Terran Moodie
Astrophysics
Research Statement
Physics has long been a fascinating subject for me. I have always been interested in
understanding how the Universe works. Ever since I read my first astronomy book in High
School, Astrophysics has become my passion. I was inspired by the postulates of Albert Einstein
on the speed of light and theory of gravity. Special Relativity had me intrigued by the fact that
frame of reference and perspective plays such a fundamental role in understanding time, motion,
and speed. Moreover, I understood that without a reference point, it would be impossible to
know if a body is in motion or not. Hence, I realized that time is a progression of events. If
nothing changes, does time pass? I thought of an astronaut stuck in the abyss of space, with
nothing in sight, would have no idea of whether time has stopped he has stopped moving. I do
not think that time can exist without motion. Without a point of reference, there’s no movement.
This created an important question in my mind – what is time? For me, time is our discernment
of change. With that said, time travel may not be what we expected it to be after all.
On the other hand, the theory of General Relativity caused me to understand that gravity as a
force, how I once understood it to be, is merely an illusion. Rather, it is a distortion in the fabric
of space-time due to the accumulation of mass. This theory, I think, was the most fascinating of
the two, for this I believe supplies a clear path to a better understanding of how the universe
works. Hence, ever since that day I try my best to read all the astrophysics books that I could get
firsthand. Einstein’s theories relativity inspired me so much that I advanced from an average
physics student in my class to being the top Physics and Mathematics student and graduated at
the top of my class for Seaforth High School’s graduating class of 2010. I received the award for
the top performing student in Physics, Biology and Mathematics. Additionally, I was awarded the
Association of Principals and Vice Principals award for outstanding performance in CSEC, 2010.
This is an award for students who are the top performer in the Caribbean Secondary Examination
Terran Moodie
Astrophysics
Research Statement
Council (CSEC) exams for their respective high school. All this a credited to the inspiration I
received on the day I decided to go to the library and read a physics book rather than joke around
with my friends.
I later attended the University of the West Indies (UWI), where I completed a Bachelor of
Science (B.Sc.) in Physics, minoring in Philosophy. I chose to pursue Philosophy alongside
Physics because, for me, Philosophy empowered me to ask the right questions, while Physics
granted the answers. Throughout my studies, I enjoyed courses such as Quantum Physics,
Nuclear Physics and Engineering Mathematics; However, the one course that I was most drawn
to was PHYS3395 - Astronomy and Cosmology. While completing this course, I realized that my
knowledge of special relativity was a scratch on the surface of Cosmology and that there is a
nexus of theories, and discoveries awaiting my unearthing. Being introduced to Dark Matter,
Dark Energy and the birth of the universe supplied my eureka moment. At that moment I
understood my purpose – to study Dark Energy and the expansion of the universe. This elusive
entity that manages the birth evolution of the universe will one day be detected and studied by
me. Alternately, I hope to make contributions to space travel and exploration.
I entered University with high hopes; however, my hopes were almost shattered by the
challenges I faced as a self-funded first-generation college educated student. I tried to balance a
full-time job and full-time studies. This had an adverse effect on my grades in my first year of
studies. Never in my life have I ever failed Mathematics, until 2016. I was asked to withdraw by
the University multiple times due to my financial status and the effects that had on my grades.
But I never gave up because I do not believe in giving up. I had come too far to turn back now.
Instead, I got a student loan and a part time job for everyday expenses and my grades were now
up to par. I was back at the top of my game.
Terran Moodie
Astrophysics
Research Statement
Because the UWI did not offer Astrophysics as discipline, I sought after all opportunities that
I could to indulge myself in research to gain experience. Hence, in my final year of studies, I
joined Dr. Tanya Kerr’s research group after registering for PHYS3399 – Research Project (NonElectronics). We Investigated the effects of wood crib’s orientation and ventilation conditions
had on their Flame Temperature, Heat Release Rate (HRR), and Mass Loss Rate (MLR). It was
found that the orientation of the wood cribs had a vast implication on their MLR, despite all
being subjected to the same ventilation condition. On the other hand, with the use of the
equations:
•
HRR = ꭓ×ΔHc ×ṁ (Zhang, 2015 [2]), and
•
HRR = A × ṁ × ΔHc. (UWI MFiRE, 2019 [3]).
