Polymer Chemistry, 2017-2018

What were you doing before starting your studies at Warwick?

Before starting my MSc at Warwick, I finished my BSc in Chemistry at University of Surrey, then worked as a chemist trainee in Hong Kong during the summer.

Why did you choose to study at Warwick? What were your first impressions?

I have been interested in polymer chemistry since my undergraduate. Warwick has been one of the best universities in the field of polymer science for a long time. Moreover, the Polymer Group at Warwick is well-known as a whole instead of individual professors which impressed me much when I was deciding the place for My MSc. Warwick is a much larger university, compared with my former education . I was looking forward to both studying and researching in lab here. Also, here [it was] more systematic to have everything I need in one place.

What was your favourite module?

The best module was the Polymer Colloids in my opinion. Compared with other modules, the knowledge behind colloids is fundamental to other topics in polymer science from characterisations to synthesis. Colloid is also closely related to many industries and thus our daily consumables. The module was taught by Prof. Stefan Bon who is a highly enthusiastic and knowledgeable person. In addition to the science, I have also learned a lot related to the current academia and research environment.

What was the standout facility for you?

I am impressed by the research facilities at Warwick, including electronic microscope, seize exclusion chromatography etc.. These instruments are a huge benefit to any researcher.

What is your favourite memory of studying at Warwick?

The best experience at Warwick was my 5 months research project under Prof. Bon's supervision and later a successful publication in a high impact factor journal. Throughout this project, I have experienced the difficulty and the enjoyment of a researcher. I have also learnt how an article is published from scratch.

What are you doing now? How has your experience at Warwick helped?

I continue my PhD under Prof. Bon's supervision and Synthomer's sponsorship from 2018 to 2022. The MSc degree [was] a crucial step in my career. First of course I would not have this opportunity to work under the BonLab without doing this MSc. Second, the knowledge in this course is essential and comprehensive for anyone dedicated to researching on polymer science. At last, throughout the whole course, I have grown to be an independent researcher from a normal student. This made me more confident and dedicated in my work.

What would you say to a prospective student?

Compared to undergraduate, I think a good attitude is now vital in this MSc programme, that it is more than getting a good grade in class. More important, it is a path to develop a student to be rich in knowledge and skills, that one would like to shape him(her)self to become a better person in his(her) own career throughout this programme.

What were the main skills you learnt?

What words sum up your time at Warwick?