Hello and welcome to my UCL Reflect Blog. I intend to use this space to document and share some of my learning experiences.

I am a final year student on UCL Chemistry’s MSci programme. I would describe myself as curious and motivated with a keen interest in communication and application of science. My current plans after graduating in 2023 are to take a year off to work, travel (return to Japan and conduct conservation work in Madagascar), and apply for a PhD.

Having grown up in London I’ve been fortunate enough to have access to a wealth of museums, galleries and events. As a child I regularly used my Royal Institution Youth Membership and particularly enjoyed the annual Christmas Lectures. “Size Matters” lecture series presented by Prof Miodownik was the first time my interest shifted from life sciences to the physical sciences. In 2014 I was awarded the Dora Richardson Science Scholarship, in part for my commitment to science and my microscopy imaging. I left school in 2017 having been awarded the Anisha Dixit prize for Physics.

At UCL I have enjoyed attending department seminars, Chemical Physical Society talks (and Christmas quiz), and participating in UCL Student Union activities. In 2020 I was elected as UCL Art Society’s President and continued to serve in this role for a second year after being re-elected in 2021. Although challenging, this has been one of the highlights of my degree. It has tested my leadership and decision making skills under the ever changing landscape of a pandemic and its aftermath. I am particularly interested in the relationship between science and art and enjoy working on multidisciplinary projects, as I did during my work with the Bloomsbury Festival.

I currently hold student memberships to the Institute of Making, Royal Society of Chemistry, the Society of Chemical Industry, the Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Society of Dyers and Colourists. Taking full advantage of my student status, I try to attend as many conferences and academic events as I can!