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Cymtec Ltd.
Skills, experience and background:
I completed my BSc Honours degree in Psychology in 2008 from Cardiff University and since then have worked in Welsh Water undertaking the training of employees in new IT systems. There I gained knowledge of project management, large company processes and communication skills. After leaving Welsh Water I worked in a low-security unit for people with personality disorders, carrying out observations and care plans, and I have also volunteered at places such as drug-aid, MIND and YOT.
Company you are placed with and their activities:
Cymtec is an optoelectronics company with its main focus on Laser and LED technologies. The company is a spin-off from the University of Glamorgan in its early growth stage of development and has already forged collaborations with international companies in the areas of digital projection, medical endoscopy and metrology.
Describe the R&D project you are undertaking:
My project role is to establish new routes to market for the company’s innovative range of products over and beyond the years 2010 – 2013. The company does not market its products for general sale, rather they are specifically designed for a given use in a given market sector usually under sole rights agreements. Therefore my role is to establish links in new areas of endeavour with alternative clients.
Why you wanted to be a POWIS Scholar?
To gain experience in a working environment which would be related to my PhD, thereby allowing me to further both my academic and work knowledge. I also wanted a change of career path, in which I could use the skills I obtained from both my degree and working experience.
Something about you we would never be able to guess!
I have a black belt in karate and am also totally deaf in my left ear.
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USA Allerna Therapeutics
Skills, experience and background:
I studied at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where I received my degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. My experience during and after my education consisted of academic research, project and operations management, and nonclinical drug development at the Scripps Research Institute, ISIS Pharmaceuticals, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, and BioTox Sciences (a start-up nonclinical contract research organisation). My strengths are in the fields of nonclinical regulatory and general drug development strategies relating to small molecule, antisense, peptide, and protein technologies.
Company you are placed with and their activities:
Allerna Therapeutics is a highly focused company developing groundbreaking therapies for allergic diseases. With an extensive product pipeline, our principal candidate is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe asthma. Allerna was founded in 2006 by Professor Julian Hopkin and Dr. William Walker as a spin-out company from Swansea University. Both experts have undertaken significant research into the genetic aspects of allergic diseases and have subsequently identified key physiological markers responsible for conditions such as asthma and rhinitis. In identifying these markers, it is postulated that suppressing these chemical processes within the body would alleviate symptoms of the disease without any associated side-effects.
Describe the R&D project you are undertaking:
My R&D project is to screen, evaluate, and develop a suitable treatment for allergic diseases. My goal will be to provide laboratory-based evidence of the efficacy of the Company’s core technology.
Why you wanted to be a POWIS Scholar?
The University of Wales POWIS Scholarship is sponsored by Prince Charles. It allows somebody like me, with experience in industry, to gain further experience, exposure, and a graduate degree while still being able to discover and develop new treatments to help patients in the clinic.
Something about you we would never be able to guess!
I like surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding.
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Calon Cardio-Technology Ltd.
Skills, experience and background:
As an undergraduate I studied mechanical engineering at Swansea University. During this time I completed a GoWales work placement with a local company, R&D Ventilation Systems Ltd, which led onto a job when I finished my degree. I worked with them for a couple of years as their onsite mechanical/design engineer. While working there I designed assembly jigs, helped optimise production, and further developed some of their existing products. I then went back to Swansea University to study a Masters in high performance materials for power and aerospace applications, to broaden my knowledge of materials.
Company you are placed with and their activities:
Calon Cardio-Technology Ltd is developing the next generation of implantable micro-pumps for the treatment of heart failure. The current (old generation) pumps have clinically proven that heart assist pumps are a safe and effective treatment, and in many cases they are the only treatment. Their large size, however, means that they require highly invasive surgery for fitment (typically a full sternotomy and bypass is required), and they are extremely expensive (£42k+). The technology being developed by Calon addresses both these problems and promises to realise the vision of heart assist pumps becoming the routine method of treatment for heart failure.
