Harriet Dingle BSc Biochemistry 2014

I had a fantastic experience and learned so much from soft skills such as communication to two coding languages as I helped the web developers work on a new website.

“I got an amazing insight into science communication and outreach during my Year Out in Industry (YOI) at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) at its head office in Swindon. I had a fantastic experience and learned so much from soft skills such as communication to two coding languages as I helped the web developers work on a new website.

“STFC works with scientists, students, teachers and everyone who’s interested in learning more about the UK’s world class research. It helps fund the Large Hadron Collider and UK sites such as the laboratories at Daresbury where graphene was discovered. During my year there, I interviewed many leading researchers, dealt with inquiries from the press and the general public and got involved with outreach activities.

“While I enjoyed being part of STFC, it helped me make up my mind that I want to be a teacher after I graduate and I’ve got a place to study for a Post Graduate Teaching Certificate (PGCE) so I can help young people become as enthusiastic about science as I am.

“I have loved studying Biochemistry at Southampton, it’s a beautiful University with brilliant staff but I’ve also got a great deal out of my experience with STFC and would recommend any student to find out for themselves about a placement.”