This British Science Week, with the theme of ‘change and adapt’ has given me food for thought when considering the platform STEM subjects have given me in terms of developing complex skills. I’ve been reflecting that studying these subjects has propelled me into a fantastic graduate scheme, plus given me tools to use in my day-to-day life.

My love for STEM embedded itself at a young age as it was noted that I had an affinity for maths. It was a key enabler to satisfy my innate desire to solve problems and being able to quantify a solution was incredibly gratifying. Maths is a language that flows through the sciences, technology and engineering – you’ll find it underpins a lot of these subjects. Through this the love for Chemistry and Physics began to facilitate itself within me and continued through my GCSE’s and A-Levels, until I secured myself a space on a Chemical Engineering and Chemistry master’s degree at The University of Sheffield.

At university the problem solving, critical thinking, evidence-based argument skills began to be honed. Being able to learn the ins and outs of Chemical and Process Engineering filled me with great joy. Going into lectures and tutorials daily to solve complicated and applicable problems gave me great satisfaction and I knew these skills were going to be extremely relevant in an Engineering profession. I was also lucky enough to be selected to participate in the Student Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) programme which involved conducting research between my first and second years of university to develop additional skills linked to scientific research and self-led learning. Being able to teach myself new skills and having a passion to do so drove my learning exponentially. During my fourth year of university, I amalgamated these skills together to produce a scientific research report on the Microkinetic Modelling of CHP in Cumene which enabled me to obtain the grade I wanted, my Master of Engineering status (MEng) and eventually obtaining a professional role in the industry I was most interested in.

The skills developed on this journey are useful in everyday life, whilst pursuing personal recreational goals. I’ve certainly transferred skills developed during my studies to my hobby as a board game enthusiast, eventually spilling over into a highly competitive Star Wars Miniatures game called X-Wing – in which I now compete at the highest level. Being able to think strategically towards your winning conditions, solve complex problems, based on hypothetical situations related to what you opponent might do, and even developing your memory are vastly critical within this competitive environment. All these skills were nurtured through my love and commitment to STEM subjects. I have been successful; winning my fair share of tournaments and travelling the world to compete at the highest level, representing Team England and Team Yorkshire on the global stage at the X-Wing Team Championship (XTC) and World Team Championship (WTC)