Three postgraduate chemists have won David Phillips Prizes for their significant contributions to science outreach and building community.
PhD students Tamzin Bond, Helena Dodd and Mikkaila McKeever-Willis were recognised for their work encouraging participation from under-represented groups in science and supporting the wider community.
The David Phillips Prize is named after Professor David Phillips CBE FRS who is a former Head of the Department of Chemistry (and remains a Professor in the department) and a former President of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Professor Phillips is a great champion of outreach and science communication and has given one of the prestigious Royal Institution Christmas Lectures. Professor Phillips said: "Science outreach is essential if we are to engage the public and get young people excited about, and interested in, what we do. The COVID-19 pandemic has enabled scientists to talk directly to the public as never before, and I hope that this will continue in the future. I was delighted to help judge this year's prize. I was very impressed by the huge commitment to outreach and engagement demonstrated by each of the prize-winners."
The prize was established last year by Dr James Wilton-Ely the Director of Postgraduate Studies in the Department of Chemistry. Dr Wilton-Ely said: "We were amazed by the range of activities and the very high level of engagement of the students in this year's competition. This made it very difficult to judge, but what the three winners have done is truly exceptional. We were particularly impressed by their significant efforts to encourage participation from under-represented groups in science and support the wider community."
De-mystifying university
Tamzin Bond was first involved in outreach activities during her undergraduate degree at the University of Manchester. Now in her final year of her Imperial PhD researching imaging and sensing in biological environments, she has participated in multiple outreach activities.
Tamzin explains: "I know from personal experience that outreach activities can really demonstrate the wonder of chemistry. For me, a visit from a local pharmaceutical company opened my eyes to how chemistry is used in the real world." Tamzin has delivered the Royal Society of Chemistry's 'Spectroscopy in a Suitcase' workshops that enable sixth form students to see expensive but commonly used technology first-hand. Tamzin said: "I really enjoy making chemistry exciting and interactive. I hope I have inspired younger students to study chemistry as well as demystified the university process."
Tamzin has also volunteered for Sutton Trust Summer Schools and STEM Potential for several years. Tamzin said: "I don't believe any student should be disadvantaged from higher education due to their socio-economic situation. For students that do not have support systems at home or school, reaching their full potential may not be possible through no fault of their own. I have been amazed by how some students deal with so many things pressing down on them and still do so well at school."
Over the last year sessions have moved online, with Tamzin noting: "As much as it was important to make these workshops educational, I also wanted to create joyful sessions that were able to provide students with some entertainment during the various lockdowns."
Responding to winning a David Phillips prize, Tamzin said: "Taking part in outreach activities such as Imperial Lates, the Maker Challenge and Women in Chemistry: Making the Difference has brought me huge joy and fulfilment and I will be eternally grateful for the opportunities I have been given. I didn't take part to win a prize, but it is really nice to see the Department of Chemistry is recognising the great outreach work it does. I hope this recognition will encourage more people to get involved."
Free tutoring support
Mikkaila McKeever-Willis is a third year PhD student in computational chemistry, researching inter- and intra-molecular bonding in deep eutectic solvents for pharmaceutical applications. As a former secondary school teacher she had a good understanding of the challenges that lockdown and home-learning would present for students, parents and teachers. She explains: "When the pandemic hit I knew it would be a big ask for teachers to teach remotely and for parents to step in. I wasn't involved in the College's COVID-19 response, but I still wanted to do something to help. I had the idea to try to matchmake those children who needed some support with schoolwork with individuals who had the time and skills to help them."
Kotikoulu (Finnish for homeschooling) was launched in May last year, and so far has provided free tutoring to around 50 students. Support is provided in all subjects, from Latin to phonics, although for older students most requests for help are in STEM subjects. "Winning a David Phillips Prize and having some fantastic feedback from tutors and those using the service makes me feel like we have passed the proof-of-concept stage. The prize and ongoing support from the Department of Chemistry is a big boost for Kotikoulu and means that we help more families who can't afford to pay for private tutoring."
Volunteers can register their interest to tutor any subject via the website
