cv

Here is a web description of my CV. You can read on, or download it as a PDF using the button above.

General information

Name Sam Kay
Label Mathematician, freelance musician and private tutor
Email samuel.kay[at]durham.ac.uk
Url BlueSky, GitHub, LinkedIn
Summary A PhD student at Durham University specialising in solar physics and magnetohydrodynamics.

Education

  • 2025 - Present

    Durham, UK

    Doctor of Philosophy---Mathematical Sciences
    Durham University
    Working towards a PhD under the supervison of Dr Peter Wyper, researching structures in the solar wind.
    • Part of the Applied Maths group
  • 2021 - 2025

    Durham, UK

    Integrated Master of Mathematics (MMath)
    Durham University
    Graduated with an integrated master's degree in mathematics with First Class Honours. Main pathway involved mathematical physics and fluid dynamics. Involved with the Mathematical Society. Selected modules:
    • Advanced Quantum Theory
    • Fluid Mechanics
    • General Relativity
    • Superstrings

Projects

Work experience

Volunteering

  • 2025 - Present

    Stephenson College

    Maths subject representative
    Stephenson College JCR
    Point of guidance and contact for students regarding mathematical sciences. It is an advisory role for those needing help with exam techniques, module choices and general academic issues.
  • 2023 - 2025

    Butler College

    President and lead pianist
    Butler Jazz and Butler Soul Band
    Leading two bands after being the lead pianist for two years and librarian for one year prior. Involved directing rehearsals, booking gigs, organising charity events, overseeing the executive team and managing band finances.

Achievements

3x College Scholar award
Stephenson College 2023 - 2025
3x competitor
24 Hours of Le Maths 2022 - 2024
Regional finals competitor
UKMT senior team maths challenge 2020
Younge Award for music
Kettlethorpe High School 2019
Maureen Winderbank trophy
Kettlethorpe High School 2019
Head Boy
Kettlethorpe High School 2018 - 2019

Skills

Programming
LaTeX (Overleaf/TeXShop)
Python
HTML
Desmos
VisualPDE
Soft skills
Teamwork
Problem solving
Organisation
Data analytics
Critical thinking
Report writing
Presentation skills
Miscellaneous
Microsoft Excel
Canva
Sleight of hand and card magic

Interests

Mathematical sciences
Fluid dynamics
Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD)
Solar physics
Quantum field theory (QFT)
Representation theory in particle physics
The Standard Model
Music
Regular at Durham Jazz Society's jazz jam nights @ Fabio's bar.
Lead pianist and keytar player for Quantum Funk Theory (QFT)
Lead pianist turned librarian turned president for Butler Jazz and Butler Soul Band
Fitness
Regularly attend the gym and trained towards a black belt in Tae Kwon-Do
Enjoy long walks in unspoilt contryside

References

Dr Adam Townsend
Associate professor at Durham University. Co-founder of Chalkdust magazine and VisualPDE.
Andrew Hough
Associate professor at Cranfield University. CEO, director and founder of Institute of Sales Professionals (ISP).