IMSE Masters Scholarship Interview with Reisha Chudasama

We speak to Reisha Chudasama, recipient of the Dr Theo George Wilson Scholarship for the Molecular Engineering MRes.

Reisha Chudasama, who is part of the 2023-2024 Maters in Molecular Engineering cohort, has been awarded the Dr Theo George Wilson Scholarship for Molecular Engineering.  This scholarship is offered by the Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering and provides financial aid to help academically excellent students continue with their studies, and support equality, diversity, and inclusion. In this interview, we delve into her academic journey and the factors that led her to choose the MRes in Molecular Engineering. With a background in chemistry and real-world experience, she shares her aspirations, her research interests, and what pushed her towards studying Molecular Engineering. 

What was your background before you came to Imperial ?

I did a bachelor’s in chemistry at UCL. After that I took a year out, to figure

out what exactly I wanted to do a masters in and to travel. I really enjoyed chemistry, but I wanted to see what else there was out there as well. I also worked as scientist in a start-up supported by Imperial Enterprise. 

What made you want to study at Imperial?  

I was looking to stay within chemistry but to be able to apply what I have learnt to real life challenges and scenarios. Reisha Chudasama MRes Student

I think the course specifically attracted me the most. I came across this degree and thought, this is the perfect course for me, because I was looking to stay within chemistry but to be able to apply what I have learnt to real life challenges and scenarios. I was looking at a few different courses, and I was even looking at some abroad, but I didn't see a course like this one. I think a lot of the skills that I learn will become useful to me and give me a better idea for like what I want to do in the future as well. 

Another thing that made we want to study at Imperial specifically was the number of start-ups that come out of Imperial. That's something that interests me for my future career.   

What your current research interests? 

My aim is to focus on the environment and sustainability and to contribute to solving those sorts of problems and making an impact. I felt that with a pure science degree, you can solve a problem, but you can't necessarily make an impact with it straight away just because you might not have thought about cost or how scalable it is or the engineering side of things. And so that's why I think this course really attracted me.  

What have you enjoyed about the course so far? 

I feel like I'm going to learn a lot because I've already learnt a lot just in the first module! I'm learning a lot in a short space of time.  

I've enjoyed getting to know everyone and it’s amazing how everyone comes from so many different academic backgrounds. It’s interesting how everyone on the course approaches questions and tasks differently. We all think of different things first. And so that's really interesting. It's good to open up to different perspectives. 

How do you feel the multidisciplinary aspect of the course has benefited you? 

In a research environment you're going to have to be communicate with lots of different people from lots of different disciplines. Reisha Chudasama MRes Student

In a research environment you're going to have to be communicate with lots of different people from lots of different disciplines. This course feels like a fast track to that because you're learning that communication now while whilst you're studying. 

People have different strengths and weaknesses, but when we work together, and we can solve the problem a lot faster. 

How do you feel that the scholarship will or has helped you with your studies? 

Receiving the scholarship meant that I could definitely go through with the masters course. There was a hesitation given the cost of living, especially in

London. The scholarship has given me one less thing to worry about. 

It also gave me a confidence boost. I think sometimes I might not give myself credit and I don't really realise like my capabilities. Receiving the scholarship made me think I am good at what I'm doing. It reassured me that I like was a good fit for the course.  

As Reisha starts the Molecular Engineering MRes programme, she can feel more prepared and confident thanks to the Dr Theo George Wilson scholarship. The cross-disciplinary and innovative nature of the course aligns perfectly with her goal of making a substantial impact in the field of sustainability and environmental solutions.  

Find out more about the Dr George Theo Wilson scholarship and the Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering Scholarship. You can also apply for the Masters in Molecular Engineering for October 2024 entry.  

The Molecular Engineering MRes programme is intrinsically cross-disciplinary, providing students with the skills to work in research across the science/engineering boundary, in academia or industry. The taught component starts with an introduction to molecular science and engineering (designing at the molecular level to create better materials, systems, and processes). Students then learn about the design, modelling, synthesis, characterisation and manufacturing of molecules and materials, including aspects of machine learning, process modelling, and business. The taught modules are followed by a 6-month long research project in collaboration with industry, including an industrial research placement. Students on the course come from a wide range of backgrounds: chemists and chemical engineers, materials scientists, physicists, bioengineers – even some with first degrees in mechanical or electrical engineering. This masters course is delivered by the Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering (IMSE) and hosted by the Department of Chemical Engineering.