I uncovered that the most compact wood cribs had greater heat output per unit mass than those
less compact. The temperature of the wood cribs increased rapidly after being ignited but
decreased after the fuel was removed. Moreover, with the ventilation condition kept constant,
each wood crib supplied a different maximum flame temperature. My conclusion was that this
was a result of the cribs having varied mass and orientation. I became competent in constructing
physical models of wood cribs and home environs, but chiefly, the excitement of analyzing and
testing theories and hypothesis convinced me that I want to employ my life to scientific research.
This research would be beneficial to the safety procedures used to construct home and office
buildings.
At the end of this research, I knew that I wanted to become a professor of theoretical
Astrophysics/Cosmology who treasures research. Conversely, I guided my peers in finding their
passion in Physics, by serving as a Physics Mentor for first year students so that they could
Terran Moodie
Astrophysics
Research Statement
achieve their best. Excitingly, one of my mentors is now completing his MPhil in Physics at
UWI.
Additionally, I was a Jamaica National Building Society’s Physics Scholarship Awardee
in 2019 and a two-time member of the UWI Physics Honour Society (PHS) – a society dedicated
for students who achieve and keeps at least B+ average in physics. I served as Vice President for
UWI Philosophy Society, Peer Career Advisor, and the Assistant Representative for Physics. All
this while keeping a performance in the top 5% in courses such as:
✓ PHYS2701 - Essentials of Renewable Energy Technologies and Solutions.
✓ PHYS2386 -Electromagnetism and Optics.
✓ PHYS3351 - Modern Physics 2 (Quantum Physics & Nuclear Physics), and
✓ PHYS3395 - Astronomy and Cosmology.
In April 2019 I was awarded for Outstanding Performance in Leadership by the UWI Office of
Student Services and Development.
Currently, I am a Physics Teacher at Mona High School, inspiring youths to admire and
appreciate Physics as a necessary part of life and the future of humanity. My approach is to show
the connection that physics has with aspects of our lives, prove its contribution to the
advancement of the world, and be a living proof that the only thing required to be successful at
Physics is to appreciate and accept it for what is it. I teach my students that nothing is difficult. It
is a matter of knowing what to do and how to do it. Because of my work, enrollment in physics
for senior high has increased by 200% for the academic year 2021/2022. I am grateful that I can
encourage other students to discover their passion, just as I did in 2010 by reading about Albert
Einstein and astronomy.
Terran Moodie
Astrophysics
Research Statement
As a prospective MPhil/PhD Astrophysics student, I am excited to apply for the
University of Glasgow’s graduate research programme and embark on the next chapter of my
academic journey. With a B.Sc. in Physics, I have a sturdy foundation in the fundamental
principles and theories of the natural world through rigorous analysis, experimentation, and
computation. Through my undergraduate studies, I have developed a passion for exploring the
origins and evolution of the universe and am infatuated by the interdisciplinary nature of
Astrophysics/Cosmology, which combines principles from physics and mathematics. I am eager
to deepen my knowledge and ability in the field of Astrophysics and I am specifically interested
in studying the mysteries of Dark Matter and Dark Energy, and their role in shaping the structure
and dynamics of the universe. I believe that one day my work will lead to great cosmological
advancements enabling us to better understand, detect and use Dark Energy. With this, we can
create stable wormholes for space exploration, progressing humanity to type one civilization
(Kardashev) and beyond. However, I am also open to executing research in string theory, gravity,
and other related areas.
I would like to work with Professors Graham Woan, Martin Hendry, Eduard Kontar,
Lyndsay Fletcher, Ik Siong Heng, and Christopher Berry. Additionally, I am interested in
being a member of the following research groups: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Institute for
Gravitational Research, and Particle Physics. I believe that I share the same goal of the abovementioned professors and research groups based on their areas of expertise.
I believe that a post graduate degree at the University of Glasgow will provide me with the
rigorous training and resources necessary to become a renowned and well-rounded researcher in
this field of Astrophysics. I am eager to learn from the world-class School of Physics and
Astronomy to contribute to the innovative research being executed by the groups within the
Terran Moodie
Astrophysics
Research Statement
department. Moreover, I am confident that my background in physics and my passion for
Astrophysics and cosmology make me a strong candidate for this programme. My years of
studies and training in theoretical Physics, experimental Physics and Philosophy make me a
valuable candidate for your department. I will apply my acquired skills, experience, advanced
consciousness, and critical thinking skills.
I am excited about the opportunity to join the University of Glasgow’s School of Physics and
Astronomy community of scholars and I am looking forward to the challenges of you graduate
programme while contributing to the advancement of our understanding of the universe.