Describe the R&D project you are undertaking:
To significantly decrease the cost of manufacturing Calon’s miniaturised blood pump. More economical manufacturing processes and material selection are key to allowing market penetration of the device, which can be offered at a competitive price and gain considerable market share.
Why you wanted to be a POWIS Scholar?
It is a fantastic opportunity to assist with the development of such an important innovation that could benefit people worldwide. Working with a pioneering start-up company with cutting edge technology is also incredibly exciting.
Something about you we would never be able to guess!
I am a very outdoors person, and I enjoy cross country cycling.
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Geolang Ltd.
Skills, experience and background:
I come from a background of project management and marketing, and most recently worked as Project Leader, Editor and Head of Research for the International Standard on Language encoding (ISO 693-6). I was CEO of the World Language Documentation Centre (WLDC); and served on the Wikimedia Foundation Advisory Board from 2007 to 2009. I’ve been involved in language standards for 9 years and am considered to be the Principle UK expert for Language encoding, representing the UK in overseas negotiations. I am also a named contributor to a number of Internet Engineering Task Force standards related to language tagging and internationalization.
Company you are placed with and their activities:
Geolang provides a range of services related to standardisation practices in terminology, translation, lexicology and conformity assessment, software solutions and geolinguistic research. Geolang is the Registration Authority for the International Standard on Language Encoding (ISO 639-6) database and creator of the GeoLang Register of the World's linguistic entities from which the international standard is derived. Geolang sponsors the World Language Documentation Centre, which in turn provides initial research, verification and validation input to the information forming the GeoLang database. It collaborates with developers and promotes across the world on the OmegaWiki, a multilingual resource in every language with lexicological, terminological and thesaurus information.
Describe the R&D project you are undertaking:
We will investigate human visual perception of language and text formats in a variety of scripts, colours and fonts; utilising and adding to a new metadata registry of languages and writing systems whilst identifying novel uses for the resulting data. This work will help to identify the best solutions to problems of phishing attacks and other security breaches. Research fields include, but are not limited to, psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, typography and graphic design. This work builds upon my eight years of research while undertaking research into language encoding and standardization in preparation of the International Standard, ISO 639-6.
Why you wanted to be a POWIS Scholar?
Although considered an expert in my, and had been successful in a number of business ventures, I wanted to formalise my status with an academic qualification. POWIS gave me the opportunity to leave the company as an employee but still work towards developing its R&D.
Something about you we would never be able to guess!
I left school at 15 with no qualifications and worked for my father in his five shops getting up at 4.30am every morning to purchase produce from Smithfield market.
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Building Research Establishment (BRE) Ltd
Skills, experience and background:
I am an international business management graduate nearing completion of a masters in Environmental Management at Swansea University’s’ Engineering Department. This involves a research thesis investigating the feasibility of the biodiesel market in South Wales. My undergraduate study involved a year at Newcastle University, NSW, Australia. This provided a stimulating opportunity to learn in a multi-cultural environment, which I combined with an enlightening trip exploring Asia. I’ve also recently gained Civil Service experience with the Department of Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) as a Ministerial Correspondence Officer.
Company you are placed with and their activities:
Formerly a Government agency, The Building Research Establishment (BRE), has a 90-year history which began with the provision of expert advice in the built environment sector. Over the years the remit of the organisation has evolved to include testing, training and research. BRE Wales is multi-disciplinary team providing sustainable building consultancy and research. Key areas of expertise include: BREEAM, PassivHaus, refurbishment, renewable energy, site waste management, modelling and training. The company works to improve the sustainability of the construction industry, reducing emissions and helping Welsh businesses deliver innovative, practical and sustainable solutions.
Describe the R&D project you are undertaking:
“A new economic model for community heat projects in the south Wales valleys.” Community (or district) heating provides heat in the form of hot water or steam from a central source to a number of buildings or dwellings through a network of insulated underground pipes. Through increased energy efficiency and multiple fuel options, community heating represents significant potential for a more sustainable Wales. Working with experts in the field of sustainable construction and planning as well as key developers of community schemes in Europe, an original economic model for the implementation of community heating in urban communities will be developed.
