Alumni Profiles

Since graduating from the BSc Chemistry degree programme in 2024, Grace has been exploring the intersection of science and finance through further studies to broaden her perspective on global sustainability challenges.

Vienty decided to study abroad to find out more about the health-related applications of chemistry. After graduating from the MSc Medicinal and Biological Chemistry degree programme in 2024, she secured a job as a patent scientist.

After spending 8 years at the University completing his BSc and PhD in Chemistry, Panos went on to lecture in Environmental Engineering and has since pivoted to a career in Data Science.

Drawn to Chemistry through a love of problem-solving and analysis, Lauren completed her BSc in 2022. Today, she applies her analytical skills to policy work to support others and advocate for a better care system.

Tihana graduated as part of the MChemPhys Class of 2024. Now a current PhD student at Oxford Engineering, Tihana is working on battery modelling and performance testing.

Diduo deepened his interests in academic research through the MSc Medicinal and Biological Chemistry degree programme. Since graduating in 2021, he has moved to Canada to pursue a PhD in radiopharmaceuticals.

Lesley chose to study Chemical Physics due to her love of Chemistry, Physics and Maths. Graduating with a PhD in 1983, she embarked on an academic career and has received prestigious awards for her outreach work.

More than three decades on since graduating, Robin is still meeting with his Edinburgh Chemistry friends! The analytical skills that he developed during his BSc degree have continued to prove useful in unexpected ways.

Tianyue finished her PhD with the Robertson group in 2019. Today, Tianyue uses her communication skills to deliver impact in the field of renewable energy.

After graduating from the MChem degree programme in 2015, Ben went on to study for his PhD in Hamburg. He has since returned to the School of Chemistry as Lecturer in Physical Chemistry Education.

Farjana was drawn to the MSc Medicinal and Biological Chemistry degree programme due to the cutting-edge research facilities in the School. Since graduating in 2019, she has continued her academic career in Bangladesh.

Once Ian had completed both his undergraduate and PhD studies in Edinburgh, he took his first steps into a career in the petrochemical industry. Today, he is part of Afton Chemical, a global leader in petroleum additives.

Nina graduated from the BSc Chemical Physics degree programme in 2019. Today, she is a Cloud Scientist at the British Antarctic Survey, studying the substances that induce ice nucleation in the atmosphere over the Southern Oceans.

As a student on the MChem degree programme, Katarzyna made the most of every opportunity, including studying abroad in Singapore. She is now Chief Technology Officer for a green hydrogen technology startup.

Prince was one of six pioneer Mastercard Foundation scholars to study at the University of Edinburgh. From meeting royalty to competing in an entrepreneurship World Cup, Prince reflects on his days as a BSc Medicinal and Biological Chemistry student.

Chemistry started as David's back-up option, but quickly became the centre of his research and career. Since finishing his PhD in 2016, he has returned to Edinburgh as Lecturer in Chemical Education.

Sam came to Edinburgh from the Highlands and was the first in his family to get a degree. Since graduating from the MChem Medicinal and Biological Chemistry degree programme in 2015, he has trained and specialised in behavioural science.

Viliam was able to access state-of-the-art facilities and travel around the globe during his Master of Science by Research. After graduating in 2019, he moved to Germany to continue his postgraduate studies.

Simone's placement year in the Netherlands helped her to bring her research interest in photonics into focus. She has since continued her studies in Cambridge, exploring a variety of nanoscience-related topics.

Finlay enjoyed the creativity of research and stayed in Edinburgh after graduating from the MChem degree programme in 2021. His PhD research focusses on improving the speed and accuracy of computer calculations of drug binding affinities.

William graduated as part of the MChemPhys Class of 2005. After completing his postgraduate studies, he qualified as UK and European Patent Attorney. Later when family took him to Canada, he requalified as a Canadian Patent Agent.

Elisabeth decided to study abroad to seek adventure, independence, and opportunity. During her studies, she developed her technical knowledge, established the Edinburgh University Women in STEM Society and co-founded a start-up.

Jingyi completed her MScR in 2017 and went on to pursue a PhD in Los Angeles. Since completing her postgraduate studies, she has worked as a battery testing and data engineer in Houston, Texas.

Studying in Edinburgh opened up doors to many opportunities for Stuart, from embracing the role of Chemistry Society president to taking part in a summer placement in China and studying abroad in Munich.

Hendra was a curriculum coordinator, and educational researcher in Indonesia and the Netherlands before studying for his PhD in Chemistry Education. Today, he is an assistant professor at the University of Copenhagen.

Jifang came to the MSc Materials Chemistry programme from a chemical engineering background. The programme helped him to build a solid foundation for his later PhD and postdoctoral roles.

