Nur Hanisah Binti Abu Talib - MSc Chemical Research

I had insights, access and training I was able to talk to professors from multiple departments and even collaborate with a researcher from the Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in Portugal...

What is your educational background?

I graduated from UCL with a BSc in Chemical Physics in 2018.

What are your motivations for pursuing a graduate-level qualification?

I wanted to pursue a Masters course which would allow me to hone my research skills and increase my career prospects. I was hoping to continue to broaden my perspective and increase my knowledge of various technical skills. 

Why did you apply to UCL for graduate study?

After three years of my undergraduate studies at UCL, I had developed a relationship with my professors and discussed my research ideas. This sparked my interest to develop and actualize my research ideas for graduate studies. The supportive nature at UCL to help students to continuously inquire and engage with various global issues was one of the deciding factors to continue my studies at UCL. Also, after three years at UCL, it’s easy to say that UCL felt like home! 

What is the best thing about your course?

The course is research intensive so, half of the graduate studies is based on the research project that runs through the whole year. This was the best aspect as I was able to independently take my ideas forward and plan my time to deepen my understanding of the research field. I was able to talk to professors from multiple departments and even collaborate with a researcher from the Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in Portugal. I had insights, access and training for a lot of technical equipment through hands-on practicals and the online transferable skills module. 

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

Nanoparticle research is wide and broad, and its presence in our everyday life is what attracted me to the field in the first place. From space flight applications in NASA to biomedical application for the future of cancer treatment, the application of the material that I work with goes beyond my scope of research! Being able to see the impact of my field of study whilst reading the news is always exciting and serves as a continuous inspiration to me. 

Do you think studying at UCL Chemistry is a good investment?

I was lucky to have been granted a scholarship for my studies however, I believe the prestige and the experience that I was able to gain from UCL served as a complementary factor to secure the scholarship. 

What is it like studying in London and how do you think it has benefitted your studies?

Studying in London can be tough with the hustle and bustle of the city but with everything at your doorstep, there was always somewhere for me to find little pockets of home. On top of that, the immense opportunity for personal and professional growth in London has always kept me on my toes to strive to try new things. 

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

As of now, I don’t have any solid plans, but I am excited to see where the future will take me whether it will be academia or an industrial experience!