Interviews
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Prof. Sharon AshbrookProfessor since 2017, Currently Deputy Head of SchoolResearch area: NMR Spectroscopy
(a) Tell us about your academic journey and when did you decide you want to go for higher studies in chemistry?
I always wanted to be a primary school teacher. I was encouraged by my Mum to do A Levels/University before deciding on a job. My favourite subject was Geography and my best subject was Maths, but for some reason that I still can’t really remember I decided on trying to apply for Chemistry at University. I went to Oxford for my undergraduate degree (I was encouraged by the school to apply despite the worry from my family that I wouldn’t fit in). I enjoyed my degree but applied for primary school teaching training towards the end of the course. I did really enjoy my final year UG project in NMR spectroscopy and was asked by my supervisor whether I wanted to stay on for a DPhil. I had never thought about this before this point, and it wasn’t something I thought that people like me (from an average family in Liverpool) did, but as I had enjoyed the research, I thought I would enjoy the DPhil and so carried on in Oxford. I applied once again for a teacher training course as I came to the end of the DPhil, but my supervisor wrote a grant with me as named researcher and I decided a few more years of research as a postdoc would be good. At the end of this I applied for both a teacher training course (in Chemistry rather than primary school teaching) and a Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship (with encouragement from my supervisor). I decided that whether I got the fellowship or not would be the deciding factor in the career I pursued. I got the fellowship, which I held at the University of Cambridge in the Earth Sciences department, which I found very different working in a Chemistry department. I was encouraged to apply for an advertised RCUK fellowship in St Andrews, and moved here in 2005 to start my own group. I was promoted to Reader in 2008 and Professor in 2013. In 2016 I was elected FRSE and in 2022 became Deputy Head of Department.
(b) What type of research you do?
My group use solid-state NMR spectroscopy to look at local structure, disorder and chemical reactivity in inorganic materials. My DPhil work had focussed more on theory of NMR, and the development of new experimental methods, but my experience in Earth Sciences in Cambridge helped to develop my interest in more materials-based research, and particularly in how NMR spectroscopy could be used to help understand disorder. In recent years, we have combined NMR experiments with computation (in an approach often termed NMR crystallography) and shown how we can use a variety of computational approaches to help assign and interpret complex NMR spectra in order to extract detailed information on the atomic scale structure. Most recently, we have looked at porous solids (zeolites and MOFs), deep Earth minerals (to see where water is stored in the inner layers of the Earth), ceramics for radioactive waste encapsulation and some biomaterials.
A lot of the work we do is in collaboration with other Chemists, Engineers and Earth Scientists. People bring us problems to solve and we work out how to develop and implement the NMR experiments that can help. However, for the work we do ourselves we combine some synthesis with NMR experiments and finally computation. We have a specific interest in 17O NMR and the low natural abundance of this isotope (0.037%) means we have to develop new approaches to synthesis and isotopic enrichment, owing to the very high cost of enriched reagents (e.g, 1 mL of 17O-enriched water costs ~£2000).
(c) What inspires you at the workplace?
I think there are probably two things that have led me towards this career. One is an inherent curiosity. I don’t like not understanding things and not knowing why something happens, and so have always been happy to do more experiments or try more simulations to work out what is going on. Apparently, I drove my parents mad as a child, not just asking “What is that?” (which they were prepared for) but “And why is it there?” (which I am told wasn’t always as easy to answer).
I also enjoy teaching (perhaps reflecting my earlier desire to be a primary school teacher) and I like being able to help students understand something, or being able to explain something they are struggling with. Being able to balance research and teaching in my job is therefore great.
The bit I like least is probably the admin - and I do a lot of that nowadays! Although sitting on panels for interviews, fellowships, grants or sitting on committees and in University meetings can be interesting in many ways, research and teaching are much more enjoyable!
More generally, I have also been inspired by some of my colleagues in the School and University. There are some that I feel it would be great to try and emulate, and I hope to be able to use their advice and encouragement to improve all aspects of my work.
(d) What message you would like to give to younger women considering studying or a career in chemistry?
I think perhaps I would have two messages. Over the years a lot of people have assumed I wouldn’t or couldn’t do something because of where I grew up or because I am female. It is really important for everyone to believe they can take any path or route they want and that they shouldn’t be restricted in any way by what others think. Although I do think the tutor that told me I would make a good “theoretical” organic chemist maybe had a point about some of my practical skills.
However, personally I also think that it is important to do what you enjoy. People often talk about planning jobs and careers, and this is really hard - things don’t always work out how you wanted or how you thought they would and many things are outside your control. You are more likely to be enthusiastic, to do well and succeed if you like what you are doing, if you are interested in pushing things forward rather than doing things because you are told to. I clearly wasn’t great at planning given my original ambitions to be a primary school teacher, but I took positions and opportunities doing things I enjoyed, was good at, but also felt challenged by.
(e) If you could have dinner with three inspirational women (dead or alive), who would they be?
