Student Spotlight: Mert Gun

Name: Mert Gun

Course: Chemical Engineering MEng

Department: Chemical Engineering

Can you tell us a bit about yourself

I am studying Chemical Engineering at UCL, and I am currently a first-year student. In high school I was always keen on studying something related to science, but I did not exactly know what field I wanted to dive into. Since I was in International Baccalaureate (IB) programme and was taking Chemistry, and Physics in my studies I had the opportunity to experiment in both of the fields and get first-hand experience. I have also completed my Extended Essay (EE) on Chemistry exploring the chemical background in ceramics’ glaze. For this study, I have also used a university’s laboratory providing me with enough insight which made me settle with choosing chemistry over physics.

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

I had two options on either pursuing on a chemistry related field or physics related. After my experiences from IB, choosing Chemical Engineering over Physics felt more logical for my circumstances as Physics felt a lot more theoretical and Chemical Engineering had applications to real world available more than physics and where a Chemical Engineer could work in is a lot broader than of a physicist. 

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

My experience in UCL on the academic part is satisfying so far. UCL, has a much more different approach when it comes to engineering compared to other universities. It does not necessarily require us to memorize some formulas and pass our exams so that we can graduate, rather it makes us use the formulas and put them into real world situations with various opportunities. With Scenario Weeks we are being prepared to work and get ready for the industry by forcing us to develop valuable employability skills, such as teamwork, critical thinking, fast-decision making, etc. There are also Coursework and Projects for each module which are usually real-world connected as well, it’s just that its individual work instead of teamwork like Scenarios. Overall, I am very glad to study in UCL with its unique way of approaching engineering and truly believe that the skills I am developing throughout my course will be highly appreciated when we graduate. 

As of UCL Community in societies and coursemates, I am very glad about both of them. There are many different countless societies in UCL that anyone can at least fit in plenty of them. Us Chemical Engineers has a society that is very supportive of first-years and organizes many events that can benefit one in any way. For my coursemates, I have got to admit that everyone in my course is very friendly and very welcoming, I truly believe that this is unique to UCL’s accepting culture which makes the first week of the university much easier.  

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

In the first year of my degree, what stood out the most is the scenario weeks and the reading weeks/term holidays right after them. This is because in scenario weeks you are really using whatever you have learnt in your lectures so far and working as a team in a very short period of time to achieve big tasks, which makes one feel very productive. In the following reading week/holiday since you can use your time to rest after such a high-paced week makes you really appreciate your time and reflect on yourself. 

What opportunities have you been involved in during your degree?  

I have not been involved in any opportunities as I am only a first year student so far. However, I am aware that there are lots of industry trips, talks and meetings that we can attend. I am also aware that in UCL there is a weekly newsletter present just to notify the alumni about any work opportunities present. Moreover, sometimes the professors in your course might have their own research groups. So, having the opportunity to meet and have them in UCL really increases your chance of getting a research project over summer. 

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

I have unfortunately not attended actively in any of the societies but knitting society, which I treated as a side-hobby as a relaxing activity. Instead, I took my time in year one exploring different zones of London on my own or with my friends. I can freely say that I am proud of doing so but I am planning on being more active in societies side in the following years.  

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

There is a very large international presence in UCL, so I do not believe that anyone will be left out from any nation on earth in any way possible. The national societies in UCL cover most of the world and even if your country’s society is not present you can join another country’s that you feel close to and be accepted as everyone in these societies are so friendly. 

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

I truly love how accessible London is in terms of travel. There are cycle lines and bicycles you can hire in any part of the city, large pathways and pedestrian crossings that you can safely roam around the city, many and big parks, and great public transport coverage. My favourite, however, is definitely the night tube and night buses available throughout the week, especially weekends, this opportunity combined with UCL’s great facilities that stays open until late and especially student centre which is open 24/7 for 365 is definitely an unmatched opportunity. 

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

I have few career paths planned out in my head and my degree, and my professors help me to understand what it is like being in different sectors. Also, UCL’s Wellbeing Office can help any student decide on their career path, set goals or help you achieve them which just shows how supportive UCL is. 

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

I wish, past me and future applicants knew the unique approach of UCL better, so that I would not question if choosing UCL was the right decision and they would be prepared for the broad range of information and skills they are going to earn. 

What are your plans after you graduate?

I am hopefully planning to continue my studies in either UK, US, or Switzerland after working in the industry for a few years.