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Michael Johnston, UPF
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I was born in Dublin in 1978. I came to Barcelona seeking sun, adventure and a PhD. I found a position in the UPF studying biophysics and have settled into living in the capital of Catalunya. Many people back home in Ireland are envious of me working over here and I've had no shortage of visitors in this beautiful city!
What is doing research for you?
To use reason to investigate the unknown
What mistakes do you easily excuse?
Anything due to understandable ignorance.
What would make you absolutely happy?
There are so many problems in the world that no one thing could make me absolutely happy. Being selfish I'd have to say being able to pursue science free from the need to get funding!
What bothers you most?
Ignorance and intolerance.
Where is your favourite place?
In Barcelona I love to sit on the terraza's on Allada-Vermell near where I live and watch the world go by. In general the west coast of Ireland especially Achill Island (as long as its not raining!)
Who is your favourite person in fiction or real life?
Yossarian from Catch-22 or Jack Shaftoe (Baroque Cycle) – crazy & hilarious.
Your favourite music?
Drum and bass.
Your favourite writer?
Currently Neal Stephenson – his books are an exciting blend of entertainment, history and science. Alexander Solzhenitsyn – The First Circle is stunning.
What characteristic do you appreciate most in a person?
Empathy and creativity.
What is your best defect?
I can be very stubborn which is helpful sometimes - though not others ....
Your favourite occupation?
To go to a bar or restaurant with friends. When alone I love to simply read and listen to music.
Which one is your main characteristic?
I'm usually laid-back and open minded (However Phd. related stress is affecting me a bit!)
What do you appreciate most in your friends?
A sense of humour and abandon. However each friend is different, and I like each for their separate personalities.
What is your favorite dream?
To travel the world seeing famous places and experiencing new things.
What talent would you like to have?
To be able to snowboard like a pro.
Your motto?
“Don't worry be happy!”
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