This is a tricky one. It’s difficult to decide whether to go for more famous people or people that perhaps have had a more direct influence on your life. My niece Eloise, who is 9, told me she has a whole list (which apparently includes Emmeline Pankhurst, Amelia Earhart, Josephine Baker, Rosa Parkes and Granny).
But I think I would go for Dorothy Hodgkin - I had a Royal Society fellowship named after her when I was at Cambridge and so was interested in learning more about her. She was working in a very different age, but achieved amazing things winning the Nobel Prize in 1969. As a diabetic, I was also really interested she determined the structure of insulin which of course has had a massive effect on my day to day life and the treatments for this condition.
My second choice would be Michelle Obama. I have long been an admirer of hers and of the advocate roles she has for women, particularly in education and in health, and for a range of minority groups. I would love to ask her about her experiences growing up, how she overcame the challenges she faced and what drives the work that she does.
I found the last one most difficult to decide on (as I thought I would include someone I know and have a chance of actually going to dinner with…). After some deliberation I decided on Lesley Yellowlees. Lesley is an inorganic chemist who has had a very successful research career, has been Head of School in Edinburgh Chemistry and was the first female president of the RSC (in 2012, shockingly after 175 years). Lesley is an amazing person - so supportive of women and of early career researchers, and I think dinner would be a lot of fun given her personality. I would love to hear her view of her career and of what she thinks I, and others, could be doing to help support women in Chemistry in the UK.
**************************Interview by Dr. Amit Kumar********************************
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Chuxin Yue2015-2019 - BSc in Materials Chemistry, China University of Geosciences (Beijing)2019-2020 - Masters in Materials chemistry, University of Edinburgh2021-present - PhD student in the research group of Dr Rob Armstrong, University of St Andrews
(a) Tell us about your academic journey and when did you decide you want to go for higher studies in chemistry.
I was not good at chemistry from the start. However, my middle school teacher assigned me the job of being the chemistry representative of the class. Being encouraged by the behavior of my teacher, I developed a huge interest in chemistry and decided to pursue a degree in chemistry.
I did my undergraduate (materials chemistry) at the China University of Geoscience and was involved in several projects with my supervisors. I was not interested in the projects that I participated but I enjoy the idea of making materials and trying to explain its performance by characterizing it. I did my master's at the University of Edinburgh during the pandemic during which I developed a huge interest in energy storage-related areas. However, I didn’t have too many chances to work in the lab at that time. I think that is why I decided to do a Ph.D. I am doing a Ph.D. under the supervision of Dr. Robert Armstrong and am found by the China scholarship council.
(b) What type of research you do?
I am working on positive electrode materials that are suitable for large-scale and low-cost sodium ion batteries. The materials that I work on are called layered transition metal oxides. This type of material suffers from phase transition upon cycling, which is not good for the cycling life of batteries. My project is about putting Ca in the Na layer and hoping this could stop the phase transition of the oxides. There are already some good results coming out!
(c) What inspires you at the workplace?
I am inspired most by my interest in my work. I am an interest-driven person. When it comes to doing the work where my interest lies, I feel motivated and enjoy it. Most people in the world wake up every morning and have to persuade themselves to face the job that they don’t like. In this regard, I am lucky.
I am also inspired by the people around me. I am working with a group of lovely people. They are my supervisor, the postdoc in our group, and My Ph.D. peers. They are very knowledgeable yet humble. They are patient with me whenever I needed help. I have learned a lot from them, through the discussion that we had.
(d) What message you would like to give to younger women considering studying or a career in chemistry?
I think it is important to figure out what you like and enjoy. I only knew that I am interested in energy storage-related fields after I tried three different projects during my undergraduate. So, keep trying until you find the one that you really like.
Always have the courage to try something that you have never done before and don’t fear the idea of failure. For a while after my master's degree, I felt very lost. I wanted to continue my doctorate, but I was not sure if I can apply for a doctorate position with funding. I doubted myself. I thought my GPA was not good enough and I didn’t have enough research experience. All these concerns disappeared when I decided not to care about the result and just give it a try. The worst scenario is that you don't get what you want, but so what. At least you did your best, and you won't look back on this period of your life in the future and say, 'If I did that, would it have turned out differently'.
(e) If you could have dinner with three inspirational women (dead or alive), who would they be?
Sorry, I can only think of one at the moment. If I could, I would like to have dinner with Eileen Feng Gu. She is the youngest Olympic champion in freestyle skiing. At the same time, she is also a model and a college student! I am fascinated by the fact that she can do so many things at the same time and has managed to do them very well! I think she inspired me to go to the gym to some extent. So, Eileen, if you see this interview, get in touch!
******************Interview by Dr. Amit Kumar***********************
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Dr. Tanja von mourickReader since 2014
(a) Tell us about your academic journey and when did you decide you want to go for higher studies in chemistry.
