Fueled by Jaffa-cakes

Extract from a covering letter, a short ode to chemistry:

I have always been interested in a wide range of scientific topics. Narrowing down which A Level subjects and then which degree to choose was very difficult! I took astronomy at GCSE and both chemistry and physics at A Level. I decided to take chemistry at university as it covered a wide range, from maths and physics through to biology. I took biochemistry and pharmacology as extra topics in my first year and worked at a small pharmacological company doing synthetic organic chemistry during my industrial experience. In my final year I joined the physical chemistry department for my research project and chose to read more physical and inorganic chemistry topics.

What interested me very much is the way all the subjects I’ve learnt about interlink. I find it fascinating where the overlaps occur, not just within ‘chemistry’, but where physics, maths, medicine and engineering come in. For example nanotechnology is a hot topic which can be classed as chemistry, but covers all the things mentioned above. Associated with this is where often seemingly esoteric information can be used in the real world. For example the ability of metal nanoparticles to absorb hydrogen, which then can be used in fuel cells and hydrogen detectors. This is an avenue of research rooted in the current need to find ways of getting cleaner energy. Or catalysis of polymers, which can be used to make self-healing aircraft. I find it distressing when people dismiss science as boring or inapplicable or too difficult when it isn’t, or doesn’t have to be, any of those things.  

I'm applying for a job at the Science Museum. It would be way cool to get it. My fingers are crossed extra hard!