Timothy Deehan MChem Chemistry
2017
I chose to study at Southampton for its reputation as a great Russell group university. During open days, the academics were very welcoming and the beautiful campus helped swing the favour.
Why did you choose to come and study at Southampton?
I chose to study at Southampton for its reputation as a great Russell group university. During open days, the academics were very welcoming and the beautiful campus helped swing the favour.
What is it like studying here?
The best part of studying here is the student community, as I spent my studying time with a small group of friends which made time fly by, as well as improving our understanding. The lecturers were fantastic as well, allowing us to meet them, often with any questions about the course or misunderstandings we had in the lectures.
What have been your Southampton ‘highlights’ (best experiences)?
During my second year of study, I secured a summer placement, under the University Excel scheme, with Dr Jonathan Kitchen in the “Try before you buy” sustainability lab. This placement focused on reaction optimisation, to conserve power, water and reduce waste from the reactions. This placement first got me interested in the field of sustainable chemistry.
How do you rate study facilities at the University?
During my Excel placement, I was working in the labs used by the departments research groups. Performing proper research a year earlier than is usual for students was great preparation for my 3rd year thesis. The early introduction to research was very impactful on my future career interests.
How did you take this interest further?
I was on the Integrated Masters with 6-month placement. For this placement, I worked for a company called Green Progression, based in the Technical University of Eindhoven. Here, I was tasked with creating a new lignin based biofuel, for which I produced successful results.
Have you had opportunities at Southampton to take the interest further?
At the University, there is an annual Meloria conference where the presenters are all undergraduates and aims at promoting sustainability in all forms. I have presented both the excel placement on reaction optimisation and my masters placement on biofuel design.
A great part of these presentations is being able to present scientific research I have performed and answer questions from fellow students who could have no scientific background themselves.
What is the UN World Merit 360 program?
I am very excited to be funded by the chemistry department to attend the World Merit 360 program. The program focuses on getting young people involved with the UN sustainability targets. Under 1 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) we have to create an action plan/ business model, which will help tackle one of the goals laid out by the UN. I will be working under SDG 9; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. During the event our group will network with Senior Officials related to this SDG, improve our plan with their help and start working to enact our business plan on a pilot scale.
Do you have any other future plans now?
Starting in October, I will be starting a PhD at UCL in mechanical engineering. My project will be testing how new biofuels perform in commercial engines. Throughout the project, I will be seeing what engine modifications allow for cleaner combustion and what chemical modifications will need to be made to the fuels to optimise them for commercial use.