Sometimes it’s not what’s on our CVs or our academic qualifications that gives us the ‘X Factor’ which propels us to success. Often it’s the ability to adapt, grow and creatively apply our hidden talents to enhance our everyday lives.
Tyndall’s goal is to attract and nurture people with diverse talents and excellent skills, enabling all to reach their full potential.
Today we are revealing the hidden talents of Dr Ransell D’Souza, a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellow in the Materials Theory Group at Tyndall and avid footballer and talented guitarist. Ransell reveals the roots of his hidden talents and how to this day they serve as his go-to tools for improving mental stamina and general health.
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellow,
Materials Theory Group,
Tyndall.
What is your hidden talent?
From a very young age, I’ve been passionate about both music, in particular playing the guitar, and football. I have participated in competitive football tournaments, proudly representing my institution, since my school days. Currently, I play for the UCC United team which plays in the Cork Business premier league.
I’ve even been a guitarist for two rock bands while in college which were called Wasted and Sci-5.
To not lose touch with guitar, I’ve started a YouTube page where I try and publish a video once every two weeks.
What sparked your interest?
My interest in both football and music stems from my family and the place where I grew up and call home.
While living at home (over a decade ago), we always watched football matches together. I’ve been an enthusiastic fan of Manchester United since I was 5. While it’s well known that cricket is the most popular sport in India, the place where I grew up, Orlem, Mumbai, football is much more popular than cricket.
Both my elder brothers play the guitar and it was them that taught me how to play from a very young age, so guitars have a strong root in my childhood.
What is your current role?
I am a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellow, working within the Materials Theory Group at Tyndall. My research is in the field of thermoelectric materials which can convert waste heat into electricity. My research focuses on using computational methods to enhance the performance of 3D and 2D thermoelectric materials for device applications in the Internet of Things.
How has your hidden talent complemented your role and/or enhanced your research?
As much as I love physics, it can become mentally exhausting. In spite of the fact there is no relationship between my work and my hobbies, it does help me to unwind. I can work much better after a game of football. Similarly, spending a few minutes on the guitar can make me go from being mentally exhausted to being refreshed. I believe I can spend so many hours studying and coding because of these hobbies of mine.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to try your hidden talent?
My advice for anyone who loves football and/or music is for them to just go and try their hand at it! As music and sports are my tools to help me to relax, thereby improving my mental stamina and health, I’m sure it could help others who try them.
UCC and Tyndall encourage people to participate in various sports and hobbies and If anyone likes the way I play the guitar, you can listen to my music here, I’d be more than happy to teach them for no charge.