I was first introduced to the term “Anti-ageing cream” aged 8. The concept intrigued me and I was eager to find out what it was. This zeal to find answers led me to ask my junior science teacher how it worked. This was my first encounter with Chemistry and I have never looked back.

I believe Chemistry is a universal science, it makes us who we are and it is everywhere, from how we power our modern lives to what we eat. The fact that everything in the universe is comprised of a finite number of elements is something that excites me and deepens my interest to study more about the world around us.

As I mature, the dedication required to take on a Chemistry degree becomes more apparent. In an attempt to gain a deeper insight beyond my syllabus, I discovered an appreciation for Organic Chemistry. This was sparked in a lesson where I was introduced to nucleophilic addition and electrophilic substitution mechanisms of reactions. The complexity of this topic is something I found challenging yet stimulating. With practice I became more fluent in my ability to solve these kinds of problems and more demanding topics that followed; the logic of organic problems such as the hydrolysis of esters, were easier to grasp. I hope to apply this fluency in these topics in the upcoming RSC Chemistry Olympiad.

I have been able to transfer my extended reading skills alongside my knowledge into developing a familiarity with the concepts in Chemistry magazines and articles. One article I found particularly intriguing was in ‘Chemistry World’. It was about research into the salinity of water in relation to divalent and monovalent cations causing oil to adhere to rock. The findings of this research will lead to the erection of desalination plant in the North Sea, which will increase the amount of crude oil recovered from reservoirs by 6%. In a world where the use of non-renewable sources is under scrutiny, I find that methods developed to improve the efficiency and yield of once thought ‘un-recoverable‘ resources like crude oil in very saline waters, pioneering. Implications of the increase of oil recovered are beneficial to everyday life, from the lowering of petrol prices to an improved economy. It is this kind of ground-breaking research that inspires me to read Chemistry, so that I could possibly contribute to society in a similar way.

Currently I am applying my research skills into my A2 course work. I am investigating the kinetics of the Harcourt Essen reaction using an iodine clock reaction to calculate the rate of reaction. I chose this topic based on a lecture I attended where I observed the iodine clock reaction in progress and learnt about the roles of sodium thiosulphate as a reducing agent and starch as an indicator.

I am a firm believer in the phrase a “healthy body is a healthy mind” therefore physical fitness is an important aspect of my life. I take part in several sports at a high level that help me maintain that view which include representing my school at 1st XI and A team levels for football and rugby alongside being a keen swimmer. As an athlete the topic of performance enhancing supplements is a sensitive issue, especially in light of the recent series of drug scandals in the Olympics, concerning the use of steroids. I researched the biochemistry of how anabolic steroids enhance performance. I found; Anabolic steroids increase the body’s ability to retain nitrogen to promote protein synthesis in muscles.

After attending a work experience placement in a pharmaceutical lab, I observed the dispensing of Antipsychotics, like Clozapine. This furthered my interest in drug action. And I wrote my own keynote presentation on the Pharmacokinetics of Atypical and Typical Antipsychotics which I presented to my peers earlier this year.

I believe my inclination and work ethic will allow me to flourish in university. A Chemistry degree will allow me push the boundaries of my knowledge and strengthen my preparation to several future careers.