Chemistry graduate wins prestigious Salters’ Award
Matthew Ogley, who studied for a BSc in chemistry at Surrey, has been recognised as one of the UK’s best chemistry/chemical engineering graduates in the Salters’ Institute Graduate Awards.
Matthew (centre) received his award from Dr Allan Clements (left) and Dr Asel Sartbaeva (right).
The Award is given in recognition of 10 outstanding graduates every year, with winning candidates not only excelling academically but also demonstrating the passion and motivation to become leaders within their chosen field. Each university is able to nominate just one student.
Matthew won the award following an intensive judging process which included delivering a three-minute speech on what he sees as the major challenges facing the chemical industry and a series of face-to-face interviews with two panels of industry experts.
He says: “It’s a real honour to have received the Salters’ Institute Graduate Award for chemistry. The awards process was a great way for me to demonstrate the analytical, professional and transferable skills that I learnt during my time at Surrey. I’m very grateful for the unwavering support that was so readily given by Dr Carol Crean, Dr Ian Cunningham and everyone in the chemistry department during my time at Surrey.”
Now studying for a PhD at the University of Warwick working on lithium-rich cathodes for next generation lithium-ion batteries, Matthew became interested in pursuing a career in battery chemistry while at Surrey. Following his final year research project in carbon interlayer materials for lithium sulfur batteries, he was awarded an eight-week summer bursary to pursue his research.
Dr Ian Cunningham says: “I’m delighted that a Surrey chemistry student has won such a prestigious award. It is given to no more than a handful of chemistry graduates each year following a strict selection process that involves a rigorous interview.
"Throughout his time at Surrey – including his Professional Training placement at the British Geological Survey – Matthew performed very highly. He has the potential to be a strong and innovative leader and is exactly the kind of scientist we need for the future.” - Dr Ian Cunningham
The Salters’ Institute is the educational and outreach charity of the Salters’ Company – one of the Great 12 London Livery Companies which traces its origins back to 1394.
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