Name: Professor Kinwah Wu

Job title: Professor of Theoretical Astrophysics and Head of Theory

What education and qualifications do you have?

BSc(Hon), MSc, PhD

Give an outline of your career so far

Postdoctoral fellow
(Australian National University, 1989-1990)

NAS/NRC Fellow
(NASA-MSFC, 1990-1992)

Research fellow
(University of Sydney, 1992-1996)

Australia Research Fellow
(University of Sydney, 1997-2001)

Reader in Astrophysics
(University College London, 2001-2006)

Professor of Theoretical Astrophysics
(University College London, 2006 - now)

Why did you choose this career path?

I enjoyed science and liked to ask trivial questions. My final year research project supervisor suggested that I consider doing postgraduate study, in spite of the very unimpressive academic record of my first two years. Some factors were incidental.

What does your current work involve?

I lecture physics courses, I supervise research students, I conduct research. I also sit on panels and committees in the University and outside.

Hobbies and interests outside work

Developmental psychology and cognitive psychology, music (classical, electronic, folk...), tropical fish, model airplanes and ships ...