My decision to study chemistry was actually a negative choice. I wanted to study one of the sciences. I liked physics as a subject, but at the time when I went to university (late 1980s/early 1990s), physics was very male-dominated, and I did not fancy being the only girl in class. I also liked mathematics but could not see a career in that. I did not want to study biology, because I did not like the dissection aspects (cutting up cows’ hearts and eyes was something we had to do at secondary school). So that left chemistry…. I did not overly enjoy the first two years of the course, because I did not like the extensive laboratory classes, and was considering leaving chemistry to study another subject. But then I discovered aspects of chemistry I did thoroughly enjoy. This shows that negative choices can lead to fulfilling careers.
(b) What type of research you do?
My research is computational (see above my dislike for laboratory classes…). I apply quantum chemical methods to calculate properties of molecules and materials.
(c) What inspires you at the workplace?
As a computational chemist, there is always something new to learn, whether it is exploring emerging computational techniques, staying up to date with advancements in my research area, or developing new skills. Obtaining and analysing new results obtained from calculations can also be very exciting. In addition, working with diverse colleagues, each bringing their unique perspectives and expertise, is inspiring.
(d) What message you would like to give to younger women considering studying or a career in chemistry?
Believe in yourself and your abilities. Remember that your voice matters. As a woman in chemistry, you bring a unique perspective and insight to the field.
(e) If you could have dinner with three inspirational women (dead or alive), who would they be?
Ada Lovelace, an English mathematician and writer. She is considered the world's first computer programmer and had a visionary understanding of the potential of computing machines. Her passion for mathematics and her foresight in the realm of computer science make her an intriguing choice for a dinner conversation.
Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. Despite facing threats from the Taliban for advocating girls' education, and actually being shot in the face, she persisted in her activism and became a global symbol of courage and determination. Malala's relentless pursuit of education equality and her commitment to empowering girls worldwide make her an incredibly inspiring figure.
Miss van der Putte. She was my teacher at kindergarten. She noticed I really enjoyed learning, and encouraged me to learn to read, write, read the clock, etc., ahead of most other children. She inspired me to always a keep on learning. It would be great to meet up with her over dinner and chat about our lives since I went to primary school.
***********************Interview by Dr. Amit Kumar****************************
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Soneni Ndlovu2016-2020 - MChem, University of Sheffield2020-present - PhD student in the research groups of Prof. Paul Wright and Prof. Matt Clarke
(a) Tell us about your academic journey and when did you decide you want to go for higher studies in chemistry?
I studied MChem Chemistry with Study in Industry at the University of Sheffield. It was during my 3rd year when I went out to industry. I spent a year at Scott Bader, a small polymer chemistry company and I enjoyed my research so much that I knew it was what I wanted to pursue. Additionally, when I got back for my final year of study, I spent my research year researching on the Lithiation trapping and kinetic resolution of aryl dihydroquinolines. This sealed my fate of wanting to go for a PhD.
(b) What type of research you do?
I am researching the use of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) as multifunctional catalysts in organic reactions. My research is quite interesting as it encapsulates heterogenous catalysis including characterisation, fine chemical catalysis, mechanism, a bit of ligand design and synthesis, kinetic studies and organic methodology. So, I get to do some materials chemistry by making my MOFs, exchange some ligands with functionalised ones which will then incorporate organometallic complexes to make a multifunctional catalyst. The catalysts obtained will then be used in different one pot organic transformations.
(c) What inspires you at the workplace?
Exchanging ideas with other researchers although our research areas are different. Additionally, knowing that I am making a contribution to science is a source of inspiration.
(d) What message you would like to give to younger women considering studying or a career in chemistry?
Chemistry is exciting and evolving all the time and with so much work going into environmentally friendly ways of working, the younger generation is very pivotal in bringing about the change we all are working towards. There are a few women in STEM subjects and Chemistry is an exciting field to be in as a woman.
(e) If you could have dinner with three inspirational women (dead or alive), who would they be?
- My mother was the strongest most extraordinary woman I know who did so much not only for her children but the whole community. She had to overcome a lot of obstacles and I am where I am today because of the dreams she had for my life.
- Oprah Winfrey went through a difficult upbringing but rose about the status quo to become an inspiration and she always advocates for women and children.
- Marie Curie inspires me as the first woman to receive a Nobel prize. She was also the first person to do it twice and the only person to do it in two scientific fields.
*****************Interview by Dr. Amit Kumar*************************
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Dr. Romy Ettlinger (Postdoctoral Research Fellow)
PhD, 2017-2020, Chair of Solid State and Materials Chemistry, Institute of Physics, University of Augsburg, Germany
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Since 2021, School of Chemistry, University of St. Andrews, Research Group of Prof. Russell Morris
Website: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7063-9908
(a) Tell us about your academic journey and when did you decide you want to go for higher studies in chemistry.
From earliest childhood I was extremely curious and, as Goethe´s Faust, wanted to understand ‘what holds the world together at its innermost’. So, I kept asking many, many (probably annoying) questions, but luckily both my parents are teachers and usually answered patiently. But my inherent desire to learn more wasn’t limited to sciences, I also always loved to learn other languages – because language to me is the key to get a deeper insight and understand other cultures better. Eager for more scientific knowledge, I switched my main focus from languages to natural sciences after school. Chemistry, physics and math – really appealed to me and so I was very delighted for the interdisciplinary course of studies 'Materials science'. After my M.Sc. I realized that there are still way too many open questions and that I definitely want to stay in academia. During my PhD I then specialized on Chemistry because I love to make new materials and see what they can do, especially in the field of nanomedicine where novel approaches/drug delivery systems are urgently needed for the treatment of, for instance, cancer.
