Richard Dyer

About Me

I am an astrophysics PhD student at Cambridge University, researching black holes and gravity.

I am also a keen science communicator, involved in producing and presenting content, scripting videos, and performing live.

You can find some of the things I have been doing below.

Please reach out if you would like to collaborate!

Research

My research focuses on the quasinormal modes produced during black hole ringdown. I am currently using numerical simulations to understand how we can better detect them, and what they might tell us about black holes and gravity.

Background credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

I am a freelance writer and researcher for PBS Spacetime, a YouTube channel exploring the biggest questions in physics, with over 3 million subscribers.

Below are two videos I have researched and co-scripted for the channel!

Science Writing

Digital Content Production

I produce short-form video content for my TikTok account, which has just under 30k followers and 1.4 million likes.

I am always keen to work with anyone who would like some astronomical input. The image is me at the recent launch party of the Three Body Problem Netflix TV series.

Please get in touch if you'd like to work with me on any campaigns 0r collaborations! I'd love to hear from you.

I have previously compered for college charity fashion shows and quizzes, and I have acted in numerous shows. More recently, I have been training and performing improv with the Free Association.

I have also acted as the lead in two short award-winning films, one of which I co-scripted, and I maintain an interest in performing and creating science fiction as another way to inspire audiences.

Most recently, I have been involved with FameLab, an international science communication competition. I was one of the final 8 out of 408 applicants, speaking at the national final at the Cheltenham Science Festival. I won the audience vote and the judge's second prize.

As part of this, I have received comprehensive training in science communication, structuring and performing talks, working with the media, speaking on camera, interviewing, and engaging different audiences.

Presenting & Performing

I am passionate about sharing astrophysics in all forms of media, especially in person.

This includes outreach evenings that run throughout the winter at the Institute of Astronomy, and their annual outreach day.

I also recently gave a talk on gravitational waves to students at King's Ely as part of their science week.

I am always looking for opportunities to share science with the world - please get in touch if you have any!

Outreach