Brian Mohr, USA
Brian first came to Scotland four years ago. He chose to settle in Edinburgh where he now lives with his fiancé and works for Toshiba. He hopes to gain permanent residence in the next year.
What brought you to Scotland?
I’m originally from Colorado. Before moving to Scotland, I lived in Chicago for two years while I was completing my PhD. in Particle Physics from the University of California in Los Angeles at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. I met my fiancé, who was also a PhD. student at the time and is from London, at the lab. We originally wanted to move to London, but a week-long visit to Edinburgh convinced us to move to Scotland.
Tell us about your role at Toshiba?
Toshiba, or more specifically Toshiba Medical Visualization Systems Europe, Ltd., is Toshiba's European R&D centre related to medical imaging software for the health care industry. My official title is Scientist. Within the much larger R&D division, my team of about 10 people specifically develop algorithms related to medical image analysis. Examples include identification and segmentation of the heart and coronary vessels. The technology is used by clinicians when assessing the results of 3D CT or MR scanners.
How are you finding life in Edinburgh?
Coming from America, the land of strip malls, it’s really refreshing to live in a city like Edinburgh and be surrounded by such stunning architecture.
My office is based in Leith. It only takes me 20 – 30 minutes to walk to work and I love the fact that I don’t have to drive everywhere to get around.
I’ve started taking Lau Gar Kung Fu lessons through the Scottish Academy of Chinese Martial Arts and it’s a great way to relax. I’ve just gotten my motorcycle licence and I’m in the middle of planning a big trip along the west coast.
What are your plans for the future?
I came to Scotland under the Tier 1 points-based visa system, previously known as the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP).
After two years I was able to reapply to stay a further three years, and after five, I will be able to apply for permanent residency.
My fiancé and I are very much settled in Edinburgh and definitely plan to stay here for the time being. The quality of life here is unbeatable, everything is so close by and there are so many professional opportunities.
Can you offer any advice to anyone thinking of moving to Scotland?
Come and do it!
The difference in culture between America and Scotland is far greater than I expected. I find myself very happy here and have made some close friends.