(b) What type of research you do?
Currently, I am working as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the group of Prof Russell E Morris and our group covers a very broad range of interesting and very diverse chemistry, ranging from the preparation and characterization of battery materials, zeolites, inorganic-organic hybrid materials and material composites to the translation of successful benchtop results towards industry. Therefore, I have the great opportunity to be involved in many different and exciting cutting-edge projects.
My main project is the preparation of smart face masks that can actively capture and deactivate viruses, such as SARS-COV-2. To do that I investigate how to best grow a class of porous material called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) onto cotton fabrics. MOFs are chemically rich material class that combine inorganic and organic building units in their frameworks. This facilitates countless combinations of different building units and in addition to this these can be further decorated with functional moieties – it’s and enormous playground for a material chemist! So, with a clever material choice the prepared face masks can actively protect us (in the almost inevitable case of another pandemic in the future).
(c) What inspires you at the workplace?
I like the fact the School of Chemistry is really diverse and that discussions with people beyond the scope of your own research are strongly encouraged and fostered by many invited talks and events. It’s a very open-minded atmosphere and you can always be sure that there will be someone who can help you if you’re stuck with your project or have a very specific research idea – just like in my case: I am extremely lucky that I could find a collaboration partner who works with the actual SARS-COV-2 virus ‘just next door’ at the University of St Andrews. :)
(d) What message you would like to give to younger women considering studying or a career in chemistry?
Chemistry is everywhere and an essential part of our lives. Mother Earth does a great job and maybe we will never be able to fully mimic the natural processes, but we can at least try. Being in the field of chemistry helps me to understand how and why the world around me is the way it is. Moreover, if you get involved you can have an impact on how the world is (or isn’t) changing.
It can also be incredibly rewarding to see the result of a successful synthesis, such as finding a really good-looking large single crystal or the solution to a research question that has been bothering you for a while. Maybe one day we'll create something that hasn't existed before - isn't that exciting?
For me, studying natural sciences has helped me feel like I belong: I've found like-minded people who have similar interests and ask similar questions, I've been able to answer many of my unanswered questions (but of course I had to realise that there are still so many questions!), and I've found my passion for life, which I am still passionate about every day! :)
So, my message to all young researchers is: please, just keep asking questions, don't be shy and don't think that someone might think you are not smart.... after all, nobody knows everything and after asking a question, you definitely know one more thing! ;)
(e) If you could have dinner with three inspirational women (dead or alive), who would they be?
Choosing only three women is a very difficult decision!
Well, being a curious scientist who doesn’t like to be told what she can and can’t do, I would clearly love to have dinner with Marie Curie. She not only did pioneer research on radioactivity, but she also developed a mobile X-ray vehicle to help wounded soldiers in World War I. It is extremely inspirational how she followed her passion and came up with such incredible ideas and findings – and of course I'm a big fan of the facts that 1) the Nobel Committee changed its original decision on the 1903 Nobel Prize in Physics to include her (making her the first woman to be awarded a Nobel Prize) and 2) that she also won the 1911 Nobel Prize in Chemistry (making her the first person to win or share two Nobel Prizes).
Ever since I can remember, I have been fascinated by the moon and wondered how to get there and what it is like. So, the second women I’d like to join us for dinner, would be one of the ‘Hidden Figures’ whose biographies are explored in the nonfiction book ‘Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Who Helped Win the Space Race’. I am absolutely fascinated by what these women have accomplished - under quite difficult circumstances - and thus made it possible for a human being to walk on the moon. I would really like to know what it was like to work on this project, how against all odds they always found enough strength to keep performing their talent, and how it must have felt to know that all their hard work paid off in the end!
Last but not least, I would like to invite Julia Agrippina (6 November AD 15 - 23 March AD 59). Coming from Augsburg, a city founded by the Romans, I always wanted to know more and more about the Romans. I love studying Latin and visiting ancient sites in Italy – so Agrippina, as one of the most prominent women of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, would definitely have fantastic stories to tell about what the Romans were really like and how she acted as a behind-the-scenes advisor in the affairs of the Roman state.
******************Interview by Dr. Amit Kumar***********************
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Emma Borthwick (PhD student)
MChem, 2015-2020, School of Chemistry, University of St. Andrews
Currently a PhD student in the research group of Prof. Sharon Ashbrook (School of Chemistry, University of St. Andrews)
(a) Tell us about your academic journey and when did you decide you want to go for higher studies in chemistry.
I always loved studying chemistry in high school, and it seemed the obvious choice for me at university – nothing else really got a look in if I’m honest. I started at St Andrews in 2015 and in the fourth year of my degree I worked in industry for a year which was a great insight into the pharmaceutical field. I then returned to St Andrews for my fifth and final year to complete my MChem, I was placed in the Ashbrook group for my master project. I loved my time in the group and as I was approaching the end of my project, I was offered a PhD to continue my work and was delighted to accept.
