Mei-Keat
Liang

Research project: Inorganic chemistry

"I received a scholarship for my fees (home student fees only) and a monthly bursary of £1,000 from my supervisor's research grant obtained from the American Air Force (USA). I used half of my bursary to pay the fee difference that I need to top up since I am an overseas student. Overseas students should also check if their home country offers scholarships or loans in any form before they proceed with their application.

"I found out about the opportunity and the availability of the studentship on jobs.ac.uk. The area that I am currently working in is nanobiotechnology and how peptides influence the formation of inorganic material. This research is multidisciplinary which is very good preparation for me in terms of advancing my career in scientific research.

"My work is supported by research group discussions with post-doctorates and other research students, lecturers that specialise in certain techniques and my supervisor. I feel I have learned much about critically reviewing scientific publications and looking at research work from different perspectives.

"To do a research degree you need to be very independent as the student is fully responsible for their work. You have to be committed once you have decided to embark on the activity. You also need to be prepared for the worst and look forward to  what you can achieve and learn from your studies."