Summer Research Series: David Larkin, BEng Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Course: BEng Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Supervisor: Dr. Jennifer Cookman

Name of Research Project/Activity: Assessing the Influence of Radiolysis-Derived Molecular Solvents on the Crystallisation of Flufenamic Acid

Q) Can you tell me a bit about yourself, your background, and why did you decide to study the course you are taking at UL? 

My reasoning for choosing to study Chemical and Biochemical Engineering in UL was two-fold. 

Firstly, I have always had a passion for science and particularly chemistry. During my time in school, I found myself always looking to solve problems, investigating the why rather than stopping at the what. As part of my time in school, I undertook various research projects across different STEM subjects, such as chemistry, applied maths and Design and Communication graphics. Many of my teachers in Ardscoil Rís in Limerick, encouraged me to have an inquisitive mind, to ask the right questions and to pursue what I was passionate about. All of that only lead to one destination for me, Chemical Engineering. 

Secondly, why UL? I knew of someone who had completed the course before me and provided me with very positive insights into what the course involved. UL is known for having a fantastic STEM department, and I felt I could really thrive in that setting. I am also an international ITF Taekwon-do Athlete and when looking for a course, it was hugely important to me to be able to develop myself both academically and within my sport. UL’s sport scholarship programme really appealed to me, and it seemed as if UL was my only option. 

After my first year in the course and UL, I can safely say that I made the right choice. My Sport scholarship and HPA status allow me to continue to compete at European and World Championships, while still being able to pursue the career and study in STEM that I am so passionate about.

Q) What motivated you to apply for the Summer Bursary Programme?

The main thing that motivated me to apply was the opportunity to discover more about the research field in STEM. The programme would provide me with insights into the interdepartmental work that goes on within a research group, the day-to-day operations of a research lab and the connections that can be made between the academia and industry fields. 

As someone who is looking to discover the different avenues that their future career might go down, the programme appealed to me as an opportunity to find out if research, a Masters project and even a PhD thesis is a possible path for me to take in the future. 

These factors paired with the support and encouragement from my now supervisor Dr. Jennifer Cookman motivated me to apply for the programme. 

The programme is also and a great way to spend 10 weeks of the summer holidays. I am able to enjoy my summer, gain insights that I wouldn’t find elsewhere, improve my CV, all while doing something that interests me and that I am passionate about.

Q) What are you doing as part of your research here at UL?

My project in UL grew and evolved over time into a 3-part project. 

Firstly, I am performing Gas Chromatography to analyse and determine the resolution of low concentrations of acetaldehyde and 2,3-butanediol in ethanol. This is being carried out to experimentally validate some of the systems involved in the radiolysis simulations being carried out within the team. These simulations are being used to investigate the chemical reactions that can occur within Liquid Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy (LPTEM). 

Additionally, I am performing solubility experiments to assess if the products predicted by the aforementioned simulations alter the solubility of the Flufenamic Acid in ethanol. These results may provide insights into the behavioural changes of the crystallisation of Flufenamic acid when dissolving in these products. 

Finally, I am conducting crystallisation experiments to determine whether the radiolysis-derived solvents that form as products within the LPTEM, alter the crystallisation behaviour of Flufenamic acid. These experiments allow me to carry out various crystal characterisation techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD). 

Without the UpStart programme, I would never have been able to learn any of these new experimental skills and techniques. I wouldn’t have been able to experience the working operations of a research lab and the different roles within the team or connect with the people within the crystallisation field that has become of great interest to me.

Q) what skills have you developed over the summer?

The UpStart has allowed me to develop a wide variety of new skills that will stand to me in both the professional and my personal worlds. 

I developed a range of new experimental and research skills that can be utilised in my career in the future. I was able to be trained on the use and analysis of various research machinery, such as those involved in gas chromatography, scanning electron microscopy and further crystal characterisation.

As well as this, the programme allowed me to develop personal skills. The opportunity to talk and present at weekly group meetings allowed me to become more confident and improve my public speaking. I was also presented with numerous opportunities to attend talks and conferences, furthering my networking skills and in so doing allowing me to broaden the network of people available to me within the STEM field.

The project meant that I had to take initiative and ask the right questions of the results that I was obtaining. My report writing, data presentation and overall analytical skills all developed greatly thanks to the opportunity UL and the UpStart programme provided me.

Q) What has this experience taught you and what would you recommend it to others?

The experience has taught me to avail of all opportunities that might come your way. I know now that there is a lot more going on within UL than students believe. It is imperative for students, particularly in the Science and Engineering Faculty to look at what initiatives are taking place beyond their own course of study. The interdepartmental collaboration that occurs in UL is huge, and without the UpStart, I would not have discovered this. Every project, no matter how small, will require input from many different departments, especially if the findings are to be upscaled to an industry level. 

I would definitely recommend the UpStart programme to anyone in STEM in UL. The chance to get this level of experience after only first year of college can’t be overstated. Getting this opportunity so early in my studies will really help me to shape my future career. I now have a much better understanding of what I want for my future, and I can use the knowledge I gained from the UpStart to plan and shape that ideal world. 

Q) What are your future career plans, would you consider a career in research?

I have always wanted to pursue a career in science, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, however the UpStart programme has shown me the necessity and value of research and given me another career avenue to consider. I have realised that there is huge reward in working on a project, even if there are challenges involved, and I would certainly consider a career in research. 

Learn more about the BEng in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering: Chemical and Biochemical Engineering - BE or ME | University of Limerick