(b) What type of research you do?
My research focuses in using solid-state NMR spectroscopy to understand disorder and behaviour of various porous materials. I spent my Masters year focusing on mixed-metal metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and then during my PhD I have diversified into looking at silicoaluminophosphates (SAPOs) and zeolites. All of these frameworks contain oxygen sites in important positions that would tell us lots about their composition and so a large part of my research involves the exploitation of 17O-enrichment to allow time and cost effective 17O NMR spectroscopy to be carried out.
(c) What inspires you at the workplace?
I really feel inspired when get to hear about other people’s work and see their passion come through. I also really enjoy when I can get involved with problem solving with colleagues and bounce ideas off each other.
(d) What message you would like to give to younger women considering studying or a career in chemistry?
I think the most important thing is you find joy and excitement in the path you are choosing, and you have self-belief that you deserve to be in this space. As you move through your studies and career you will come across challenges, and I think if you have a core belief in yourself and good people around you will be able to overcome anything.
(e) If you could have dinner with three inspirational women (dead or alive), who would they be?
It’s a difficult to choose; there are the obvious choices of inspirational women in the sciences, like Ada Lovelace, Rosalind Franklin and Maria Skłodowska-Curie. I would love to meet all these women of course but I have gone for three choices of women who inspire me in other areas.
First, Virginia Hall, who was an American woman who worked for the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II. She was the first female agent to land in France in 1941. She organised spy networks, ran safehouses, and delivered important intelligence to the British government. All this is incredible impressive for the sheer determination and heroism, but she also had lost a leg earlier in her life whilst working for the U.S. Embassy in Turkey. The Gestapo referred to her as ‘The Limping Lady’. Her ability to adapt and not let anything hold her back I find very inspiring.
Secondly, Jess Phillips MP, who is a member of parliament for the Labour Party representing Birmingham Yardley. I have long admired Jess’s strong-willed nature and determination in to shine a light on often overlooked topics. She regularly is the victim of vile online abuse and has not let it hold her back from advocating for what she believes in. I remember watching her speak with such conviction after the murder of Sarah Everard and every year on International Women’s Day she reads the name of every women in the UK who has been killed by a man in the last 12 months. These are heavy themes, I am aware, but the work Jess does across many topics I truly believe will help take steps towards equality and ending violence against women and minorities. Jess also works towards making politics open to everyone no matter their background. She also has an excellent episode on the Off Menu podcast and seems like she would be very fun at a dinner party.
Finally, Billie Jean King, who is a pioneer in the world of not only tennis but women’s sport. She has won 39 major titles in her career, as well as being on the winning team for seven Federation Cups and nine Wightman Cups. She faced conflict with the tennis worlds attitude to women from a young age when she was told she couldn’t be in a group photo of a tournament as she was wearing tennis shorts and not a tennis dress. King famously defeated Bobby Riggs in the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ exhibition game which was watched by 50 million people in the US and 90 million in 37 countries world-wide. It is seen as a defining moment in the progression of women’s tennis. After her retirement she has continued to advocate for both women’s and LGBTQ+ rights.
These are three incredible women and I would recommend the following if you want to find out more:
‘A Women of No Importance: The Untold Story of Virginia Hall’ by Sonia Purnell
‘Everywoman, One Woman's Truth About Speaking the Truth’ by Jess Phillips
‘All In’ by Billie Jean King
*********************Interview by Dr. Amit Kumar *******************************
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Prof. Alexandra Slawin
Professor (School of Chemistry, University of St. Andrews): 2002-2022, Currently an
Emeritus Professor
Research Interest: X-ray Crystallography
Website: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/chemistry/people/amzs/
(a) Tell us about your academic journey and when did you decide you want to go for higher studies in chemistry.
Never really decided… I was great at everything at School – except Art……liked my chemistry teacher when I was 16 and as she was really strict so most girls in my all girls grammar school hated her but didn’t mess about so I could get on learning – so picking chemistry at A level meant maths and physics…did that…had to pick uni subject- went to my chemistry teacher – I’d baby sat for her, did card lesson after school with her – she said ‘I’d try Imperial if I were you’. Went there, stayed there till I was 28, when I was married with 3 kids. Husband moved jobs so I thought I’d better start trying for a proper job rather than my eternal search for contracts, so got 1 at the same place, stayed there 5 years then we both came to St Andrews, where eventually I became the first female Chemistry professor.
(b) What type of research you do?
I was an Xray crystallographer, now retired and intent on finding the best cakes, scones and coffee in a reasonable walking distance from my house.
(c) What inspired you at the workplace?
I always liked helping people and chatting – most of what I did professionally stemmed from that – I never really cared about a career, just liked doing what I liked doing and didn’t do what I didn’t like doing. In 1 sense I suppose you could say I wasn’t as successful as I could have been if I’d sought more external validation, but on the other hand I never gave a …well you can all fill in that bit yourselves…I retired still happy with I’d done and without having changed myself .
