UK Young Scientist of the Year

You're the first female winner of Young Scientist of the Year – what does that mean to you?

It's a great honour and privilege to be selected to be an ambassador for science, although being the first female winner hasn't been a major factor. This could be due to the fact that I came from co-ed school where both boys and girls had equal strengths in science. Hopefully I will inspire more young people, including girls, to compete.

What did your project involve?

I created a new way to synthesising a derivative of iron, lepidocrocite, by designing a control system. I discovered lepidocrocite's formation pathways and investigated its properties for the removal of heavy metals, specifically chromium, from water.

Through my project I was introduced to lots of techniques such as FIRT though the University of Ulster and working closely with the teachers from my school, Loreto College.

Why did you choose your project?

I heard the idea of using one metal to remove heavy metals from water on a radio programme. The idea intrigued me, and after initial research I became hooked on the challenge of synthesising, investigating and using the misunderstood, under-researched lepidocrocite.

Had you done anything like this before?

My first taster of science outside school was at a "chemistry camp" where I experienced lots of fun chemistry.

I had done one Crest Award before in Belfast - a group of four of us from school investigated the segregation of concrete when it was being poured. The competition was not quite at the scale of the Big Bang Fair, where the finals of the National Science & Engineering Competition are held, but it was what initially got me interested in presenting my work to people.

Do you intend to follow a career in science?

I am currently in my first year at Bristol University studying Veterinary Science. However, I hope to further and develop my research during my summer holidays so who knows where that will lead.

What advice would you give to future entrants?

Work hard at your project: the more work you put in, the more interested and enthusiastic you will become- the judges can tell.

Enjoy every aspect of the competition, from meeting new friends to taking part in the shows, from getting lots of freebees to being judged – when you leave you will be definitely sad to go!

Expect to face lots of challenges, both during the investigation and on judging day! These projects involve a lot of independent work and over time each competitor will develop self-discipline and become more reliable. However, the rewards at the end of every project are invaluable: not only do you develop researching, compiling and presenting skills but also public speaking, pitching and confidence!

If you have an idea for a project or you’re asked by a teacher to do a project I would say don't even think twice about it, it will be the best experience of your life!

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