Cara Watkins (pictured below), the seventh recipient of a Dr Norman C. Lloyd Scholarship at Cardiff University has 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 in the Cardiff School of Chemistry who is of high academic standing and resident in Wales. The eighth recipient of the Scholarship at Cardiff has also just been announced.
What degree are you undertaking and why did you choose the course here?
I am currently studying Chemistry and I am enjoying the course Cardiff University provides. I chose Cardiff University for a number of reasons, the biggest reason was due to its position as a Russell Group University, this prestige assured me that the course and experience I would be partaking in, would be satisfying. As well as this, the city of Cardiff played a big role in my decision, I was already familiar with the city of Cardiff so I knew that living there would be exciting and as it was close to home, I would still feel comfortable staying there.
What’s the best thing about studying at Cardiff?
The best thing about studying at Cardiff is the city, there is plenty of fun things to do in and around the city centre which makes for a great student life. The are many places to eat and meet with friends on Cardiff Queen Street which is a good way to de-stress and chill after a long day at university. The city of Cardiff is a great place to live and study and makes my university experience incredibly enjoyable.
Do you have a particular career in mind after you graduate?
I have always wanted to be a Forensic Scientist on the front lines of a crime scene, I would love to use my knowledge in science to solve crimes and investigate the hidden clues left behind using various chemical processes. I believe a degree in chemistry from Cardiff University will bring me a step closer to achieving this and help me reach my goal.
Do you have any hobbies outside of studying?
Apart from Chemistry, I have a love for languages, I am currently learning Korean which is influenced by my interest in Asian countries and their cultures. I would love to travel around Asia in the future to experience the culture for myself. I am also a fan of Marvel movies and I often find myself re-watching my favourite movies with my friends and family.
What difference has this scholarship made to you?
This scholarship has made a great difference to me as it eliminated any money worries, I might have had, which allowed me to focus on studying. It was thanks to the scholarship that I was able to buy a laptop for myself which was essential to my studies. Before this I had been sharing a laptop with my two siblings and I cannot imagine what I would’ve done without being able to buy one for myself.
If you could say something to the donor who gave you this gift, what would it be?
I would like to give my greatest thanks to the donor who gave me this gift, it has had a great impact on me, and my studies and I believe I would not have had a such a great 1st year without it. It has been very advantageous to me and my studies and helped me get the most out of my university experience - That has been the greatest gift I could have so I would like the donor to know it was greatly appreciated.
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.
