Matthew Jupp

Futures in STEM Chemistry Mentor

What do you do?

I’m a third year MChem student and whilst I enjoyed most of my subjects at school, I felt that chemistry covered a lot of my interests under one subject: maths, practicals, analytical writing and a lot of visual learning. I’m currently writing my literature perspective on the use of transition metal complexes in bioimaging which is a great way to see the real world scientific applications of molecules that we learn about in lectures and synthesise in the labs. 

How are you involved in this area of science? 

Futures in STEM is a programme run by Durham that offers academic and pastoral support to sixth form students hoping to study either chemistry, physics or maths at university. The programme is aimed at students from areas with low progression rates to higher education, as well as those that have experienced significant education disruption. Over a two year period students are given the opportunity to attend online tutorials and mentor sessions run by Durham students, as well as guest lectures delivered by academics from across the field of science, as a way of preparing them for undergraduate study and giving them an insight into what life is like at Durham university and university in general. 

What do you love about this topic?

Having been a participant of the programme myself, I am well aware of the nerves associated with online learning, particularly with people you’ve never met in person. What I love about the programme is that over time the mentees gain confidence and the Teams meetings become a great place for group discussions rather than awkward silences and an hour of me rambling at them! I think that the chance to ask questions of, and get honest answers from, current university students really helps to calm the nerves and hopefully reduce the stress of sixth form and university applications.  

How does this work deliver real-world impact?

From my experience as a participant on Futures in STEM, I think that without the programme I wouldn’t have applied to Durham to study chemistry. The mentor sessions in particular gave me a supporting nudge to apply to a university that, in my mind, was unattainable. Hopefully participants are able to finish the programme with the confidence to apply to higher education and to not write off the universities they initially perceived to be too aspirational.