Chemistry postgraduate Summer Jeffery used her summer research placement to bridge the gap between her undergraduate MChem and her PhD, gaining valuable hands-on experience in academic research.
Applying techniques to real research
Working in Dr Daniel Scott’s inorganic chemistry group, Summer investigated ways to use light to help chemical reactions happen, trying to make molecules that could be tracked using infrared light so she could watch the reaction unfold in real time.
Although the chemistry was challenging and some routes proved difficult, the project provided an ideal environment to learn how to navigate experiments that don’t go to plan - a key part of real research.
'It was really good working in a different research group,' says Summer. 'I was using the techniques we learned in the undergrad teaching labs but in an academic environment.'
Supportive research team
Supported by a postdoc (Sam) and a PhD student (Matt), Summer developed independence in experimental design, literature searching, troubleshooting and adapting methods.
The placement sat neatly between the structured independence of an MChem research project and the freedom of a PhD, giving her early insight into academic research culture.
'I learned how to deal with things not working, of trying again, seeing it still not working and learning how to persevere with academic research,' says Summer. 'The team around me were very supportive but they also encouraged me to find my own way - to come to them with ideas.'
Confirming career next step
The experience confirmed that Summer wanted to stay in academia and that the PhD she had already accepted - in heteromultimetallic copper–zinc catalysts for CO₂ reduction - was exactly the right path.
Summer now works with ISCC academic Dr Andreas Phanopoulos as her PhD supervisor on synthesising novel copper–zinc complexes, carrying out catalysis experiments, and modelling reaction pathways computationally.
'Doing the summer project was really useful in reconfirming that I wanted to stay in academia. It helped me confirm that what I am doing is exactly right.'
Summer’s advice to students thinking of applying:
'Definitely talk to the supervisors you’re interested in working with first to check the research is what you think it is.'