We were delighted to hear exciting news from former pupil, Talia Mathers, class of 2017, who has been offered the opportunity to undertake a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Bern later this year.
Talia is currently in the final year of her MChem with Industrial Placement at the University of Edinburgh. Talia took time away from her studies to speak to the school about her passion for chemistry.
Talia shared that her interest in science, and chemistry specifically, stems from her curiosity about the world. Chemistry answers fundamental questions about how things work in everyday life from fuel to food. Even now, while studying at an advanced level in her undergraduate degree, Talia explained that she will go back to the basics to solve problems, and chemistry provides a logical solution to many challenges.
Talia particularly enjoys how chemistry is taught at university, offering students a blend of different learning opportunities from practical laboratory work to the writing up and presenting of theories and conclusions.
Talia took two years out after school before joining university supporting herself through modelling work. She shared that it was a challenge to return to study after time away. Even with her time management skills adjusting to the high number of contact hours for chemistry, like many science subjects, was difficult. Although studying for her exams was hard work Talia found the exams themselves to be “fun” and an opportunity to demonstrate her knowledge and enthusiasm.
Looking ahead to her PhD at the University of Bern, Talia is looking forward to further study where she will work independently as part of a wider team. While undertaking her PhD Talia will work on real world challenges within a university environment. She will benefit from working alongside her peers – post-doctoral students, researchers and academic staff. While studying in Switzerland Talia will also have the opportunity to travel to conferences around the world and meet experts in their field. She said she will “act like a sponge, soaking up new knowledge!”.
Robin Adair, Head of Chemistry at St Margaret’s, said “I am delighted to see one of our former pupils doing so well in chemistry. I remember Talia’s enthusiasm for the subject well and her success will no doubt inspire future female scientists”.
Finally, we asked Talia to share some advice for current pupils: “Always remember, you don’t need to be the best at everything. Just work hard and believe in yourself. When an opportunity presents itself – go for it! If you don’t, you’ll never know”.
Science at St Margaret’s
Research from the Girls’ School Association shows that the uptake of chemistry by girls in girls’ schools is 85% higher than girls in co-education schools (https://gsa.uk.com/research/academic-attainment-feb-2024/), a trend reflected across all science subjects (maths, biology, physics and computing science).
To learn more about the benefits for girls of an all girls’ education get in touch today. Find out about our rich curriculum and extra-curricular opportunities which puts girls first in everything we do. Contact us on 01224 584466 or admissions@st-margaret.uk