Melisha was part of the student panel at the Student Sustainability Research Conference 2024 hosted at the University of Leeds, where she presented her SURE project.
The Sheffield Undergraduate Research Scheme (SURE) offers funded opportunities for undergraduate students to work in partnership with an academic staff member on a dedicated research project during the summer vacation. The scheme enables students to gain research experience whilst developing transferable skills that will benefit their current studies, and their life and work beyond university.
The Student Sustainability Research Conference 2024 (SSRC24) brings together students, staff, partners, collaborators, and members of the public to experience the diversity of undergraduate and postgraduate student sustainability research that reflects any aspect of positive social, economic and/or environmental sustainability.
What was your SURE project about?
My SURE project was about the changing valence state of Ti in Na2Ti3O7 under varying synthesis conditions effects the electro chemical performance of the material and how this effects it performance as an anode Na-Ion batteries.
Why did you apply to SURE?
I applied for SURE because I really wanted some valuable experience either in academic research or industry before I finished my degree. A course-mate from an upper year told me that her supervisor was looking for a SURE student in electro-ceramics, this was already one of my main areas of interest and required training in the labs I wanted to work in for final year project, so allowed me to get comfortable in the labs early as well as research something I enjoyed.
What made you decide to submit to the conference?
I have a huge passion for sustainability and clean energy. When the opportunity for the conference was advertised I thought it would be a great way for me to develop my speaking/presenting skills, get valuable feedback from people who also work in the field and learn more about the different fields surrounding sustainability and celebrate the current work being done. The conference being student-led really appealed to me as it allowed work to be shown from undergraduate to academics giving a huge range of topics and developments.
Did you get any support from staff at the university?
Throughout my SURE scheme I got so much support from Yinging Li as she was my main supervisor and Rebecca Boston (secondary supervisor) and the whole PhD group. It was so amazing to have great research experience but also have a great experience with the PhD group as well. I came out of the placement having contributed to amazing research but also leaving with a lot of connections and friends within the department. Everyone was so supportive around the labs and really made me feel included even when I didn't really know what was going on! As well as that, the SURE team held a lot of activities and looked after the SURE students really well throughout the summer.
For the conference as the work was oversaw by my supervisors I was confident in submitting the application on my own. The Faculty of Engineering allowed me to document my day on the Sheffield Engineering social media accounts to allow to encourage more students to take part in opportunities such as SURE and SSRC.
What was the best thing about the conference and what have you learned from going to it?
Personally, the best part for me was getting to present my work and watch others present theirs especially in the non-science based disciplines. As engineering/STEM students, we often forget that sustainability isn't limited to energy, agriculture, infrastructure and transport. There are variety of aspects such as human perception, consumerism and marketing that play a huge role on the push for sustainability which we equally need to include in all our research to have a best impact in creating a sustainable future. The presenting part was nerve-wracking but being one of the youngest speakers it was really important for me to experience presenting to a unknown audience, which overall I really enjoyed and got great feedback on!
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of applying for SURE?
Definitely apply even if you are not set on doing research the experience is really valuable and eye-opening. It has honestly made me re-consider the idea of doing a PhD and will be something that I will potentially look into in the future. Pick a subject that you are interested in or it is really no fun. Contact academics early and don't be afraid to ask questions or suggest topics. After your application has been accepted, read around the topic. The whole scheme is made for your to experience research so just enjoy it and be proactive.