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Course: Pharmaceutical and Industrial Chemistry Supervisor: Dr Soumya, Mukherjee/Bhawna Kumari

Name of Research Project/Activity: Crystal Engineering of hybrid ultra microporous materials for selective separation of CO2 and C2H2.

Q) Can you tell me a bit about yourself, your background, and why did you decide to study the course you are taking ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ?

I am a third-year student studying Pharmaceutical and Industrial Chemistry here in UL. I did a foundation year in Biological and Chemical Sciences in first-year, but I ultimately decided to choose PIC as the scope of learning and experience that is offered is fantastic. I was interested in modules such as analytical and organic chemistry, where I undertook labs in state-of-the-art lab facilities in UL. I come from Limerick and the scale of industry here definitely pushed me to choose this course, as it would enable me to gain industry experience.

Q) What motivated you to apply for the Summer Bursary Programme?

I applied to the programme because I felt it would equip me with the key lab skills needed for my Co- op placement in January. Over the eight-week period, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to develop new laboratory techniques that are highly valued by the pharma and manufacturing sectors. Thanks to the mentorship of Dr Soumya Mukherjee, I was also excited to take ownership of my own project, while learning directly from experts in materials chemistry in the lab. I really enjoyed Dr Mukherjee’s analytical chemistry modules over the last year (in my second-year undergraduate course), and this programme gave me a great chance to put that knowledge into practice.

Q) What are you doing as part of your research here ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ?

As part of my internship here in UL, I am researching the synthesis of hybrid ultra porous materials (HUMs). I strive to develop such crystals capable of gas separations, particularly that of carbon dioxide and ethyne. I have been instructed in skills such as X-ray diffraction, GMP, and in software such as Origin and ChemDraw.

Q) What skills have you developed over the summer?

Through NMR spectral analysis, adsorption isotherms, I’ve been able to build on a range of experimental (synthetic) and analytical skills taught across my undergraduate chemistry modules over the past year. I have also been introduced to key analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction, while gaining familiarity with data analysis software such as Origin and Mercury. The independent lab work has been especially important in helping me develop a strong awareness of lab safety and GMP protocols. I am confident these skills will stand to me in future placement

Q) What has this experience taught you and what would you recommend it to others?

I would absolutely recommend this programme to any undergraduate student. The industry-focused lab experience I have gained will really stand to me in the years ahead, the standard of teaching and research expertise ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, especially the top-of-the-line research facilities at the Bernal Institute where Dr Mukherjee’s analytical suite is hosted is exceptional. I fell genuinely privileged to have worked with such an expert group of researchers. This programme will no doubt be a real asset to me as I take on my final year project in 4th year.

Q) What are your future career plans, would you consider a career in research?

This programme has really helped me figure out where my true interests lie. Right now, I am leaning towards a future career in industry, though I would not rule out doing a research postgraduate either. The skills I have gained—both in the lab and through the support of my supervisors—will stand to me in any scientific role. I am hoping to do my co-op placement in the pharma or biopharma industry, and I feel well prepared for it, thanks to the solid training I have had in analytical techniques and lab safety practices.

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