Year 9 students from Hinde House School in Sheffield recently visited our algae research group in the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering. The visit, hosted by Dr Seetharaman Vaidyanathan and Dr Mathumathy Srinivasan, was designed to give young people a glimpse into university life, real-world scientific research, and an insight into the wide range of exciting careers that science and engineering can offer. With sustainability at the heart of the day, students explored how cutting-edge algae research at Sheffield is addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our planet. Students discovered how algae can be used to create paper without cutting down trees and how it can be added to food products to support eye health.
During the day, the students attended a number of different sessions. They explored careers in science through videos and discussion, visited The Diamond — one of Sheffield's flagship engineering buildings — and saw tablet manufacturing labs, civil engineering testing spaces, and a cleanroom 100 times cleaner than a standard laboratory.
Hands-on, in the lab
The first session was led by PhD researcher Zahra Almahmoudi where the students observed how algae is cultivated, how it is separated from water using centrifuge machines, and how algae cells look up close under a microscope. This was a fantastic opportunity for the students to see some real, active research and see what it's like to wear full lab safety equipment: lab coats, gloves, and goggles.
During Zahra’s session, the students were introduced to laboratory equipment and learned how these tools are used in the cultivation of microalgae. They observed different species of microalgae growing under controlled conditions and were shown samples of dry biomass, encouraged to imagine how this material could be used to design algae-based products of their own interest. Zahra said: “One of the highlights was the microscopy session, where students had the opportunity to observe microalgae up close. Their enthusiasm was clear and many even asked to repeat the experience!”
Looking to the future
Dr Mathumathy ran the final session where students worked in pairs to explore the many different uses of algae, from sustainable packaging and food supplements to natural cosmetic pigments, and water treatment. They then tackled a match-the-role challenge, a true or false quiz, and finished with a dream career pitch.
Dr Mathumathy said: “The energy in the room during the career pitch was something special. It was rewarding to see students who had arrived quietly in the morning, confidently presenting their ideas by the afternoon.
“I want every student who walked through our doors today to leave knowing there is a place for them in science. Whatever they are good at — numbers, creativity, communication — science needs exactly that."
Final reflections
At the close of the day, all groups came back together for a reflective session, giving students the chance to ask further questions and share what had stood out. Dr Vaidyanathan said “the students were highly engaged throughout the session, asking thoughtful questions that showed genuine curiosity, not just about science, but about their own futures. The experience aligned strongly with the Equalex framework and Gatsby Benchmark 6, ensuring the day was meaningful, measurable, and impactful.”
Looking ahead, both Dr Vaidyanathan and Dr Mathumathy are eager to build on this experience and welcome more schools to the university. Dr Seetharaman said: "The day proved that when young people are given the chance to see, touch, and experience real science, something shifts. Curiosity grows. Possibilities expand. And the idea of a future in science begins to feel not just possible, but exciting.
“Seeing students make the connection between what they learn in school and what we do every day in this lab — that is the moment that makes everything worthwhile. Science is not just a subject, it is a way of thinking about the world."
Dr Vaidyanathan and Dr Mathumathy would like to extend “A huge thank you to Hinde House School for bringing such an engaged and curious group of students to us. We would also like to give a special acknowledgement to Zahra Almahmoudi, PhD scholar in our research group, whose expertise and warmth during the lab session made it truly unforgettable for every student who walked through those doors.”
