Daniel Hewitt - PhD Chemistry

Being around such talented people is the most valuable part of being at UCL for me. Having so many people around that you can ask for help with work or other issues is what makes UCL great.

What is your educational background?

I come from a small town in Devon and went to school in Plymouth. I joined UCL in 2015 as an undergraduate, and continued on to an MRes here before starting my PhD this year.

What are your motivations for pursuing a PGR?

Over the summer holidays in 2018 I started working for my current supervisor on a short 2 month project to give myself a taste of research. Having previously worked in several part-time jobs, the freedom I had during that project to tackle challenges my own way led to me deciding that a career in research fits my personality well.

Why did you apply to UCL for graduate study?

Having taken my undergraduate at UCL, I was familiar with a lot of the teaching staff and students already which was a major reason to stay. Aside from that, UCL has a great social side to it, especially within the chemistry department which regularly organizes events where you can meet other students and make friends.

Can you briefly describe your research?

I’m working on developing a series of programs to allow for the rapid screening of microporous materials for a range of different chemical processes. Currently the project is looking at identifying possible zeolite structures that would allow for the conversion of methanol to olefins in a more efficient and sustainable manner than current industry-leading catalysts.

What do you find interesting about your field of study and what inspires you?

Identifying a better catalyst for this reaction would allow for olefins to be produced using a more sustainable carbon feedstock, as methanol can be produced from biomass, CO2, or methane as alternatives to oil or natural gas. Knowing that my project could lead to a more sustainable future keeps me motivated to keep working hard.

Has there been an element of your degree programme that has impressed you or been particularly valuable?

Being around such talented people is the most valuable part of being at UCL for me. Having so many people around that you can ask for help with work or other issues is what makes UCL such a great place to study and work.

What are your career plans once you’ve completed your current programme of study at UCL?

I’m undecided currently but a role in data science would definitely interest me.

Is there anything else you would like to say about your time at UCL Chemistry?

Like all departments the Chemistry department is not faultless, however there are a lot of dedicated staff members that really pull the department together, creating an enjoyable environment to work and socialise in. If you’re looking for a university where you can pursue world-leading research and still maintain a social life, UCL is the right place to be.