Why you wanted to be a POWIS Scholar?
The prestigious POWIS provided an inspiring opportunity to develop research in an area of key strategic importance for Welsh industry. The prospect of personal, cultural and professional development as well as contributing to a more energy-efficient future represented a truly exciting prospect.
Something about you we would never be able to guess!
I have experienced fish reflexology in Singapore!
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CyDen Ltd.
Skills, experience and background:
I am a clinical technologist and RPA2000 certificated Laser Protection Adviser specialising in laser safety and applications training for professional users of light-based technology. I run international training courses for healthcare professionals and therapists. I have also published twelve papers in international peer-reviewed journals, authored numerous articles, written chapters for two books on intense pulsed light and am a regular invited speaker at international laser conferences. I’m a Fellow of the American Society of Laser Medicine & Surgery and a member of several British and European medical laser societies, and also currently serve as Director of Clinical Affairs for CyDen Ltd.
Company you are placed with and their activities:
CyDen Ltd is a small research-focussed company based at the Technium in Swansea, dedicated to bringing the benefit of light-based therapies into every home. It has launched light-based home hair removal through Boots in the UK and sold 20,000 units in the first year. It has started export sales to Spain, Japan and Australia through TV shopping, department stores, internet shopping and beauty salons. CyDen has secured strong partnerships with SONY in Bridgend and SMT in China and attracted equity investment from UNILEVER Ventures.
Describe the R&D project you are undertaking:
The project I am undertaking is developing and delivering a clinical and scientific strategy to evaluate quantitatively and qualitatively the safety and efficacy of specific light-based therapies for home-use by the general public using miniaturised and affordable consumer devices. The therapies include unwanted hair removal, skin rejuvenation and acne treatment and encompass cosmetic as well as medical therapies. The scientific studies include ultrasonography to determine increased skin thickness and collagen deposition, radio-immuno assay techniques for pro-collagen markers, profilometry to measure skin changes, photo-grading of high-resolution digital before/after photography, photodynamic therapy, clinical safety and efficacy trials.
Why you wanted to be a POWIS Scholar?
The POWIS scheme was the most promising route to complete research work into democratising of light-based therapies whilst working for a Welsh technology company.
Something about you we would never be able to guess!
I lived and worked in Hong Kong for 10 years before the colony was returned to PRC. I am also an enthusiastic BMW R1200RT motorcyclist preparing for my RoSPA Gold Advanced Motorcyclist diploma.
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Cell Therapy Ltd.
Skills, experience and background:
I acquired Biomedical Research experience working at the Karolinska Institute and Isis Pharmaceuticals (microRNA & stem cells). Commercial experience includes working for two stem cell start-ups (Visidence, Sweden; Cell Therapy Ltd, UK) and one medtech start-up (Peepo GPS Ltd, UK). I am part of the organizing committee for the Swedish American Life Science Summit and CIP Forum. I studied and worked in Singapore, Holland, Sweden, San Diego and Switzerland and am fluent in English, German and Swedish. I am a member of the BBB network for young female talent and was chairman of the Biomedical Network.
Company you are placed with and their activities:
Cell Therapy Ltd (CTL) is a breakthrough biotech company founded by Professor Sir Martin Evans and Dr. Ajan Reginald in 2009 to develop an innovative new class of therapies based on the autologous adult mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) technology platform.
Describe the R&D project you are undertaking:
To develop standardized and scalable methods of processing MSCs from patient sample collection to re-transplantation, initially focusing on enabling rapid multiplication of cells in culture and developing quality controls to ensure cell health and viability. This new therapy will use the patient's own cells taken from a tissue sample to produce a treatment that helps regeneration and repair of tissues damaged by ischemic or mechanical trauma. The critical cells in the new medicine are MSCs and the new medicine will be named Enhancell.
Why you wanted to be a POWIS Scholar?
I’ve wanted to do an industrial PhD for a long time, but it’s not easy to find such a placement. In addition, I don’t want to be confined to lab work, I also want to play an active role in business development, and POWIS enables me to do both.
