Nairne Gillespie

This experience has prepared me well for undertaking my senior honours project

My summer project focused on the melt-processability of polymers and was carried out in collaboration with the Edinburgh Complex Fluids Partnership and the sustainable packaging company Notpla, who explore natural polymer sources for producing bio-plastics. During the project, I learned to use various analytical techniques, including differential scanning calorimetry.

 Through completing this project, I developed a range of new skills, both transferable and laboratory-based. I noticed a particular improvement in my presentation and communication skills, which were enhanced through weekly meetings with my advisors and by sharing my progress with the company. In the final week, I was kindly invited to visit the Notpla laboratories in London with my supervisors, where we were given a tour, and I had the opportunity to present the findings of my research to Notpla’s research scientists. 

I feel very fulfilled with the outcome of my project and greatly enjoyed the opportunity to focus on one area of physics without the pressure of multiple deadlines. Overall, this experience has prepared me well for undertaking my senior honours project. My advice would be to fully embrace the experience, as it is a rewarding way to learn new physics and develop valuable skills.