
— Astrophysics PhD student David Glass
David said: “Back in 2010, I discovered by accident that the University’s Jeremiah Horrocks Institute (JHI) for Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy offered distance-learning courses in astronomy. I tried one module and was hooked. I really like the sense of community within the JHI, so I had no hesitation in taking on research for a PhD once I completed my undergraduate degree.”
David is the first astronomy distance learning graduate to go on to gain a PhD in the subject at the University of Central Lancashire.
“I am of course elated to achieve this milestone but at the same time a bit sad because this marks the end of 14 years of study in astronomy and astrophysics at the University” he said.
"... it was amazing to plan, execute and study my own observations of galaxies with cutting-edge technology in such a beautiful part of the world."
— Astrophysics PhD student David Glass
“Apart from working with enthusiastic and talented staff and fellow postgraduate students, I got to visit and operate powerful professional telescopes on Hawaii and in southern Spain. For the latter, it was amazing to plan, execute and study my own observations of galaxies with cutting-edge technology in such a beautiful part of the world.”
Even though he’s now a graduate David’s astronomical journey doesn’t end here. Now retired from his career as an engineer, he intends to focus on furthering his astrophysics research.
"I am extremely grateful to the University, and especially the JHI staff for all that they provided, and hope that I can inspire others to follow in my footsteps."
— Astrophysics PhD student David Glass
“Much of my research is publishable so I’ll be busy writing research papers for a while via the JHI” he said.
“After that, I’d like to carry on researching in some capacity because I want to keep using all the new skills I’ve acquired. I am extremely grateful to the University, and especially the JHI staff for all that they provided, and hope that I can inspire others to follow in my footsteps.
“I’m also very grateful to my wife Fiona for her support and putting up with all my study and trips away” David added.