Can you introduce yourself and a bit about your background?
I’m Neve, a third-year PhD student from Liverpool.
Why did you choose the University of Liverpool for your postgraduate studies, and where did you complete your undergraduate degree?
I completed my undergraduate degree here at Liverpool. During my fourth year, I discovered a PhD project that really interested me, so continuing my studies at Liverpool felt like a natural next step.
What inspired you to choose chemistry as your field of study?
It was always my favourite subject at school, and it offers a wide range of career pathways after graduation.
How has your educational journey, including schools you’ve attended, shaped your approach to chemistry?
It taught me the importance of being meticulous and thorough when conducting experimental work—skills that are essential in research.
What are your specific research areas and any key findings or goals?
My research focuses on synthesising novel theragnostic nanocarriers designed for both drug delivery and diagnostic monitoring.
What has been your biggest achievement during your postgraduate studies so far, and how did it make you feel?
Presenting my research at the American Chemical Society (ACS) 2024 conference in New Orleans. It made me feel proud of what I’ve achieved and encouraged me to reflect on how far I’ve come in my academic journey.
What challenges have you encountered during your research so far, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been accepting that experiments often don’t work perfectly the first time. Many reactions and syntheses require a lot of optimisation before achieving the desired results.
How would you describe the current culture of inclusion within the chemistry department?
The department has a dedicated Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team who meet regularly to address issues and suggest improvements. It’s clear there’s a strong commitment to inclusion.
How do you think the department supports students and staff from diverse backgrounds?
There seems to be a good number of events aimed at supporting underrepresented groups in STEM, which helps foster a more inclusive community.
What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue their postgraduate studies in Chemistry?
Make sure that doing a PhD is the right fit for your long-term career goals.
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