Something about you we would never be able to guess!
I helped build the largest solar panel-driven water works in Uganda, in the village Bubwaya in the Manafwa district.
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Augusta Ltd.
Skills, experience and background:
I have 16 years experience as Project and Development Manager, Business and Systems Analyst, and Developer in the IT Industry. I have also designed and developed end to end solutions on Linux and Windows platforms for Web, Desktop, server and embedded applications. I have implemented systems and solutions mainly in South Africa, with some systems in other southern African countries (Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Namibia) and Nigeria. The industries I have worked in include banking, Motor Industry (GM and Honda at OEM level), and the retail point of sale.
Company you are placed with and their activities:
Augusta is a new start up company based in Swansea, and it has a vision of a single, interoperable card that can be used to access a range of public and private services within a community. We want to help people feel a greater bond with their local community, with special privileges for local residents, while supporting activities including learning, travelling, work, leisure, banking and benefits. Augusta is currently targeting the following local markets: Credit unions and local financial institutions, Local councils, Retailers (prepaid sub-10 pound transaction market). International markets include: Banking, Medical, and Corporate.
Describe the R&D project you are undertaking:
The main project is the development of a 'Smart Card / Device Application Services Framework' with an 'Extendable Smart Card / Device Terminal Framework' as a subsidiary project. The framework will provide the abstraction layers for various system entities, as well as an API and registration wizard to register the various modules. The abstraction layers will be defined by researching the implementation of the various types of smart card / smart device systems in use, and determining the abstraction rules, properties and patterns. This will be the Research element of the PhD. A 'Mobile Phone Payment Facilitator' project will serve as a 'Case Study' of the main PhD. Additional case studies will be made of various business projects we acquire in the market. The focus of the evaluation side of the PhD will be the effectiveness of the framework e.g. using as a metric the need to amend the framework for an implementation. Usability will be an aspect of the design of the abstraction layers, and the API.
Why you wanted to be a POWIS Scholar?
I want to get my experience recognized in some sort of academic degree. I cannot go back to full time studies, as I have a family to support and need to work. I want to supplement this with further membership to professional institutions in the IT field, and the POWIS degree will open up this possibility too.
Something about you we would never be able to guess!
I am very proud and protective of my family – I have 5 kids, a step son and my wife (married 1993). I met my wife in Durban, 2 weeks later we were engaged and 4 weeks after that we were married. We are still going strong.
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SmartKem® Ltd.
Skills, experience and background:
I trained and worked as a mechanical engineer for 12 years (Trains, Tanks & Aeroplanes) before going to University and embarking on a career in chemistry. I gained a 2:1 BSc (Hons) degree in Chemistry which was followed by a PhD (Zirconium Chemistry) at the University of Salford. I then moved to the University of Manchester for 3 years where I was Post Doctoral research assistant to Professor Colin Price working on Ionomer dispersions and co-block Polymers. I then worked in industry for 6 years on new monomers and UV blockers for the contact lens industry. My main area of expertise is synthetic chemistry where I have a demonstrably successful track record in research and development of Organic/Inorganic/Polymer Chemistry and chemical analysis.
Company you are placed with and their activities:
SmartKem® Ltd. is based at OpTIC Technium centre in St Asaph, North Wales. Formed in 2009, Smartkem’s key objective is to respond to the global demand for low cost, rugged and flexible electronics. The materials developed by SmartKem will be used in roll-to- roll electronic manufacturing on flexible film and in applications such as ultra-thin electronic displays, lightweight solar panels and intelligent packaging.
Describe the R&D project you are undertaking:
My research and development project is based on the synthesis of novel solution processable organic semiconductor materials. The project involves Organic synthesis, purification (Recrystallisation, Chromatography) and characterization (NMR, FTIR, MS) of the materials. Their application using relatively inexpensive solution techniques (e.g., spin coating, inkjet printing and screen printing) will also be investigated.
Why you wanted to be a POWIS Scholar?
