The Salter’s Graduate Awards celebrate the achievements of graduates in chemistry and chemical engineering. Each year, up to ten awards are presented to undergraduates studying at UK universities who have achieved or are on track for a first-class degree.
Candidates are put forward by their university or department and those shortlisted are interviewed by a panel of academics and industry figures. The interview included general and technical questions focusing on future challenges faced by the chemical sector. Winners are selected on their ability to demonstrate that they can occupy leading positions in public life, either by employment in the industry, or related industries.
On the award win, Alex said: "I am honored to have been selected to represent the University and to have the opportunity to present the work I have undertaken, as well as the dedication I have for Chemical Engineering. Receiving the award recognises and validates the commitment I have put into my education, starting from working at the University as a summer bursary student in the Igloo, to giving campus tours on interview days.
I also gained industrial experience from moving to Cornwall for placement during the pandemic, which helped me to apply what I had learnt on my master's in a practical setting. I now have a greater appreciation for the day to day operations within the chemical sector and all of this helped in recently starting my career."
Alex is currently working as a Graduate Process Engineer at Croda as part of a three-year development scheme. This will see her undertake three rotations within the business, ranging from laboratory-based research and process optimisation, through to full scale commissioning with a focus on the harnessing of biological systems to create a more sustainable future.