Robert Green - Natural Sciences (Physical)
Robert Green grew up in Canterbury Kent where he attended Barton Court and Simon Langton Grammar Schools, completing A-levels in Maths and the three sciences. He chose to apply to Cambridge because of his interest in a broad range of science and the opportunity to learn more before specialising. Through the Natural Sciences Tripos he realised that his fascination was in the science of our Earth, and so went on to graduate in Geological Sciences with an additional 4th Master’s year.
'Like so many scientists who arrive at Cambridge I regarded myself as primarily a physicist. However it was the excellent lecturing and practical classes of the other science subjects that captured my interest during my first year of study. Earth Sciences offered the application of so many branches of science to the understanding of our planet and how it works. The many fieldtrips and socialising around the earth sciences department also encouraged my engagement with the subject and after a year I was a convert.
St John’s and the academics there provided me with amazing financial support and advice for a three month geological mapping expedition to the Chilean Andes during the summer vacation. On this completely self-organised trip I made friendships for life and learnt my most invaluable practical skills to date. It was an experience I shall never forget. During my final years, the Johnian Fellows always had the student’s best interests at heart, and organised and ran additional supervisions and discussions. I am forever grateful for their part in my success in obtaining a studentship to continue my study for a PhD in earthquake seismology. I now pursue my interest in the Earth, studying earthquakes in volcanic regions in Iceland.
During my time as an undergraduate at Johns I was heavily involved in both university and college level sport, and represented GB internationally at Ultimate Frisbee. I also made a great diversity of friends which is made especially possible by the large size of the college. St John’s is a great college that treats its students excellently and importantly has the resources to do so, which is why I decided to continue my affiliation with the College for a further three years.'
- Robert Green, 2013