(d) What message you would like to give to younger women considering studying or a career in chemistry?
Do it if you want to, don’t do it if you think it will make people proud of you – you will have a long time working and you don’t want to waste your life being miserable doing something.
(e) If you could have dinner with three inspirational women (dead or alive), who would they be?
My mum – she emigrated to a strange country without speaking the language, married a man from another different country so the only language they had in common was English. I spent large amounts of my childhood being embarrassed by how different she was only to turn into her. I’d love to see her again.
Mrs Jean Peake – the afore mentioned chemistry teacher – not for making me like chemistry, but if I hadn’t made the choices I did I wouldn’t have the family I have – she was a really interesting woman.
Agatha Christie – love her books – she must have had a great mind.
******************Interview by Dr. Amit Kumar***********************
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Dr. Harpreet Kaur (Postdoctoral Research Fellow)
BSc: 2010-2013; Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
MSc (Chemistry): 2013-2015; Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
PhD: 2016-2022; School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi, India.
Research Fellow, Since Jan. 2023, School of Chemistry, University of St. Andrews, Research Group of Prof. Paul A Wright
(a) Tell us about your academic journey and when did you decide you want to go for higher studies in chemistry
I completed my undergraduate studies at Panjab University (Chandigarh, India), earning a Bachelor's degree in science. Throughout those three years, I developed a strong interest in Chemistry and made the decision to pursue advanced studies in this field. The captivating impact of Chemistry on our daily lives has always fascinated me, serving as a significant source of motivation for pursuing a PhD.
During my PhD, I worked on porous crystalline materials and their employment for wastewater treatment. I was quite enthralled by the unique properties of MOFs (metal-organic frameworks) where you can actually see the crystal structure of your prepared materials (MOFs) and can also utilize them for innumerable applications linked to environmental remediation. Thus, it made my interest to further extend my research work on these materials.
(b) What type of research you do?
I am currently employed as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Prof. Paul A Wright's Group. My research centers around the design and development of porous solids such as Metal-Organic Frameworks and Zeolites. My specific focus is on utilizing these materials for the direct air capture (capturing CO2 from the atmosphere). By incorporating different modifications into the framework of these porous materials, we aim to enhance their selectivity and overall efficiency in capturing CO2 directly from the air.
(c) What inspires you at the workplace?
Currently, we are confronted with significant global obstacles, specifically the issues of air and water pollution. This area has consistently motivated me, and it serves as my true inspiration. I aspire to make a meaningful contribution towards combating these global crises, with the ultimate goal of creating a better world for humanity.
(d) What message you would like to give to younger women considering studying or a career in chemistry?Strive to give your utmost effort and maintain control over shaping your own future. Education stands as the most formidable force to overcome any challenges you encounter in life. If you have a passion for studying chemistry, I highly recommend that the younger generation gain research exposure and continuously explore new avenues. Chemistry proves to be an incredibly captivating field, and embarking on a research journey will undoubtedly offer an enriching and enjoyable experience.
(e) If you could have dinner with three inspirational women (dead or alive), who would they be?
My grandmother: My late grandmother holds a special place in my heart. She has influenced my life in profound ways. Having dinner with her would provide an opportunity to relive my memories of her.
Marie Curie: Marie Curie was a pioneering scientist and the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. Her groundbreaking research on radioactivity not only earned her international acclaim but also paved the way for future generations of women in science. Having dinner with Marie Curie would allow me to learn about her scientific achievements, perseverance in the face of adversity, and the legacy she left behind.
Natalia B. Shustova: I would love to have dinner with Natalia B. Shustova. She is an Inorganic Chemist, working at the University of South Carolina. Her research journey and achievements have greatly impacted and influenced me. I would be honored to sit down with her, hear her insights, and learn from her experiences.
*********************Interview by Dr. Amit Kumar *******************************
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Megan Bryden (PhD student)
Biography: Megan was born and raised in County Durham, attending the University of Durham for her MChem. During her final year however, Megan took the opportunity to complete her Masters at the Universite Grenoble Alpes, where her project was focused on luminescent redox probes based on lanthanide complexes. Upon completion of this, Megan was accepted into the CRITICAT CDT, with her project centring on photocatalysis, under the supervision of Prof Eli Zysman-Colman at the University of St Andrews.
(a) Tell us about your academic journey and when did you decide you want to go for higher studies in chemistry.
As a local inhabitant to Durham, and from an area where progression to university is low, I was part of a scheme initiated by Durham University called supported progression. This scheme was designed to help local students attend Durham University, predominantly through developmental summer schools during Sixth Form. This was my first opportunity to experience university life, and particularly university style chemistry, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Following this, I attended Durham University, studying chemistry, and opted to do a year abroad during my final year, instead studying at the Universite Grenoble Alpes. During my time at Durham Uni, I completed two summer internships with different research groups, which gave me an insight into chemistry research. From this point, I knew I wanted to go for a PhD in chemistry, having had such a positive experience of research during my undergraduate degree.
(b) What type of research you do?
