Pathways Podcast - Warwick Chemistry

In the first episode of a brand new season of Pathways, recent graduate Jess joins Adam and Tom to reflect on the past year's 'We are Chemistry' programme, discussing their highlights and lowlights from 2022/23. They also provide a sneak peek into the new opportunities that await in the 2023/24 academic year, including new co-designed student-led activities, a brand new Chemistry Student Common Room, and a new careers support and development stream. Tune in to get a comprehensive overview of what's in store for Warwick Chemistry in the upcoming year through the We are Chemistry programme, including our projects around empowering Women Chemists, supporting Black Chemists through Project InVISIBLE, and our work on a project with King's College and the University of York to provide greater support and resources for neurodiverse students and staff. As with all our podcasts, the topics are chosen by you, so if you have any ideas for what you would like to hear in the future, or want to host a podcast with some friends, get in touch! A transcript for this episode can be found here.

In this episode, Adam and Tom speak to Georgia Shreeve, who has just finished her MChem year at Warwick. Georgia reflects on her experiences to share insights and practical advice on transitioning to the MChem year and the differences compared to the previous three years of the degree. Georgia discusses the specialised areas of study she encountered, how the MChem let her deepen her understanding and practical knowledge of being a chemist, and the proven strategies she used to manage the workload, research projects, and lab work. You can access the glossary discussed in the episode here. As with all our podcasts, the topics are chosen by you, so if you have any ideas for what you would like to hear in the future, or want to host a podcast with some friends, get in touch! A transcript for this episode can be found here.

In this episode, Adam and Tom speak to Warwick Chemistry alumni Francesca (2020) and Rory (2022), who are now pursuing research PhDs elsewhere. Drawing from their experiences, Francesca and Rory share insights and advice on securing projects, acquiring funding, and the lessons they've learned along the way. They shed light on their transition from Warwick to the world of research, offering a wealth of knowledge for those aspiring to undertake PhDs and research projects. As with all our podcasts, the topics are chosen by you, so if you have any ideas for what you would like to hear in the future, or want to host a podcast with some friends, get in touch! A transcript for this episode can be found here.

In this episode, Tom, Jess, and Adam speak to Mollie Gates and Charlotte Cowdell about their work in the Advice Team at Warwick Students' Union. Mollie and Charlotte provide lots of different types of support and routes you can access to get help with cost-of-living, exam support, housing, mitigating circumstances, and more! If you do want help or support from the SU, you can fill in this inquiry form and the team will get back to you. The Chemistry Team also talk about the current support options in the department and some exciting future projects they are working on to improve things for you. As with all our podcasts, the topics are chosen by you, so if you have any ideas for what you would like to hear in the future, or want to host a podcast with some friends, get in touch! A transcript for this episode can be found here.

In this episode, Jess speaks to Sam Weekes and Sam Davis to give you an insight to in-person exams they sat last term. They give tips, hints, and insights on how to prepare, revise, and successfully sit in-person exams, as well as manage anxiety and stress. If you are sitting an in-person exam, remember to check the We are Chemistry support available in the department and Exam FAQs page. As with all our podcasts, the topics are chosen by you, so if you have any ideas for what you would like to hear in the future, or want to host a podcast with some friends, get in touch! A transcript for this episode can be found here.

In this episode, Adam and Tom speak with Sarah Parkinson, a Wellbeing Adviser at Warwick, about how to manage stress and anxiety around exams. The group discusses the Wellbeing Support available at Warwick, what the department is doing to support you, what support is available for students with disabilities and reasonable adjustments in relation to exams, and the Understanding Wellbeing module run by IATL that students and staff can take to learn new skills and techniques to support better Wellbeing. As with all our podcasts, the topics are chosen by you, so if you have any ideas for what you would like to hear in the future, or want to host a podcast with some friends, get in touch! A transcript for this episode can be found here.

