7 questions with Pedram Nick Aryan

This week, we put seven questions to Pedram Nick Aryan, a UCL Biochemical Engineering student and a member of the UCLU Dance Society.

Why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future? 

After taking a year out of studying to go traveling in Far East Asia while also working for a laboratory equipment manufacturer and in financial printing, I decided to enroll on the Bioprocessing of New Medicines (Business and Management) BSc at UCL.

The course gives me the opportunity to pursue both of my passions, and I hope that with these skills I can make a positive impact on the world one day.

Combining technical knowledge gained from scientific studies with business management has always been a huge passion of mine. 

What is the most interesting thing you've done, seen or got involved with while at UCL? 

I've been involved in more than 20 productions with the UCLU Dance Society. 

What I like most about dance is how challenging it is and that the improvements that you see are directly proportional to the work that you put in; you decide how hard you work and you decide how much better you get - that independence and control is very satisfying.

This year, I'm producing the society's 30^th Bloomsbury production, called 'Origins' - it's an immense task but I'm incredibly honoured to be in charge of it. We've decided to go back to the crux of the UCLU Dance Society and pay homage to the generations of dancers that have passed and continue to inspire each of us.

The show takes place at the Shaw Theatre on 3, 4 and 5 March and it's a great chance to witness the incredible range and diversity within our small dance community - the event is popular so make sure you get your tickets quickly!

Have you discovered any 'hidden gems' during your time at UCL? 

Not sure if it's considered a hidden gem considering it's so busy, but I really enjoy working in the Cruciform Hub. The recent refurbishments have really changed the atmosphere in there and it's now open 24-hours during the week. 

As well as the main study hub, there are small study spaces to work in. Also, the sofas are quite a comfortable area to just relax in some peace and quiet for a while.

Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London. 

Considering dance plays such a big part in my life, I think it would be a shame to come to London and not see a ballet at the Royal Opera House - here you can enjoy some of the finest ballet performances.

I also have a passion for good food so I would highly recommend checking out some of London's restaurants. The good thing is you don't have to burn through your wallet either - bookatable.com has some amazing deals in some fantastic restaurants.

As for my third suggestion, I would recommend a walk along the Thames by London Bridge. You get to see some famous sights as well as the London skyline - on a clear night, the sky looks absolutely beautiful.

If you were Provost for the day what one thing would you do?

If I were Provost for the day, there are plenty of things I would like to do but I think, right now, the first thing that needs serious attention is the room bookings.

I know societies really struggle with trying to book rooms and for some reason the system is still manual. So I would make it of utmost priority to change it and make it an automated system with considerations for different societies and their appropriate needs.

Who inspires you and why? 

I think most people would probably say a member of their family, but if I'm being honest, I'm more inspired by my friends.

I'm incredibly thankful to have friends who have stuck by me and supported me through thick and thin, and I am proud to say each and every single one of them means the world to me - I wouldn't be where I am if it wasn't for them.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

Before dance, my first passion in life was actually Shaolin Kung-Fu. I grew up training and competing for years and I won a silver medal at the World Championships at the age of 15. 

However, due to medical injuries I was advised to stop. That's when dance found me and I've never looked back.

I now spend more time thinking about musicality, formations and possible crazy lift ideas than I do about anything else. I go into my own world with my own ideas and I forget about everything else - it's like my own therapy for when life gets too stressful.