Becoming a POWIS Scholar presents me with the opportunity to expand and develop my chemistry in the exciting field of Organic semiconductor material synthesis. I will also be mentored by leading experts in this field and have access to first class facilities such as The Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating at Swansea University.
Something about you we would never be able to guess!
When I was 14 years old I had a trial for Preston North End Football club and was told I was too small to be a footballer!
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MD3p
Skills, experience and background:
After completing A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics along with three modules of mathematics (Pure, Statistics and Mechanics), I started studying physiology at Cardiff University. I transferred to the Engineering school in my second semester onto their foundation course, where I increased my mathematical, electrical and basic engineering knowledge. I then progressed on to a Medical Engineering degree in Cardiff University, graduating in 2008.Although studying at Cardiff University, I was given the chance to work on my final year project with a team from Swansea University, investigating the effects of laser light treatment on the mechanical properties of tendons.
Company you are placed with and their activities:
MD3p is a new start up focussing on the development of medical technologies with particular emphasis on medical devices and stem cell technologies for a variety of diseases such as cancer.
Describe the R&D project you are undertaking:
The project aims to study the effects of light radiation on progenitor cells. The first part of the work will involve studying the effects of light radiation on cancer cell lines, specifically prostate cancer cell lines in the first instance. The second part of the research will involve harvesting progenitor cells from umbilical cord blood and placentas, and studying the effects of light radiation on them. The ultimate aim is to be able to modify the progenitor cells in such a way that the process could eventually have clinical applications in stem cell therapy.
Why you wanted to be a POWIS Scholar?
It has enabled me to register as a PhD student at Swansea University Medical School and to work on research suited to my background in modern facilities within ILS. It has the additional advantage of linking me to a company ensuring that I develop an applied interest in my work.
Something about you we would never be able to guess!
I am a black belt in shotokan karate.
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Seren Technology Ltd.
Skills, experience and background:
Having attained a master degree in Law and in Economics, I’ve conducted research on Long-term contracts at Utrecht University. From 2005 onwards I have combined this with a position at ZBC Multicare, which has been run by my family since 1988. It is an independent treatment centre for dermatology, specialized in developing new safe and effective therapies for various skin diseases. Because of my background as a researcher, I participated in the research conducted at the clinic and the publication of the results. I’m quite fond of multidisciplinary research, in particular analytical tasks.
Describe the R&D project you are undertaking:
The project is aimed at improving and extending a novel method for the detection of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC). This method, called fluorescence detection (FD), utilizes the fluorescence property of 5-aminolevulinic acid induced protoporypherin IX (PpIX) to discover skin lesions suspected of being NMSC. The projects is comprised of a direct comparison of classical and FD methods of skin cancer detection, the development and testing of a NMSC diagnosis assistant, development of a fluorescence pattern recognition algorithm and a PpIX fluorescence based tumour depth distribution device.
Why you wanted to be a POWIS Scholar?
The POWIS programme allows me to pursue my scientific interests in the field of dermatology and supports the introduction of fundamental academic insights into practical environments. An activity, which in my humble opinion, is of significant importance to society and the justification for science in general.
Something about you we would never be able to guess!
I hold a private pilot licence.
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TWI Technology Centre (Wales)
Skills, experience and background:
I graduated in Mechanical engineering in 2005 from Anna University, India. My expertise has been in the design & optimization of materials. My M.Phil in Materials engineering at Swansea University dealt with characterization of advanced magnesium alloys used in automotive & aerospace industries at a microstructural level.
Company you are placed with and their activities:
I am currently placed with TWI Technology Centre (Wales), a centre of excellence pioneering non-destructive testing (NDT), which provides inspection services, development of equipment & techniques, technology transfer, validation, research and training. TWI has a huge client base including Airbus, Boeing, BAE systems, Corus, GE and Rolls Royce.