My research is focused on photocatalysis. This involves aspects such as photocatalyst design and reaction development, as well as understanding the intrinsic mechanistic routes that occur during successful photocatalysis. Given that photocatalysis is rapidly becoming a popular route for organic synthesis, it is imperative that we understand the way in which it works, as well as ensuring we have the optimal photocatalysts for these reactions.(c) What inspires you at the workplace?
I think being surrounded by like-minded people, all eager to conduct their research and solve their chemistry problems is what inspires me the most. Some days, well most days, research is hard, and it can feel like everything you do, doesn't seem to work. On the days when you have a "good chemistry day" i.e. when all of your chemistry works, this definitely encourages and inspires me but without being surrounded by your lab mates to help you through the other days, I definitely wouldn't be where I am now. I'm very grateful to be part of the EZ-C group and to work every day with such dedicated and kind people, I'm inspired by them.(d) What message you would like to give to younger women considering studying or a career in chemistry?
I would say if you're interested in chemistry then go for it. It's easier said than done, but don't let other people's opinions or your own self-doubts put you off doing what you want to do. Try to get as much experience as you can doing things like chemical industry, academic research, outreach etc to really get a feel for what is it that you like the most and pursue that. Find your role models and don't be afraid to contact other people for advice, you'd be surprised by how happy most people will be to help you. Finally, whatever you choose to do, it doesn't have to be forever, it's okay to change your mind.(e) If you could have dinner with three inspirational women (dead or alive), who would they be?
I think the first woman I would pick is Dr Jennifer Molloy. She was my Masters supervisor during my time at Grenoble and one of my first role models in academic chemistry. Her patience while supervising me is definitely something I try to replicate while teaching others.
My second choice would be Greta Thunberg. I think her work in tackling the problem of climate change is incredible. From such a young age, she has made a huge impact to improve the state of the world we live in, more so than many political leaders across the globe. Her influence is powerful and her attitude inspiring.Finally, I would choose Simone Biles. Aside from her sporting accomplishments (of which there are many), I find her inspiring for her advocation for mental health support. Her public acknowledgement of mental health difficulties has been instrumental in the switch of athletes moving from prioritizing their performance to their wellbeing. This is an important lesson that we should all learn from; our health is the most important thing we have and it should take precedence.
*****************Interview by Dr. Amit Kumar*************************
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Ruxandra Chitac (PhD Student)
Biography: Ruxy Chitac came from Romania in 2014 to study at University of St Andrews. In the summers of 2016 and 2017 she was an intern in an analytical chemistry lab in Edinburgh. She carried out research in zeolites in her 4th year (in the PAW group) and MOFs in her 5th year (in the Ashbrook group). After she graduated in 2019, she decided to continue her studies at St Andrews and started a PhD focused on zeolite synthesis, part-funded by Johnson Matthey. She is now in the final stages of her PhD and started working with Orbital Materials who aim to integrate AI in the process of materials' discovery.
(a) Tell us about your academic journey and when did you decide you want to go for higher studies in chemistry.
In school I participated in all sorts of science competitions as I found all aspects of science fascinating. Chemistry started standing out to me because of the hands-on labs so for quite a few years I thought that it might be the subject I would eventually pursue at university. Towards the end of high school, I was developing more of an interest towards Earth Science due to its interdisciplinary nature. It's actually the subject I came to study at St Andrews, which is a great place for Geology and field trips. However, I could choose to take modules in Chemistry as well. The lab experience here and the lecture material made me 'fall back in love' with Chemistry so I decided to change degrees to a masters in Chemistry. I thoroughly enjoyed any research project I was involved in and so I thought that a PhD was the best next step for me so I can get a fuller picture of what academia is like.
(b) What type of research you do?
My research focuses on the synthesis of zeolites, which are crystalline porous aluminosilicates. They are actually found in nature too, but with a limited number of structures. However, depending on the porosity, composition and structure of a zeolite, it can have different applications (adsorbent, catalyst, molecular sieve). My research has focused on finding tools we can use to design the zeolite synthesis for target applications. I also have a keen interest in computational chemistry and I am exploring how that can aid the synthetic process.
(c) What inspires you at the workplace?
My passion for interdisciplinarity has not gone away whatsoever so the pursuit of scientific discovery and all the wonderful work going on in all types of science motivate me to continue down this path. I like keeping up with the news in science in general, which is always a source for new ideas. Hearing about other people's journey into their fields or their perspective on a topic has been very empowering as well.
(d) What message you would like to give to younger women considering studying or a career in chemistry?
Be yourself, don't be afraid to ask questions or say you don't understand something. I think that is good advice for everyone, and equally difficult to implement. However, as a young woman I felt the pressure at times to repress some of those aspects simply because I was a woman.
More specifically to chemistry, remember that there are so many types of chemistry out there! I would say that anyone with a bit of a passion for any side of chemistry should give it a shot, keep an open mind and find their niche.
(e) If you could have dinner with three inspirational women (dead or alive), who would they be?
