In the hot seat this time is Peter Oates, Research Lead at Science Warehouse and software intelligence expert.

1)    What is your current position?

Research Lead.

2)    Where did you study?

I studied at Queen Mary, University of London, completing a BEng in Aerospace Engineering. I’m currently studying part time, taking an MSc in Software Development with the Open University.

3)    What are you currently working on?

I currently oversee our research activities; we have a great team of four researching some new technologies. My focus is on search at present, adding new features and making it as fast and intelligent as possible. Intelligence in software is something I love to work on, we’ve spent some time looking at how we can categorise the 7million+ products we store, which should result in a catalogue that’s easier to use and manage. We’re also in the middle of a large re-engineering project to update some core parts of the system. Lots of exciting things happening which should start to trickle into our live system soon!

4)    What do you like about working for Science Warehouse?

The freedom to do good work and work with great people. I’ve always tried to create cutting edge technology and with Science Warehouse I’ve always had the support to do that.

5)    What do you like to do in your spare time?

Most of my spare time at the moment is spent studying for my MSc, when I’m not chained to my desk I do enjoy getting out into the countryside, climbing mountains and having a nice meal in a warm friendly pub afterwards.

6)    What is your favourite car and why?

Google’s robotic car is pretty awesome; it’s the kind of project that makes me think I’m living in the future. I’d love to get to my destination without all the hassle and stress involved in driving. I’m excited about a future in which roads just work and robots whisk us to our destinations in relaxing comfort.

7)    What is on your iPod at the moment?

I tend to listen to internet radio rather than store music on my phone, anything with a bit of bass and a fast beat is good. I'm not sure others would agree with the musical merits of the 'noise' but I find continuous beats help me focus and often have my headphones plugged in at work.

8)    The Olympics starts soon, what will you be watching?

I’m pretty interested in seeing Oscar Pistorius the double amputee South African runner. It’s fantastic that technology can help people be their best.

9)    iPhone or Android?

iPhone, I’m a bit of an Apple addict. I love the open source hacker nature of Android but for a phone I need something that just works and it’s true that iPhones just seem to work.

10)    What are your plans for the British summer?

The summer so far has been non-existent, but I’m terrible at planning ahead when it comes to holidays. So far the idea is to pack a tent and fly with my girlfriend to Sardinia, spend a long week snorkelling and relaxing.