skip to content

Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry

 
Tom Peretz in the lab.

Tom Peretz taken by Nathan Pitt ©University of Cambridge

Meet this year’s summer interns, who each completed an eight-week project in a research group, thanks to generous donors Wyn Lewis-Bevan (Churchill 1979), donors to our Chemistry@Cambridge Opportunity Fund, and the EPSRC.

Tom Peretz, Zhang group

Tom (Fitzwilliam) completed Chemistry Part III last year and is now doing the Integrated Master’s Degree.

My project in the Zhang group involved investigating bacterial biofilms, which is part of of a longer-term project to prevent biofouling in healthcare. I learned many new lab skills using new equipment and new techniques. I also learned that things don’t always go as expected: adapting after initial challenges was a big learning point for me and one I am really happy about.

This internship has given me some insight into life as a researcher, so after completing my integrated Master’s degree I intend to start looking for PhDs or other research jobs. I would like to express my gratitude to Wyn Lewis-Bevan for making this opportunity available to me. By learning and developing my scientific knowledge as well as helping in useful research I hope I have made the most of this kind donation.

 

Rebecca Driver

Rebecca Driver, Cox lab

Rebecca (Selwyn) completed Chemistry Part II last year and is now in Part III.

My main aim when applying for the internship was to learn and develop the practical skills I’d need for my Part III project. In the Cox group I was looking at confined water. I learnt a lot of practical skills, like how to use a Linux environment, and confidence in Python programming. It also helped me get to grips with running and understanding molecular simulations. The most important skill I’ve learned is thinking like a researcher – especially when doing computational work.

I am incredibly honoured to have been funded by the Chemistry Opportunity Fund and I would like to thank all the donors who have supported it. This project has been the academic highlight of my time in Cambridge (so far)! I’d also like to thank Anna Bui and Dr Stephen Cox for their guidance, time and support, and everybody in the Cox Group for making me feel so welcome!

 

Ben Langabeer, Webster Lab

Ben (Homerton) completed Chemistry Part II last year and is now in Part III.

When I saw this opportunity I decided I shouldn’t rule out going into research without getting some insights first. I am interested in becoming a patent attorney, but this internship has made me consider doing a PhD after Part III.

My project in the Webster group was using iron catalysts to optimise hydroamination reactions. I had the chance to practise techniques I had learnt in the undergrad teaching labs and I also learnt the importance of the thorough planning of an experiment before carrying it out.

Many people, including myself, need to work in the vacation periods. It is likely I would have pursued something else if this internship wasn’t funded. I’d also like to thank everyone in the Webster group for being very welcoming, and for all the useful knowledge I received during my time in the lab.

 

This article was originally published in Chem@Cam magazine Issue 69.