For this week’s ‘A Conversation With...’ we visited the College’s Chemistry labs in the Bevan Building for a chat with popular Chemistry teacher, Dr Rob D’Rozario. Dr D as he is known to the pupils, joined Shiplake three years ago and has ‘loved every minute so far.’
When did you join Shiplake? What roles have you held previously and currently?
I joined Shiplake in 2016 as a Chemistry teacher and also led the Exemplum Docet Society for gifted and talented pupils. In 2017 I became lead science co-ordinator for the department. I also work on the Digital Learning Group and coach the rugby and football U14 teams as a part of a double act with the legend that is Mr Olhausen.
I started teaching in 2013 and taught in a few secondary schools around Oxfordshire, however I had my eye on Shiplake during this time. I really like the ethos of the school and everything about it seemed to ‘fit’ with what I am about, so I was really pleased when a Chemistry position came up.
What got you interested in Chemistry and inspired you to teach the subject?
My fascination with Chemistry started with my Chemistry teacher, Dr Middleton at secondary school. He knew the subject inside out, and had an amazing level of knowledge that really inspired me. However, he wasn’t afraid to say if he didn’t know something and would challenge me to do some research to find out - in those days it involved a trip to the local library!
I then went on to study Chemistry at UCL. After a brief year working in politics in the Welsh Assembly for the Assembly Member for Mongomeryshire, I went to Christchurch College, Oxford to do my PhD, and after that my Post Doctorate.
Following this, I worked in medical communications working on a range of research communications for diseases such as Alzhimers, advanced Parkinsons, breast, lung and ovarian cancer. While I really enjoyed the medical communications work, I missed the teaching I had done at Oxford during my PhD and post doc. So I signed up to do my PGCE at Oxford as a Royal Society of Chemistry Scholar, and the rest is history!
Who is the scientist you admire most and why?
It all started with my Chemistry teacher at school, so I will have to say him first. However, I have been so lucky to work with some amazing scientists over the years who I am completely in awe of including, Professor Mike Ewing from UCL who was in my eyes a genius (unfortunately he is no longer with us), Professor Andrea Sella who was the first person to make ice cream from liquid nitrogen and Professor Mark Sansom at University of Oxford.
These people can conceptually think in ways that is very rare. It was an amazing environment to be in, particularly when a scientific debate was going down. And that’s what’s great about science, I love debating facts and research and the competition in striving for excellence.
From the past, I would have to say Erwin Schrodinger and his work which looked at electrons and how they behave in the early 20th century. His work was groundbreaking and on a different level.
What's a normal day like at Shiplake for you?
Exciting! It is different every single day. From teaching to talking to students during free periods, to activities and sports coaching. I don’t stop until I get home and that’s a great thing.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to watch rugby and play darts, where I play in a local league in Wallingford. Unfortunately I don’t play sport competitively anymore because of an injury I sustained in 2007.
I also love spending time with my family and catching up with friends.
What does the future hold for Dr D'Rozario?
I will always work hard at being a good teacher, making as much time for my students as possible. The same applies to the way I coach my football and rugby sides.
Outside of work, hopefully getting a cat will be on the agenda when I buy a house with my partner, and I just want to enjoy life and be happy.
I live by the mantra “as long as you try your best, you can be proud of what you have done”.
