Chemistry graduate wins prestigious Salters’ Award 2022

Samantha Price, Chemistry MChem BSc graduate, has won the Salter's Graduate Award 2022 recognising her as one of the top 10 chemistry and chemical engineering students in the UK.

The Salters’ Graduate Awards celebrate the achievements of undergraduate students in chemistry and chemical engineering. Every year the Salters’ Institute offers up to 10 graduate awards to final-year UK undergraduates who are set to achieve a first class honours degree, each winning a grant of £1,000. 

Graduating with a first class honours degree, Samantha excelled during her time at the University of Leeds. Her final year project focused on hydrogels and their link to abiogenesis, achieving high marks. In addition to her impressive academic performance, Samantha gained professional experience at Lubrizol for her Year in Industry placement and at Nippon Sheet Glass during a summer placement. 

Following the completion of her studies, Samantha has secured a position as a Graduate Technologist at NSG Group, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of glass and glazing products for architectural, automotive and creative technology sectors.  

Every UK University can nominate just one exceptional candidate for the Salters’ Graduate Awards, and those shortlisted are interviewed by a panel of academics and industry figures. Award winners must demonstrate the potential to occupy a leading position in public life through employment in the chemical or related industries. They are also assessed on their intellectual abilities and communication skills.

Samantha Price said: “Choosing to study chemistry at the University of Leeds was an easy decision but also the best decision I have made. Any staff member I have been fortunate to meet has gone above and beyond to support my cohort and I to achieve our best. The course was both intellectually stimulating and enjoyable and provided relevant insight into the industry related roles and issues of today.”

Because of this, my time at the University of Leeds has provided me with the skills and abilities to achieve this award and to pursue an exciting career in the chemical industry. 

“Throughout my degree I have had many opportunities to supplement my chemical experience and interpersonal skills through the likes of a year in industry at Lubrizol, a summer placement at Nippon Sheet Glass and a Master’s project focussing on hydrogels and their link to abiogenesis.”

“I would like to give special thanks to Dr Terence Kee for being my supervisor during my Master’s project; Dr Bao Nguyen for always supporting me to strive to achieve my best as my personal tutor; Professor Chris Rayner and Dr Chris Pask for their support and guidance throughout the application and interview process for the Salter’s Graduate Award as well as my year in industry application; Dave Fogarty for all his support and guidance throughout my degree and his encouragement to take on a year in industry.”

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