MChemPhys graduate Max went on to complete a specialised Master's in Space Systems Engineering in Turin. Since then, he has worked at the European Space Agency and Thales Alenia Space on projects including ExoMars, PLATO, and Microcarb. His experience spans the full space systems lifecycle - from proposal writing to hands-on spacecraft AIT/AIV and launch. Name Max Scherer Degree MChemPhys, Chemical Physics Year of graduation 2017 Your Time at the UniversityI have many excellent memories of my time at the University of Edinburgh. The friends I made and skills I gained over those five years will stay with me for life.I chose Edinburgh for its unique Chemical Physics programme and the vibrant city itself. Throughout my degree I received great support and intellectual inspiration from staff and colleagues. Highlights along the way include:Adventures with the Mountaineering Club - every second weekend we packed into a minibus to explore Scotland's wild and remote landscapes. Learning to climb has since taken me to incredible places around the world.A year in industry secondment to a national lab in the United States, where I built laser optics systems for Brillouin spectroscopy instrumentation and ran atomistic simulations. This was my first real taste of independent scientific research.My Master’s project with the Eleanor Campbell group, where I developed a technique to isolate nanoparticles in the gas phase by ablating metal surfaces with nanosecond and ultra-short femtosecond laser pulses. Your Experiences Since Leaving the UniversitySince graduating, I have been working in the space sector, contributing to scientific missions to Mars, Lagrange Point 2, and Earth orbit. My roles in systems engineering, AIT, and project management have given me valuable insight into the breadth and complexity of the space industry.A recent highlight was my time in French Guiana on the launch campaign for Microcarb, an Earth observation satellite measuring carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Helping launch a spacecraft from the jungle in South America has been one of the most exciting moments of my career so far.Alumni WisdomTake full advantage of your time at university: meet people from different backgrounds, try new activities, and embrace opportunities to grow both academically and personally.There will inevitably be moments when things feel overwhelming. Don't hesitate to reach out to family, friends, and the support networks available at the University. Most importantly, give yourself rest - both physically and mentally. This article was published on 2023-10-16