It was difficult to explain to my family that I wanted to pursue chemical engineering instead of medicine at the time, but I had a conversation with my mum recently and she said: ‘I can’t believe I ever said you should be going into that field, because look at you now. You’re going off to do so many different things in so many different places in the world and you’re only 19’. Yes, it was a hilly road to begin with, but I’m seeing the benefits of that journey now.

I’m thankful for IRIS, the project leads and my teachers for being able to support me with the project. I don’t know what would have happened if I didn’t do it.

Without seeing why you’re studying science, there is no motivation for exploring it. If schools use research as a vector to try to get more young people into these diverse fields of study, they’ll allow students to experience these subjects for themselves. Young people will become passionate about them and bring that passion into STEM careers. It will, ultimately, have a greater impact on science as a whole.

My advice to students thinking about taking part in an IRIS project is to throw yourself into it and don’t look back because the skills you gain from it are quite honestly invaluable. And that no matter what, you will come out a better person.