Personal Statement:Chemistry and Chemical Engineering 1

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Chemistry Personal Statement

My first Chemistry lesson at senior school. My teacher poured a generous amount of a curious orange powder (which I later learnt to be ammonium dichromate (VI)) onto a heatproof mat. She ignited it and I was dumbfounded, for she had created a volcano in the laboratory! It was this demonstration of a simple thermal decomposition that sparked my interest in Chemistry. It was not just the demonstration that interested me; it was the desire to understand how and why. It was at this time that I realised my true passion for the sciences and how they can be utilised in the world of today.

I have an analytical mind and take great interest in absorbing new material as well as developing my understanding of what I have already learnt. As a result of my academic performance I was awarded the honour of sixth form scholar at the British School of Paris. I am conscientious, highly motivated and have a particular interest in Chemistry and for this reason I am taking the AEA examination in Chemistry in the summer. I want to keep going above and beyond what I know already. In my free time I read around my interests; I am a subscriber to 'New Scientist.' One of the most fascinating articles that I have read recently was an account of what the world would be like if there was no oil today, as well as potential alternatives when it finally runs out. This intrigued me as I have a specific interest in organic Chemistry. This is because I find the depth as well as breadth of the discipline extremely profound. I am currently reading Steve Squyres 'Roving Mars': a book about the Spirit and Opportunity Mars Exploration Vehicles. When not reading around my area of interest I can be found tutoring fellow members of the sixth form in Chemistry and Mathematics. This has allowed me to gain a helpful insight into how others think as well as giving me a sense of community within the school and has helped me further my understanding of Chemistry, as when tutoring, I have to look at aspects of the syllabus from a different angle. I am part of the school's Maths challenge team and hope to compete in the 2008 International Senior Maths Challenge.

I took part in a Headstart course at the University of Nottingham over the summer in which I had my first true experience of chemical engineering. This intrigued me as I had found a practical application for Chemistry in today's world. The two major projects that we carried out involved the separation of ink from water using activated carbon and research into Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell technology; a topic that really captivates me. My team at Headstart demonstrated high levels of skill and enthusiasm in solving any task that was put in front of us. These two projects really appealed to my key interests, Chemistry and Mathematics as well as Physics.

I have also worked with the advertising agency TBWA\G1 in Paris. G1 is TBWA's automotive industry specialist. Whilst I was there I was asked to make a presentation on the 'green credentials' of various automotive companies. That is, researching the technologies that companies such as Shell and BMW use in order to be more environmentally friendly and said technology's commercial viability. I have recently applied for work experience with GlaxoSmithKline for the February half term holidays.

I like to get involved in a host of extra curricular activities. I am in the process of completing the Gold Level of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. I participate in the school's Model United Nations and took part in the 2006 Paris Conference. I am the cofounder of the school's film society and enjoy rowing and rock climbing. It is not just Chemistry that interests me, it is how Chemistry and science in general can be used to advance technologies in various diverse fields: from the advent of new medicines to the improvement of fuels and of various industrial processes. In short, how science is shaping our lives.

--IChem 19:17, 6 February 2008 (UTC)

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