In this episode, Jess speaks with fellow third year student and Co-Chair of the SSLC, Max about the upcoming exam season. They're joined by Dan Murdock, Director of UG Studies and Adam Alcock, Student Engagement and Experience Coordinator to discuss the return to face-to-face exams and the support available to students through the Chemistry Department and the We are Chemistry project. A transcript for this episode can be found here.

In this episode, Tom and Adam speak with Ollie, a third year Chemistry undergraduate about his experiences of being a student with a disability. Ollie candidly discusses his experiences – from thinking of applying to a chemistry degree, right through to present day including the challenges he’s faced and how’s he’s overcome them. A transcript for this episode can be found here.

In this episode, Jess and Tom speak to four second year students - Sadie, Charlotte, Sophie and Liz - about their experiences applying to Warwick Chemistry and settling back into in-person teaching this year. They discuss the challenges of being a woman in STEM, how to overcome impostor syndrome, and plans for future events to encourage more women to apply to study Chemistry. A transcript for this episode is here.

In this episode, Tom speaks to Jess and Harriet Cruikshank about their experiences on their third-year placements. Jess completed her placement with Rolls Royce over the summer, while Harriet is on a 12-month placement with Pharmaron, which she is completing alongside her studies. They discuss the process of application, the work-life balance, and the skills they have learned, and how they have brought them back to their work in the department. A transcript for this episode is here.

In this student takeover episode, Jess Man speaks with Niraali Mehta about their experiences fitting into Warwick and breaking down some of the social stereotypes related to studying a Chemistry degree. They discuss the challenges of coming to university during a pandemic, the importance of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to make new friends, and how to overcome feeling like an impostor. They also outline the 'Women In Chemistry' activities they completed in 2021/22 and the importance of encouraging women to study in STEM. A transcript for this episode is available here.

In the first episode of this new season, Tom Ritchie speaks with Adam Alcock and Emily Williams about their experiences of getting their A-Level results and the clearing process at Warwick. Adam then discusses what students can expect in Welcome Week from the department, while Emily outlines ChemSoc's plans and what new students will find in their Introductory Labs. The group then outlines the new 'We Are Chemistry' activities plan for the coming year, highlights where you can find out more on social media, and finish by giving their best pieces of advice for new students.

In this episode, Bo Kelestyn speaks with Sam Trouton, Teaching Fellow and Warwick Chemistry and ChemSoc alumni. Sam's reflections on his unique journey doing Chemistry Outreach activities highlight the importance of extracurricular activities in helping to build confidence and skills that helped him later in his career.

In this episode, Bo Kelestyn speaks with Dr Dani Pearson, a WATE award-winning Teaching Fellow in the Chemistry department. Dani's reflections on her journey both to university and into academia highlight that we all have different paths and there is no set way to achieve success.

In this episode, Bo Kelestyn speaks with Dr Rebecca Notman, Associate Professor, and Royal Society University Research Fellow. Rebecca's experiences and stories about precarity in HE highlight the importance of resilience after graduation.

In this intro episode to Season 2, Matt and Bo share their highlight from Season 1 and start exploring the focus of this season: lab-based teaching innovation at Warwick Chemistry.

In this episode Matt Taylor speaks with Dr David Fox, Associate Professor, Senior Tutor, and an industry focused researcher. Exploring team work, innovation, problem solving, academic careers and motivation, this conversation will leave you inspired and seen.

In this episode, Dr Bo Kelestyn speaks with Dr Ann Dixon, Reader, Senior Tutor, Chair of Athena SWAN and Diversity Committee. Ann's interdisciplinary work and resilience focused mindset is inspiring and uplifting.

In this episode, Dr Bo Kelestyn speaks with the Head of Department and Professor of Inorganic Chemistry Professor Mike Ward. His candid perspective and storytelling offer a sense of reassurance.

In this introductory episode co-hosts Dr Bo Kelestyn and Matt Taylor talk about Pathways, the meaning behind the name and their vision for the podcast.