Audrey-Rose Skinner
- Course: Chemistry MChem, BSc
Audrey-Rose Skinner is in the final year of her integrated Masters in Chemistry at the University of Leeds.
Why Leeds?
Audrey-Rose decided to study at the University of Leeds because it was the perfect balance of an academic challenge and a great student life. She said: “The student life is unparalleled. Leeds has a reputation for a good night life but that’s just the surface of what makes being a student here so great.”
“There is such a good community, both within the department and around Hyde Park, which makes you feel a sense of belonging. I would recommend Leeds to anyone.”
A wide range of optional modules
Audrey-Rose has enjoyed doing a Chemistry degree because the course covers a wide range of topics. She explains: “For example, I have an exam coming up where I am covering both the atmospheres of planets and metals in biology in the same paper.”
She has really enjoyed learning about topics such as climate change and combustion energy as she can apply her knowledge to important current issues.
Audrey-Rose adds: “It’s really great to learn from people who are well respected in their fields. I’ve also really enjoyed the group work and presentations we have done as I enjoy coming together and having the opportunity to do something creative.”
“Without a doubt, this year’s Masters research project has been the most fun. I enjoyed having the freedom and resources to investigate a problem through quite literally experimenting with ideas. Doing a long-term topic is fun because it feels like I have really had the opportunity to master the subject.”
“I have received such great support and made a lot of friends in the labs, everyone is so helpful and friendly.”
It’s really great to learn from people who are well respected in their fields. I’ve also really enjoyed the group work and presentations we have done.
Research trip to Switzerland
As part of her Masters research project, Audrey-Rose visited the Paul Scherrer Institute. She said: “I went on a trip to Switzerland to use the SwissFEL, which is one of five X-ray free electron lasers in the world. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I was so lucky to be able to use state of the art equipment for my masters project.”
“It was really cool to conduct such an exciting experiment and meet so many amazing scientists.”
I went on a trip to Switzerland to use the SwissFEL which is one of five X-ray free electron lasers in the world.
“After the trip to Switzerland I did a talk and presented my research at the British Crystallographer’s spring meeting. I had such a great time, the people were amazing and there was lots of interesting conversations. I particularly enjoyed a panel session where professors and industry representatives discussed careers in science and their views on interesting topics such as AI and bridging the gender gap.”
“All of the talks were accessible and really interesting, and it was great to hear about new breakthrough from the people who were discovering them. There was definitely an exciting atmosphere. We socialized at the end of each day and there was a cèilidh at the end which just was so much fun.”
After the trip to Switzerland I did a talk and presented my research at the British Crystallographer’s spring meeting.
Excellent teaching and specialist facilities
Audrey-Rose has experienced a range of lectures and seminars led by expert academics. “The teaching in the chemistry department is so lovely; the professors really make the effort to get to know you through socials such as the Chemistry Ball and are always happy to answer any questions.”
“The quality of teaching reflects the amount of effort they put in and you can tell they really care about our education. Most of the teaching is in person and they are also really responsive to feedback.”
The School of Chemistry building houses a range of specialist laboratories, equipped with the latest equipment for synthetic, physical and analytical chemistry. Audrey-Rose said: “The lab facilities are very practical; especially if you do a Masters and you get to use the research labs where you have access a range of state of the art equipment. For my research project I had access to both the chemistry and biology labs.”
The quality of teaching reflects the amount of effort they put in and you can tell they really care about our education.
Student life at Leeds
Alongside her degree, Audrey-Rose joined the Chemistry Society. She said: “I was a member of Chemsoc where I attended a range of socials, such as club nights at Bobby’s disco, Otley Runs, cheese and wine nights, curry and a quiz pub nights and of course, the event of the season, Chemistry Christmas ball. It was a fun low commitment society where I always felt welcome.”
“I'm not sure what my plans are post-university yet, but I know I’ll stay in contact with some of my professors who have offered me support and guidance. I also know that the careers service is at hand for any help in CV writing and job applications.”