Undergraduate student profiles

Our current and former students share their experiences of studying with the Department of Chemistry.

James Marsden

Teaching experience helped me achieve my goals

James Marsden MChem Chemistry

During his second year at Sheffield, James got involved in the University’s Schools Associate Scheme, which gave him two weeks’ teaching experience in a local school. After graduating, James went on to teach at Bourne Grammar School, where he is now the Head of Chemistry.

Soneni Ndlovu

Ambassador roles boosted my confidence and developed my skills

Soneni Ndlovu MChem Chemistry with Year in Industry

Soneni became a student ambassador because she wanted show the next generation of students that science is not only useful, but also great fun. She has run all kinds of experiments with pupils, ranging from making bath bombs with primary school children to helping sixth-formers synthesise and analyse paracetamol.

Ingrid Schiagar Skinnarland

Sheffield made it possible to be where I am today

Ingrid Schiager Skinnarland MChem Chemistry

Ingrid came from Norway to do our four-year MChem Chemistry degree. After graduation, she returned home to join the graduate trainee scheme run by the Eyde cluster of chemical process industry companies.

Mengyuan Qian

Working with a multinational team in the heart of Europe

Mengyuan Qian MChem Chemistry with Study in Industry

Mengyuan came from China to study Chemistry in Sheffield, and spent a year of her degree working for a chemical manufacturer in Belgium.

Gareth showing the results of a chemistry experiment - image

Studying in the Sydney sunshine

Gareth Hartley MChem Chemistry with Study in Australasia

Gareth spent a year of his degree studying chemistry in Australia, and is now undertaking a PhD at the University of Oxford under the supervision of the world renowned Professor Peter Bruce.

Sam Harding

I grew both as a chemist and personally

Sam Harding MChem Chemistry

Sam took part in our Sheffield Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) programme, which gives students the chance to complete a summer placement with one of our research groups.

Anthony Griffiths

I couldn’t recommend doing an industrial placement enough

Anthony Griffiths MChem Chemistry with Study in Industry

Anthony did a year-long placement at the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca as part of his course, which helped him work out what he'd like to do after graduation.

Stephen Davey

How my MChem led to a career in scientific publishing

Stephen Davey MChem Chemistry with Study in Industry

Stephen had a placement at the then SmithKline Beecham, which led to him pursuing a PhD and eventually a senior role in academic publishing.

Joshua Balacky

Industry experience helped me stand out

Joshua Balacky MChem Chemistry with Study in Industry

For his placement year, Joshua went to Germany to work for a major science and technology company. He picked up lots of useful work experience, and got to explore some of Europe.

Bryony Parker

A boost in my career

Bryony Parker BSc Chemistry; MSc Chemistry

Bryony worked with Professor Steve Armes on a polymer science project during her masters course, which led to a publication in a Royal Society of Chemistry journal. She's now working at the interface of chemistry research and the chemical industry.