Sixth Norman Lloyd Scholar report is in!

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.