Student Spotlight: Nazrin Ismayilova

Name: Nazrin Ismayilova

Course: MSc Sustainable Chemical Process Engineering

Department: Chemical Engineering

Tell us a bit about yourself!

Hello, I am Nazrin from Baku, Azerbaijan. I completed my undergraduate studies at Université de Strasbourg and Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University. After finishing my undergrad, I realised that there are many people with similar qualifications; I needed something that would differentiate me from others. I needed to continue my studies. Studying only a bachelor’s degree is not enough in today’s world, and it is difficult to compete in the job market with just that. Therefore, I decided to pursue a master’s degree. It is not just UCL itself, but the experience I would gain along the way that would make me a better version of myself; stronger, more knowledgeable, more experienced, and just different. And here I am: I am studying Sustainable Chemical Process Engineering at UCL.

For this reason, I applied to one of the most prominent scholarships available in Azerbaijan, which covers both living costs and tuition fees. I won the scholarship and took one step closer to my goals.

What first sparked your interest in this subject, and why did you choose to pursue it at UCL? 

In a world of sustainability, and as I am living in a country where oil and gas production is a major source of income, there is a strong need to make these processes greener - to reuse byproducts in other applications and to design new plants in more advanced and sustainable ways by integrating new technologies. As the world shifts away from fossil fuels, new plants based on non-fossil fuels are also being developed in my country, and I aim to contribute to their design in the future.

Apart from environmental reasons, I am here to gain knowledge and to challenge myself by living independently outside my country; studying, building a good life for myself, and also enjoying the experience. I believe studying abroad broadens one’s horizons and makes it easier to gain confidence in oneself.

As for why I chose UCL to reach my goals, first of all, it is a one-year programme, which means I can enter the industry one year earlier. In addition, UCL’s multicultural environment, its prestigious reputation, teaching system, global ranking, and renowned programmes strongly influenced my decision. I have also heard from friends that UCL is challenging but not impossible, and that once you overcome these challenges, you gain confidence in yourself and feel capable of achieving anything.

How would you describe your experience on the programme so far, both academically and as part of the UCL community? 

So far, I have completed my first term, and I must say it is really challenging! You experience long and tiring days, sitting in front of papers and a computer for hours on end. However, what I want to emphasise is the sense of relief and accomplishment you feel after completing the work and seeing your results.

Working with my classmates on projects, asking for help, learning how to do research, and becoming more professional; these experiences are all valuable. Taking small breaks, grabbing a coffee with friends, laughing, making international friends, and learning about different cultures when you take a step back from your work; all of this makes the experience rewarding. You gain new skills, meet new people, and start building a network, which makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Although it may sound harsh that the programme is difficult, you feel proud of yourself after completing it. But, hey - who said life is easy?

What has been the highlight of your time in your degree? 

The highlight of my degree so far has been overcoming my shyness. At the beginning of the year, I thought I would never be able to talk to people I did not know or work comfortably in groups. One reason was that I doubted my ability to explain my ideas fluently, but after starting to speak more, I realised my language skills were better than I thought and improving every day. Another reason was cultural differences, which initially made me hesitant to open up.

Through participating in projects, speaking with classmates, and making friends, I gradually became more confident and comfortable communicating. People here are very kind, and I have had really supportive teachers who have helped me improve my presentation and speaking skills.

What opportunities, such as placements, research, or internships, have you been involved in during your degree? 

So far, I have participated in several projects, including Nature Inspired Chemical Engineering (NICE), Process Optimisation, and Process Engineering: Modelling and Design. In the modelling and design courses, we were asked to design plants, while in NICE, we were challenged to create something new inspired by nature; an idea that could potentially gain a patent if it was innovative and creative enough.

I am also currently conducting preparatory research by reading articles and learning about concepts such as dispersion coefficients to prepare for computational work with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) during the summer. All the projects and research I have participated in so far have helped me develop new ways of thinking, thinking outside the box, and understanding how things actually work in the industry.

Have you taken part in any projects, societies, or extracurricular activities that have shaped your experience? 

So far, I have attended several networking events where alumni and professionals from different companies in the industry give talks about their work and how the courses they took have helped them in their careers. These events provide invaluable insights on managing our careers, tips on job applications, and are a great opportunity to connect with people from the industry.

