Undergraduate student profiles

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

Doing chemistry as a degree opens many doors to you

Toby landed a job in biotechnology after his chemistry degree, despite graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I got the professional knowledge I need

Sharon came from China to study chemistry in Sheffield, and developed a passion for research that she hopes to take into her career.

Creating chemicals for some of the world's biggest brands

Sarah Davidson MChem Chemistry with a Year in Industry

Sarah works at Croda, a speciality chemicals company that produces ingredients to go into products used by people every day, such as cosmetics, medicines and lubricants.

From chemistry to software development

Rory Jones BSc Chemistry

Rory graduated with a first class BSc Chemistry degree, and now uses data driven decisions to help guide software product-development, working as a Product Manager at Sheffield-based Ed-Tech start-up Tutorful.

Making a difference with medicinal chemistry

Tracy Maiden MChem Chemistry; PhD in Chemistry

Tracy followed her undergraduate degree with a PhD that included a placement with GSK. She's now a senior scientist working in drug discovery.

Applying my organic chemistry knowledge in the chemical industry

Jemma Castle MChem Chemistry with a Year in Industry

Jemma's enthusiasm for organic chemistry and her time spent on placement prepared her for her first graduate job in the chemical industry.

My MChem led to a career in marketing

Lucy Stone MChem Chemistry

While doing her chemistry degree, Lucy completed placements at the pharmaceutical companies GSK and AstraZeneca. She also wrote for our student-run magazine, Resonance, which helped her get a job in marketing after graduation.

Learning invaluable skills on my placement year

Emma Pye MChem Chemistry with Study in Industry

Emma worked at a major pharmaceutical company during her placement year, helping her prepare for her final year and future career.

Lewis sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking a forest

One of the most exciting experiences of my life

Lewis Jones MChem Chemistry with Study Abroad

Lewis spent a year of his degree studying chemistry at a top university in Canada, broadening his scientific horizons and exploring North America.

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.