Annabel Hendley-Jones (pictured below), the sixth recipient of a Dr NormanC. Lloyd Scholarship at Cardiff University, completed her first year of her
MCheM degree in Chemistry at the university and she has submitted an end of
year report. The Norman Lloyd Scholarship is given to a new student to the
Cardiff School of Chemistry who are of high academic standing and resident in Wales.
What degree are you undertaking and why did you choose
the course here?
Currently, I am in my second year studying Chemistry (MChem)
at Cardiff University. I chose to undertake chemistry as a degree as it
incorporates many appreciated skills such as critical and analytical thinking,
a strong dedicated work ethic which allows you to be composed in tough
situations, academic and practical strengths and knowledgeable about a wide
range of specialties. I chose to do the degree at Cardiff University due to its
state-of-the-art laboratories, lecturers, research projects, investment for the
future and sandwich year placement opportunities which all stood out to me more
than any other university I considered. Since coming to study here in September
2019 it has exceeded all expectations.
What’s the best thing about studying at Cardiff?
The best thing about studying in Cardiff is the strong sense
of a community in and around the university that is a very present and large
part of the fabric of the city. It’s an exciting and safe place to live and
study with large open parks and all shops desired all within a stone’s throw of
the university buildings and accommodation and not much further out are areas
of great natural beauty from beaches to mountains. These great attractions
mixed with the strong academic lectures and research Cardiff University and the
Chemistry degree provide mean Cardiff is a fantastic place to study.
Do you have a particular career in mind after you
graduate?
I have taken particular interest over the past year in
environmental and energy resources chemistry. Seeing how chemicals created in
our environment interact with each other either around us in the air or below
in the soil or water sources and how humanity can affect and be affected by
these reactions and chemicals has really engaged me, in particular atmospheric
chemistry. I hope to specialise more to this area of chemistry during my
masters with the hope to go into either analytical testing or lab development
regarding atmospheric environmental chemistry after my graduation.
Do you have any hobbies outside of studying?
Outside of studying play for the chemistry netball team
based in the university’s IMG league, where I am on the committee and hold
responsibilities covering social sessions for players and leading coronavirus
safety and hygiene whilst training. I enjoy taking time to relax by sketching
and doing art as well as further unwinding by going on runs 4 times a week. I
have also begun a beginner’s course in Welsh for All to learn the Welsh
language as an extra skill and for a hobby centred around my country.
What difference has the Norman Lloyd scholarship made to
you?
The scholarship has made a greatly positive change to me. It
allowed me to access extra resources and specific academic books that
previously I would not have bought due to financial limitations. For example, I
purchased Atkins’ ‘Elements of Physical Chemistry’ which was popular at the
library and so owning it personally allowed me to take my time to read and
fully appreciate its contents more competently than having to return it in a
specific time-frame. The scholarship also allowed me to think more freely about
pursuing a year abroad placement with more monetary savings to achieve this
goal and feel comfortable doing so.
If you could say something to the fund donors, what would
it be?
Thank you very much, it was a great surprise when I found
out I was the recipient of the Dr. Norman C. Lloyd scholarship and continues to
be a great gift and an honour to this day. It has given me a newfound
confidence in my chemistry learning and future allowing me more opportunities
to explore and eventually accomplish.
We all wish Annabel every success as she continues her studies
at Cardiff.
The scholarship
The Norman Lloyd scholarship was set up by RSC Belgium
in collaboration with Norman’s family and Cardiff University in memory of our
old friend and supporter Norman Lloyd. Norman was himself a student at an
institution that is now part of the university. The funds raised provide an
annual scholarship of £1,000 for an undergraduate student, usually in their first
year of study, at the Cardiff School of Chemistry.