Apart from that, I am really looking forward to the Ramsay Dinner. It is a fantastic event that allows students, companies, and professors to engage and discuss, creating meaningful connections and learning opportunities.

In addition to formal events, we also participate in group activities after lessons, which help us collaborate and learn from each other. Many of us are international students, and with the help of our local classmates, we explore London through sightseeing and cultural trips. These experiences allow us to learn while having fun, deepen our friendships, and understand different cultures, which adds a unique and memorable dimension to our UCL experience.

What is the student community like at UCL, especially for international students? 

As an international student, I was initially hesitant to approach people or talk to classmates, and I worried I might be treated differently because of my language or background. However, I quickly realised that people in London are very understanding and welcoming. Professors are supportive as well, which makes the learning experience much easier.

I also have to highlight the student community here; everyone supports each other and is always willing to share ideas, understanding what it’s like to study as an international student. Of course, sometimes there can be small cultural differences, but these are never serious or offensive. Instead, they become opportunities to learn about new cultures and adapt, which is exciting and enriching as you meet people from all over the world.

What are some of your favourite things about living in London? 

One of my favourite things about living in London is how green the city is. Sometimes when you feel stressed or overwhelmed, being surrounded by nature can really help - the trees, the grass, and the open spaces give you a chance to take a deep breath and feel a little relief. London offers this perfectly, with so many parks that you can always visit to relax and recharge.

I also love the historical monuments and architecture. Everywhere you go, you can come across traces of history, from old buildings to statues and landmarks. Walking through the streets, you feel connected to the city’s past, and it’s fascinating to see how the old and modern parts of London coexist. Visiting museums, historical sites, and even small hidden spots around the city makes exploring London an educational and inspiring experience, and it’s something I really enjoy alongside my studies.

What career goals are you working towards, and how is your degree helping you get there? 

My current career goal is to get the most out of what I am learning at the moment. The more ideas and concepts I grasp from lectures, the closer I feel to my ultimate goal: becoming a prominent designer and modeller for chemical plants in my country, particularly with a focus on sustainability. I understand that learning in the classroom is different from working in the industry, but UCL makes it easier to bridge theory and practice. The projects we are given are directly inspired by real-life industrial challenges, which allows me to apply what I learn in a practical context.

Through these projects and my research, I am developing technical skills such as plant design, process modelling, and problem-solving, as well as soft skills like teamwork, communication, and project management. I also gain insight into how industrial processes work in reality and how to integrate sustainable solutions into plant design.

What’s one thing you wish more applicants knew about this programme or your department? 

One thing I wish more applicants knew about this programme is that while it is challenging, it is also extremely rewarding. The projects and coursework are very practical, often based on real-life industrial problems, which helps you apply theory to practice. The programme also offers a supportive environment, with professors and peers who are approachable and willing to help. Even with tight deadlines, professors are ready to answer your questions and guide you to reach your maximum potential while keeping you motivated. Although I am usually hesitant to ask questions, everyone at the university makes you feel comfortable by reminding you that “no question is stupid”, which really reduces stress and encourages learning.

We also learn software that is directly used in industry, giving us an advantage by becoming familiar with the tools we will use in our future jobs. You should not be afraid of failing - if you put in the effort, it is recognised, and you won’t fail the course.

Beyond academics, the programme helps you grow personally - improving your confidence, communication skills, and ability to work in diverse teams - which makes the experience truly unique.

What are your plans after you graduate?

After I graduate, I will return to Azerbaijan and work there, as required by my scholarship. I understand that I cannot become the best immediately, which is why I plan to start small, gain practical experience, and climb the career ladder step by step. My goal is to gradually become a prominent designer and modeller for chemical plants, particularly with a focus on sustainable and innovative processes.

I will never stop learning, because knowledge is power. As cliché as it sounds, it is important to remember that advancements in the industry happen every day, and staying updated is essential to contributing effectively. I aim to combine what I have learned at UCL with my practical experience in Azerbaijan to drive innovation, implement greener solutions, and make a meaningful impact in the chemical engineering sector in my country.