Jennifer Clark is the Chemical Industry Young Ambassador for 2007. She obtained her BSc and MSc in Environmental Chemistry from the University of Wales, Bangor and is a Health and Safety executive specialist with Eastman Chemical Company in North Wales.

Jennifer is actively involved in the North Wales & Liverpool committees for both the SCI and the RSC and is passionate about inspiring future young scientists to work within the chemical industry.

Q What drew you to a career in industry?

A My teacher at school had worked in the soaps and detergents industry and I was always intrigued by the examples he gave during our lessons and how fun he made it.
At university, my interest was stretched further when we visited some local industry sites as part of my masters degree. I was able to see the variety of jobs available and many of them very different from those which I had already heard of.

Q What's the best thing about your job?

A The best thing is the flexibility and that I'm able to arrange my own time around my workload. This gives me the opportunity to attend seminars, workshops and training.
I first started as an analytical chemist. This allowed me to improve and adapt my skills on a large-scale, which was very different from the lab work I'd experienced at university.
As a Health and Safety executive, I hear about all the new legislation which enables me to really get a feel for what's going on. I am very lucky to be able to get involved in everything, very much like a consultancy role.

Q What will you be doing as Young Ambassador?

A  I'll be chairing a group of young people who work in chemical industry, attending events as an invited guest and helping at events such as careers fairs. 
The role will involve working closely with the CIA to deliver information that younger members may be interested in, lobbying with government, as well as promoting the industry and the positive things we do globally as well as in the UK.

Q Is there any part you're really looking forward to?

A Meeting other like-minded people with the same drive and enthusiasm for industry. Also I look forward to witnessing changes in industry at a higher level and being able to voice the opinions of the younger members to contribute to new ideas.

Q How can we attract young people to a career in the chemical industry?

A The CIA have a programme, 'Children Challenging Industry' and interact with younger children to promote science with an industry flavour. 
We also need to promote through the national press and take advantage of every opportunity to show how industry contributes to improving everyday life. 
I see an opportunity for universities to work more closely with industry to tie-in with industry's demands for the future. University courses can be tailored to reflect the specialist skills needed for new technologies.