Kelvin Appleby

Electronics Workshop Technician, Department of Chemistry

What do you do?

I began my employment at the University in the Chemistry Department at the age of 16 as a trainee technician, gaining experience in workshops, teaching, and research laboratories before becoming a permanent member of the electronics workshop staff.

Working alongside a number of highly experienced and long-serving colleagues over many years, along with gaining relevant vocational qualifications, has provided me with the skills required to offer an effective service in the design, construction, and repair of a wide range of electronic and electromechanical equipment.

How are you involved in this area of science? 

I have been involved in this project via the design and implementation of the custom build electronics that are used in microscopy and spectroscopy, that i have designed and developed after initial consultation with Rob.

But most importantly after a few brainstorming sessions with Rob and his team I helped with the design and creation of the light activated forklift trucks for Rob's public engagement activity BattleBots. 

What do you love about this topic?

Working on the public engagement forklift trucks. It is great that this idea has developed and i could take part in making it a reality and seeing them in action at Palace Green. 

How does this work deliver real-world impact?

Watching the public (and I mean 100s of people a day on Celebrate Science) queue patiently and then play with the BattleBots and learn at the same time is great. 

Ready for action: Battlebots forklift trucks built by Kelvin ready for Celebrate Science.