One of the women would be Edith Eger who talked about her life experience and in her book The Choice. She inspired me to be kinder to myself and others. Another woman would be Marie Curie as she was the model female scientist when I was growing up so it would be fascinating to learn more about what motivated her and what her thinking process was. Finally, I think I would have to pick my chemistry teacher from middle school as I loved the way she taught chemistry. I think she would love meeting the other two as well - it would be an amazing dinner!
*********************Interview by Dr. Amit Kumar *******************************
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Rochelle Ferns (PhD Student)
MSc. Chemistry (2004-2006): University of Mumbai , India
Masters of Philosophy, Chemistry (2006-2009): Madurai Kamaraj University, India
After a Master’s degree, Rochelle pursued a career in teaching before starting her PhD in Computational Chemistry at the School of Chemistry, University of St. Andrews in 2022.
Tell us about your academic journey and when did you decide you want to go for higher studies in chemistry
As an undergraduate student I was more inclined towards physics. I found magnetics and optics very captivating. However, I fell in love with stereochemistry in the second year of my undergrad degree and then there was no looking back. I completed my Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Mumbai in 2006 and then went on to join the teaching profession. I taught chemistry for 15 long years and enjoyed every bit of it. Somehow in the later years, I felt a kind of stagnancy creeping in and wanted to do something different but related to academics. That’s when I decided to have an adventure and joined for a Ph.D. at the University of St Andrews.
What type of research you do?
I use computational tools (Density Functional Theory and Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules) to study the structure, bonding, and reactivity of main group compounds. I am currently working on compounds of magnesium.
What inspires you at the workplace?
Well, I am the oldest student in my research group and most of my inspiration comes from self-motivation. Apart from that I have group mates who are like mobile encyclopaedias. It is really inspiring to see these young people so full of knowledge.
What message you would like to give to younger women considering studying or a career in chemistry?
Chemistry can be as exciting as you want it to be. With plenty of career options that a degree in chemistry offers, chemistry is a good field to be in.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women (dead or alive), who would they be?
Firstly, it would be my grandmother, who has played a vital role in my upbringing and shaping my personality. Helen Keller who was deaf and blind but went on to become a famous writer. And lastly, Lakshmi Bai also called Jhansi ki Rani, a courageous Indian warrior. Like these women, I aspire to be kind, hardworking and courageous.
*****************Interview by Dr. Amit Kumar*************************
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Dr. Danica Pinto (Lecturer)
MSc in Chemistry (2012): National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) Surathkal, Mangalore, India
PhD (2020): Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland
Associate Lecturer (2021-2023): School of Chemistry, University of St. Andrews
Lecturer (Since 2023): School of Chemistry, University of St. Andrews
Tell us about your academic journey and when did you decide you want to go for higher studies in chemistry.
I’ve been interested in basic sciences since my school days, but back then I couldn’t quite put my finger on which specific subject resonated with me the most. As the years rolled on, I was more fascinated by physics and just before I was about to choose my bachelor's course, I had a very insightful conversation with a physicist. They suggested that I go for a BSc program that included physics, chemistry, and mathematics rather than choosing just physics at the Bachelors degree stage. That turned out to be the best advice as I started to discover that chemistry was a very interesting subject too! Along the way I came across physical chemistry that seamlessly combined the two disciplines that were now of most interest to me and that's how I found my way into physical chemistry.
What type of research you do?
During my master's I researched on making composite membranes for desalination application. And during my PhD I worked on building a set-up based on cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy using UV LED as a cost-effective light source instead of the more commonly used expensive lasers. At the moment, I do not carry out any lab-based research. I am an education focused lecturer, and my research interests are on how to make chemistry engaging to the students, ways to enhance student learning experience and integrating technology into the chemistry education.
What inspires you at the workplace?
Interactions with students and colleagues.
What message you would like to give to younger women considering studying or a career in chemistry?
Pursue your dreams and strive for what resonates best with your aspirations. Gather insights from those with valuable experience and shape your path accordingly. Do what genuinely makes you happy.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women (dead or alive), who would they be?
One of the three women I would like to have dinner with is Kalpana Chawla who was an Indian-born American astronaut and aerospace engineer. I remember watching her become the first Indian-born woman to go to space on TV and is one of the reasons that got me interested in physics. Inspired by her, I wanted to become an astronaut, but then when I came across the high-g machine (basically a human centrifuge) on a space themed TV show I decided that's not for me. It would be nice to have dinner with her and learn about her experiences and her career as an astronaut.
Another woman I would like to have dinner with is Preet Chandi aka Polar Preet. She is a British Army medical officer who has broken the two Guinness World Records in January 2023 for "both the longest solo unsupported one-way polar ski journey for a woman and also the longest solo unsupported one-way polar ski journey overall.” [https://polarpreet.com/]. It would be an amazing experience to hear about her determination, perseverance and resilience that helped her achieve this endeavour.
Last but not the least, I would love to have dinner with my high school science teacher Mrs Mariet Castelino who not only taught us science but also took the time out to equip us with the skills and wisdom needed for the journey ahead in life.
*****************Interview by Dr. Amit Kumar*************************