Overcoming the challenges of the future, like managing overpopulation and global warming, will require a robust knowledge of scientific principles, as well as an understanding of the sustainability, safety and practicality of implementing them. Chemical Engineering equips one perfectly for this. In July, a 5-day Headstart engineering course guided me toward Chemical Engineering, and a subsequent taster day at UCL crystallised in my mind what Chemical Engineering was about – the processes involved in transforming raw materials into finished products. I learned how chemicals like ammonia are manufactured, and I liked finding out how engineers conserve as much energy as possible in industry. That day prompted me to watch a series of lectures from Stanford University on Chemical Engineering, and I found myself hooked. I also subscribe to the New Scientist web feed, which I love to read.

I particularly like the concept of designing and manufacturing pharmaceuticals – there is constant innovation in this sector, and the versatility of a chemical engineer would be ideal in developing new technologies in, for instance, drug delivery and drug synthesis. In cancer alone there are myriad possibilities to explore – Mukherjee writes in “Emperor of All Maladies” that few drugs and techniques are truly effective against cancer. Seeing patients’ devastation at being diagnosed with cancer at an NHS oncology unit showed me first-hand the terrible human cost of this disease. Yet there I also learnt about pioneering treatments for oesophageal cancer; e.g. inserting radioactive wires into malignant tumours.

During the holidays I had the opportunity to see some factories in Ludhiana, India, which was an unforgettable experience. In particular, one warehouse that contained row upon row of 25m high printing presses opened my eyes to the scale of processes used in industry. On a smaller scale, I read “Vanity, Vitality, and Virility” by Emsley, which gave an appreciation of the surprising range of science in consumer goods. By highlighting the many engineering specifications incorporated into objects like lipstick and chewing gum, Emsley completely changed my assumption that such objects were straightforward to manufacture.

Studying the sciences has given me a good overview of where the traditionally separate branches intersect. My understanding of mechanics in maths allowed me to delve deeper into problems in physics, like explaining the trajectory of a golf ball. Equally, to describe the structure of proteins in biology, one uses chemistry to describe how amino acids bond to each other. The various links between biology and chemistry intrigue me, and inspired me to write an Extended Project on the action of general anaesthesia. I enjoyed exploring this topic in much greater depth than my A-Level studies – the intricate synaptic processes that anaesthetics inhibit are fascinating. This year, I have enjoyed completing the Cambridge Chemistry Online Challenges, which allowed me to creatively solve unfamiliar chemistry problems. In addition, I also gain real satisfaction out of solving maths problems, and have competed in various maths tournaments for my school, as well as achieving Gold in both Intermediate and Senior Maths Challenges. Furthermore, I feel proud to have been ranked in the UK Maths Olympiad. 

My studies have been balanced with playing chess competitively. Having been British Chess Champion for four years and captain of the England Chess team, chess has taught me how to concentrate for hours at a time, think logically, and play as a team. As a member of the school debating team, I have learned to think on my feet and analyse arguments swiftly. I also enjoy playing squash, rugby and tennis. Chemical Engineering truly has the potential to make the world a better place. I look forward to developing my understanding of the subject and to being intellectually stretched at university.