During my studies, I appreciated that the course structure allowed some specialisation towards my interests, where I chose to focus on solid state physics and more lab work focused modules. These specialisations came together for my 4th year project on chemical synthesis of films for solar blind photodetectors. I spent a lot of time in the library after my experiments trying to understand my findings. This was definitely a highlight of my studies at Strathclyde, sparking my passion for research as a style of learning.

By the end of my 4th year, I had changed to the MPhys Physics course which gave me the opportunity to do my 5th year project as an industry or research placement abroad. With the support of the Physics Department, I completed my project at the Paul Drude Institute in Berlin. Here I investigated optical properties of nanowires for CO2 reduction using an electron microscope. The placement gave me an invaluable experience in a research environment and led to me continuing my studies as a PhD student at the same institute, which nearly a year and a half into I’m still passionate about.

I find myself feeling lucky that what I studied at Strathclyde ties in so well with what I’m researching now. My time in Glasgow has left a lasting impact, it has an authenticity I’ve not experienced in other cities of this size, and it very much still feels like home when I visit.