Alumni life stories: Andy Cutts

"Since leaving Wolfson in November last year, I have been in Liverpool working as a Research Assistant within the Dental Health School, which is part of the University of Liverpool. My research project (funded by Glaxo Smith Kline) focuses on teeth, specifically the factors that cause plague on teeth and how best to statistically model them.

This should hopefully keep me busy and out of trouble for the next few years; although as a statistician working in a medical department I shall have to resist the temptation to “doctor” my statistics after all “there are lies, damn lies and...”. If I am good, (and more importantly after a little training) I will get a chance to impart my statistical ‘wisdom' on some of the undergraduates which would be nice (for me if not for them). I will also have the chance to present my work at conferences in Amsterdam and Brussels later this year.

A typical day at the moment involves a fair amount of reading and computer work doing statistical programming. I also consume a fair amount of tea which seems to boost my productivity. Usually I visit a canteen for lunch where the staff frequently call me “ pet” or “love”; I did on one occasion get called “baby” whilst receiving my meat and two veg but I think that was a case of mistaken identity or the anti-ageing cream is having the desired effect.

I have had the pleasure of moving to a wonderfully vibrant and cultured city. Liverpool is “the Pool of Life” according to Carl Jung and (given the sons and daughters that have hailed from here not least four musical gentlemen who had short hair and wore suits) there is more than an element of truth in that quote. It is also full of people who are willing to “go the extra mile” for others without being asked.

The university has the delight of having a Catholic Cathedral within its campus; standing at one end of Hope Street, this is quite a unique building which has to be seen to be believed (suffice to say it more than justifies its nickname of “Paddy's Wigwam”). At the other end of Hope Street, there is the Anglican Cathedral, a place where size evidently does matter. It is the biggest in England, has the largest and loudest organ, the heaviest peel of bells and is so big that it is some hike to get from one end of it to the other.

As for the aforementioned Hope Street, this is the cultural hub of Liverpool and contains many restaurants (including the Grade 1 Listed Philharmonic Pub) along with a couple of theatres. As a (liberal) Anglo-Catholic Gastronome with a side interest in the Performing Arts, I am frequently found walking down this street.

The friendliness of the people here matches the community at Wolfson. It was a huge pleasure to spend four years at the College and the hugely talented people I had the privilege of living and studying with will stay with me all my life. I will fondly remember the wonderful atmosphere along with the delightful cultural and academic events and of course the very fun themed bops (for those that are interested, the onesie still exists!) It certainly benefitted my life in more ways than words could possibly express. 

I wish all Wolfsonians, whether past or present, the very best wishes for the future."