Nurjhan Mulla

Nurjhan Mulla is a Chemistry MChem, BSc student at the University of Leeds, currently in her fourth year after completing her Year in Industry placement at Infineum.

Nurjhan decided to study chemistry after enjoying it at A Levels. Reflecting on her choice, she said: “My interests have always been in the intricacies and complexities of physical sciences. My first tangible experience of this was during my A-level chemistry studies, learning about enantiomers.”

“Grasping the concept of chirality in biological processes was a significant moment in my scientific journey. The idea of a small chemical change having such profound consequences fascinated me and thus established my passion for pursuing chemistry.”

Once she knew she wanted to study chemistry, Nurjhan started looking at universities. She said: “Growing up in Yorkshire meant being surrounded by a multitude of reputable universities. Yet, the University of Leeds drew me in immediately on account of its world-leading research in front-line scientific discoveries, especially in the medicinal sectors.”

Interdisciplinary modules

Nurjhan has enjoyed the opportunity to study a mix of optional modules and tailor the course to what interests her. She said, “Throughout my degree, I have enjoyed a vast range of multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary modules, with a specific interest in medicinal, biomedical and polymer chemistry.”

“Additionally, I was highly appreciative of how these taught modules are reinforced by research currently being undertaken at the University of Leeds. I’m currently undertaking a computational medicinal chemistry master’s project which is spearheading an exciting final year for me at the University.”

Throughout my degree, I have enjoyed a vast range of multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary modules, with a specific interest in medicinal, biomedical and polymer chemistry.

Research-led teaching

Nurjhan was taught by a programme team made up of academics and researchers who specialise in a variety of chemistry disciplines. She said: “The cutting-edge research underway at the University of Leeds is translated into the heart of teaching.”

“Each taught topic is reinforced by a past or current research project in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. This is invaluable as my understanding of each concept can immediately be applied in a practical setting, increasing my confidence and retention of the taught material.”

Year in Industry

Nurjhan gained an industrial placement at Infineum in Oxford. Looking back at her experience, she said: “I am grateful to have been able to undertake a Year in Industry at Infineum. As my scientific interests are multi-disciplinary, I was initially worried about not finding a compatible sector to work in. However, the University’s strong links with a wide array of industries were greatly beneficial and soon enough I found myself relocating to Oxford and working in cutting-edge graphene research.”

“My placement year was an enlightening and truly amazing experience, enabling me to network with innovative researchers and apply my technical expertise to practical applications. I had the opportunity to utilise facilities and equipment on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, witnessing synergies between research enterprises and widening my scientific perspective.”

Alongside her final year of her degree, Nurjhan is currently working as a Tele-Fundraiser on behalf of the Advancement team at the University of Leeds to raise money for student scholarships. She said, “This role felt like the perfect last piece of a puzzle in my final year, allowing me to reflect on the countless experiences I was able to enjoy at Leeds and create opportunities for future students to enjoy the opportunities too. Forming relationships with alumni in similar and different fields was highly motivational; their career and life advice resonates within me whilst I embark on the next stage of my career.”

My placement year was an enlightening and truly amazing experience, enabling me to network with innovative researchers and apply my technical expertise to practical applications.

Women’s Engineering Society Conference

Nurjhan attended the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) conference, giving her the chance to hear from industry experts and network with other women in STEM. She said:  “I was extremely grateful to have the opportunity to attend the Annual WES conference on behalf of the School of Chemistry this academic year. The conference was an insightful and greatly beneficial event focusing on authenticity and striving to have our voices heard as women in STEM.”

“The motivational sessions hosted by a panel of industry giants (including JLR and AWE) reflected the significance of women in an array of technical roles through various personal career stories. Participating in a competitive bridge-building exercise run by the Army provided an amazing networking opportunity along with a hugely beneficial crash course on ‘Getting a grad job in 6 months’.”

“Witnessing the vast scope and marvels within STEM fields has left me feeling grateful for the opportunity I had to attend. I realised the importance of embracing my authentic self as a woman in STEM and was greatly inspired by Elizabeth Donnelly, CEO of WES. I believe young women must unapologetically own their achievements and allow that confidence to fuel their journey forward.”

The conference was an insightful and greatly beneficial event focusing on authenticity and striving to have our voices heard as women in STEM.

Future career plans

Nurjhan has used the employability service to help her apply for PhDs and graduate roles. She said, “My future career plans are quite varied. I am eager to apply my technical expertise in a multi-disciplinary setting whether that be in a research environment or corporate role. Therefore, I am currently applying for PhDs and graduate roles which align with this vision.”

“The unwavering support of the EPS employability service at the University of Leeds has undoubtedly aided me in the face of these competitive applications, whilst still encouraging me to be my authentic self.”

The unwavering support of the EPS employability service at the University of Leeds has undoubtedly aided me in the face of these competitive applications.

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Find out more about studying Chemistry MChem, BSc at Leeds.