Working towards a career in chemistry

A chance to experience work in the chemistry research laboratories at Teesside University was offered to potential future students.

Dr Anna Reynal, Senior Lecturer in Inorganic Chemistry in the University’s School of Science & Engineering, organised a three-week work experience placement in July for three Year 12 students aged 16 and 17.

Applications were invited for the placement, sponsored by the Solar Fuels Network, resulting in places being offered to Jack Tyreman, Hillsview Sixth Form College in Middlebrough; Nujha Begum, English Martyrs Sixth Form College in Hartlepool; and Josh Peacock, Middlesbrough College.

The placement enabled the students to perform their own experiments and investigations in the area of artificial photosynthesis, a research area that aims to split water to obtain hydrogen as fuel. During the first two weeks the students carried out a research-based project focused on developing catalysts for the production of hydrogen. The final week focused on an industrial-based project, in order to develop a practical device for hydrogen production based on molecular catalysts.

During this project, the students worked closely with Jack Fowler, a final year undergraduate student at Teesside University, who was carrying out a summer research project. This activity not only allowed them to prepare a practical device for hydrogen production, but also enhanced their awareness of the importance of collaborative projects in science.

The students had the opportunity to meet Dr John Broderick and Dr Sergio Rodriguez, both researchers of a European-funded collaborative project coordinated by Teesside University called DR BOB. This project is based on the study of the integration and implementation of different energy technologies to the market in order to meet production/demand response. This meeting provided the students with a global vision of the impact of hydrogen production devices.

The work experience placement enabled the students to put into practice knowledge gained from their GCSE and A-levels, while also gaining insight into work carried out in a laboratory.

Dr Reynal is hoping to make this work experience placement an annual event for future students seeking to study chemistry at Teesside University.

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