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Read one student's account of their MAPS Research Internship at Harwell.

What is your name?Ìý

Junxi Lui

What are you studying?Ìý

Chemistry 3rd year studentÌý

Why did you apply for this internship?Ìý

I applied for this one internship project as I love physical chemistry and I wanted to gain paid experience within the field of chemistry research.

How often were you on site?

I worked part time 9-5 on site at Harwell in Oxfordshire.Ìý

Tell us about the project:Ìý

This project is developing thin layer hydroxyapatite coatings for high surface area silicas, for functionalisation with metal nanoparticles. Investigating prepared materials under reaction-like conditions using photoelectron spectroscopy and x-ray absorption spectroscopy.Ìý

What have you enjoyed whilst undertaking this internship?Ìý

This has been a great experience, I have been able to work on the XRD, XPS and XRS different materials. Harwell (see link ) Ìýis a huge science park and I have been able to gain experience on site.Ìý

In the future I would like to work with the catalysis at Harwell which will help to reduce our footprint on the planet.Ìý

What have you learnt whilst undertaking this internship?Ìý

My responsibilities have been to analysis data from characterisation techniques and to be able to explain the data. The results are so important not just the experiment.Ìý

I gained experience with working within the UK catalysis hub, UK national research facility for XPS and Harwell site. I also gained experienced with nanomaterials, X-ray spectroscopies and catalysis. Materials and results gained will be intended for use in a larger study.Ìý

This internship has taught me to be to be patient, research takes time.Ìý

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Part of the internship I worked alongside another intern who really helped me when I started, which I really appreciated. Marc my supervisor has been supportive and approachable.Ìý

What are your career plans?

I am thinking about a career in research in environmental and sustainability. I have applied for a masters at »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË and Imperial in chemistry with a view to going on to complete a PhD in the UK thereafter.Ìý

What is your advice for students who are thinking of applying for a MAPS Summer Research Internship if it runs in future years?Ìý

This has been a great experience, I have been able to work on the XRD, XPS and XRS different materials. I would say if you have a passion for the subject, apply even if you are not sure. Don’t wait for the perfect project, apply anyway as gaining experience is important. You will gain insight into what a career in research is like and if it is for you.Ìý

Book an appointment with the UCL Careers team as they can support you with your application.Ìý