John Harris

Why did you decide to study a masters at the University of Leeds?

I thoroughly enjoyed my undergraduate in Biochemistry at Leeds and knew of the great care and effort the lecturers at the University to ensure you have the necessary help and achieve the best results possible.  When choosing where to do my Masters, I wanted to carry on experiencing this care and as such Leeds was my first choice when looking to continue my learning.

What has been the best aspect of studying on your course and why?

In addition to being taught the core syllabus, there is also a wide range of topics that you have the opportunity to learn, such as topics from inorganic and physical chemistry. This allowed me to learn new interesting science which I had been previously unaware of. 

Tell us about some of the exciting projects you have completed.

I am currently carrying out new research into the pantothenate biosynthesis with Michael Webb, by better understanding this pathway it may give us insight into new antibacterial treatments.

What does Leeds as a city have to offer students?

Leeds is a vibrant city containing great restaurants and plenty of opportunities to socialise. It has a lively night life and diverse range of attractions so you always have something new to try.  

What are your ambitions for the future?

My ambition is to become a qualified patent attorney.

What experiences at Leeds do you think will help you in your future career?

In addition to the gained knowledge in drug design and chemistry, there is a lot of emphasis on your ability to deliver presentations confidently and to communicate with your colleges to produce the best results.  These experiences have made me more confident in communicating my ideas and have helped me to learn how to cooperate with colleges and work as a team player.

What would you say to students coming to do the same course?

Don’t worry if you have come from a different background from pure chemistry, you get taught all the core concepts you require at the start of the year.