I am a third year MSci student at the University of Birmingham (UoB) going into my final year of study in September 2020. I have yet to choose my Masters project but I am particularly interested in the areas of organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry as well as chemistry outreach/science communication.

I grew up in Bristol and moved to Dudley in 2012 with family. After successfully redoing my A-levels I was offered a place at UoB on the Chemistry Foundation Year, which I passed top of my class. During my third year of study I undertook three research projects in different cutting edge areas of chemistry; Investigating the luminescent properties of lanthanide complexes under Dr. Robert Laverick, the design, synthesis and evaluation of antimicrobial polymers under Prof. Rachel O’Reilly and designing a LEGO-based spectrometer under Prof. Tim Albrecht.

All of these projects, despite being completely different in topic, were thoroughly enjoyable and helped me to realise the passion I had for lab work and hands-on research. I would love to either continue doing research into new areas of chemistry, making a real difference, or go into some form of science communication to bring the enthusiasm and wonder that chemistry brings to not only the general population but also to the next generation of chemists.

I have two young daughters, who constantly remind me how smart children actually are, and they keep my colouring skills sharp! In my free time I can be found baking, doing origami (which really helps for fluting filter paper!), rock climbing or playing music with some of my course mates.

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