Mike Leahy left school by 'mutual agreement' whilst studying for his A levels and began an apprenticeship as a motor mechanic. Mike was an active member of the environmental movement during the late 80s and early 90s and whilst still a mechanic he studied for a Biology A level at night school.

At the age of 26, armed with a single A-level, he left mechanics to study for a degree in Environmental Biology at Oxford Brookes University and gained a First Class Honours degree within two years. Mike moved on to Oxford University to study for a DPhil in Virology. He was awarded his doctorate 2½ years later. With 14 publications in international journals he is now considered a leader in the field of influenza virus replication.

This is Mike's third Rough Science project. See how Mike got on in his challenges by reading his diaries:

Gold Rush

Shakers

Quakers

Ice

Treasure Hunt

The Big Smelt