Describe the R&D project you are undertaking:
The project deals with the development of an innovative non-contact technology to address challenges faced by NDT and associated predictive failure mechanisms. For my PhD, Infrared Thermography has been identified as a potential technology to address the problems faced by new emerging complex composite materials. Through my research, I will be investigating problems such as kissing bonds and delamination issues of composite materials using Thermography. As part of the project, I will also gain technical certification as a Thermographic Inspector and will be assisting in developing the Thermographic Inspection training course with TWI.
Why you wanted to be a POWIS Scholar?
My passion has always been in developing a unique, innovative, state-of-art technology that could address the complex technological problems of the modern day world. The prestige, collaboration with industries and top class researchers offered by POWIS made me apply for the scholarship to establish myself as a highly innovative engineer.
Something about you we would never be able to guess!
I come from Hyderabad, a city with a unique multi-cultural society, which boasts its food, customs and celebrations that have survived through generations. I enjoy travelling and meeting people from different cultures. I am a food lover and cook traditional Indian food.
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Llechwedd Slate Mines
Skills, experience and background:
I have completed a B.A. Hons, and M.Sc. Econ at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth prior to enrolling on the POWIS project at the University of Wales. I write and speak Greek, Macedonian, Serbo-Croat, and Bulgarian, fluently. I was employed by RBS Group as a Financial Adviser for almost two years. Apart from that I have assisted my supervisors by holding tutorials related to economics and I was assistant warden in Pantycelyn Hall of residence at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. I started my education as a mature student by attending a foundation course at Coleg Harlech.
Company you are placed with and their activities:
My R&D project is supported by a consortium of 5 companies with Llechwedd Slate Mines, Blaenau Ffestiniog, as the leading company. Llechwedd Slate Mines have been worked by the same company for over 150 years. The traditional industry has been based on mining, quarrying and splitting Ordovician Rock to form roofing slate. Produced individually by hand in over 25 different sizes, Welsh slate is regarded as one of the best roofing materials in the world, and indeed has roofed buildings all over the world. Its production brought the slate-mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog into being.
Describe the R&D project you are undertaking:
My R&D project is focused on fostering regional competitiveness through partnership, growth and profitability, along with improving the global competitiveness of the Welsh slate industry. It addresses the problems of low labour productivity, high public sector reliance and the shortage of infrastructure investment in North Wales. The research will promote diversification and sustainable development in the slate industry focused on maximising the economic, social and environmental benefits of using secondary aggregate. These are important ambitions in a region desperate for new opportunities, and could bring about the re-industrialisation of the town.
Why you wanted to be a POWIS Scholar?
I wanted to be part of the POWIS scholarship as I think that the project which has been approved addresses weaknesses in the Welsh economy and in Western economies in general. I think that POWIS is a practical and exciting link between higher education and business and I feel honoured to be one of the first pioneers of the POWIS project.
Something about you we would never be able to guess!
I speak the Welsh language.
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Cell Therapy Ltd.
Skills, experience and background:
I have a Degree in Business Administration from Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany, specializing in applied microeconomics, management and economic geography. I also gained further skills in the financial field by working for a bank in Frankfurt for three and half years.
Company you are placed with and their activities:
Cell therapy LTD is a biotechnology company developing stem cell therapeutics to improve human health.
Describe the R&D project you are undertaking:
Investigating and developing an innovative business model for novel therapeutics. The research work will investigate innovation strategies, with a special emphasis on identifying the key components for medical products and therapeutics fields. The innovation processes, starting from idea conception through to the point of product launch will be developed. Results and genuine case studies will be used to develop an innovative business model for emerging technologies in the medical field, especially for personalized stem cell therapy.
Why you wanted to be a POWIS Scholar?
The concept of POWIS is unique and one of the best post-graduate programs in the world. The combination of working in an innovative company and the supervision of experienced researchers at the University of Wales guarantee optimal conditions for successful PhD studies. Writing a PhD in a foreign language and the experience to live and study in the UK were additional reasons which led me to apply for this programme.
Something about you we would never be able to guess!
I’m a sport fanatic. I have played field hockey for nearly my whole life but I’m also interested in many different kind of sports – playing and watching. Additionally, I have coached young hockey players in Germany for many years.
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