Emma completed both her MChem and PhD at the School of Chemistry. She has had a varied career since graduating in 2010, working as a teacher for 9 years then starting up her own skincare company.

Nikola came to Edinburgh with a desire to combine his passions for both computers and chemistry. Through the MChemPhys programme and his PhD, he honed his critical thinking skills and developed creativity in approaching complex problems.

Hayley graduated from the MChem programme in 2019. After leaving Edinburgh she first worked as a publishing editor at the Royal Society of Chemistry, and has since gone on to complete her PhD.

Evelina came to the School of Chemistry to deepen her knowledge through the MSc Medicinal and Biological Chemistry degree programme. She has since stayed on at the School to study for her PhD in the Jarvis group.

Alethea graduated with a BSc in Chemistry as part of the 2016. She has since trained as a professional perfumer, a role that she had been dreaming of since the age of 16.

Edmund came to Edinburgh in 2019 to gain research experience in materials chemistry as part of his MSc programme, impressed by the variety of topics offered. He has since stayed on at the School to complete a PhD.

Dipanjana decided to pursue an MSc in Materials Chemistry to advance her knowledge of physical and inorganic chemistry and sharpen her research skills. Since graduating, she has been working towards her PhD in Cambridge.

Yi He particularly enjoyed the lectures and opportunities to connect with others during her time on the MSc Medicinal and Biological Chemistry programme. She discusses her highlights from her time studying in Scotland.

Yanqing studied on the MSc Medicinal and Biological Chemistry programme in 2020, during the global covid-19 pandemic. He enjoyed the supportive atmosphere in the School of Chemistry, and has since continued on an academic path after graduation.

In this profile, George reflects on his MSc Materials Chemistry studies at the School of Chemistry, including advice for future students and personal highlights from his time living and studying in Edinburgh.

During her MSc studies, Sofia enjoyed learning about the process of drug design through to drug studies and manufacturing. Since graduating, she has stayed on in the city of Edinburgh.

Yichuan graduated from the MSc Materials Chemistry degree programme in 2014 and was later drawn back to Edinburgh to complete his PhD.

Sara enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere in Edinburgh and meeting people from around the world during her MChem, which also opened up an Industrial Placement opportunity with GSK in Philadelphia.

Peter completed the BSc Chemical Physics degree programme in 1980 and went on to pursue a PhD here in Edinburgh. After graduating, he worked for a scientific equipment company and then moved into financial services.

After graduating from the MSc Medicinal and Biological Chemistry programme in 2010, Clinton returned to South Africa to pursue a PhD in Organic Chemistry at Rhodes University and has since gone on to become a senior lecturer.

Annabel chose to undertake a research masters as a stepping-stone to her PhD, and was encouraged to take her academic career further after graduation thanks to her supportive group and supervisor.

Vladimir’s industrial experience at P&G during his MChem degree opened doors after graduation, providing real world application of theory. He now works as a corporate strategy and management consultant.

Stephen’s scientific career since graduating from the School of Chemistry has taken him around the world. He is now based at the University of Edinburgh, conducting research on the use of microorganisms for renewable chemical synthesis.

Sifeng joined the School of Chemistry through a 2+3 joint educational program between South China University of Technology and University of Edinburgh. Since graduating, he has both gained experience with working in industry and continued on to PhD study.

Throughout Sander’s career, he has always worked on the interface between chemistry and biology The MChem degree programme helped Sander to get ahead in these areas early on.

MChemPhys graduate Max went on to study for a Masters in Space Systems Engineering (SEEDS) after graduation. He then worked for the European Space Agency, supporting the verification and testing of the ExoMars Spacecraft Composite.

Lauren’s year in industry experience at Merck prepared her for a professional working lifestyle. She went on to work as a process engineer after graduation, eventually moving into the defence and aerospace industry.

James took a gap year in China after graduating from the MChem degree programme. He later made an Edinburgh connection which was pivotal to a later PhD position in Chicago.

Isabelle completed her MChem research project abroad at the NTU in Singapore. She explored a few different sectors after graduation before taking up a compliance analyst role in the cosmetics industry.

The University enabled MChem Medicinal and Biological Chemistry graduate Corrie to balance both her swimming and academic ambitions, leading up to her competing in the Commonwealth Games during her time as a student.

Alisdair switched from computer science to chemistry early on in his degree. His MChem year in industry helped him to confirm that process chemistry was the right path for him.

After completing his PhD, Alan joined the Kodak Research Laboratories in Harrow. He has since helped his BSc 1966 classmates to stay in touch and even organised a 50th anniversary reunion.