Equality, support and community
Lenka Cuprova is a mature student, studying for an MChem in chemistry at the University of Greenwich. Having worked in a number of customer service roles, including a spell as cabin crew, Lenka initially signed up for a foundation course specialising in nutrition, but soon realised that it was chemistry that captured her imagination. We spoke to her about life as a mature student and how Royal Society of Chemistry membership has helped her to connect with her subject.
Why did you become a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry?
My university actually pay for a membership in the first year and after that it's up to you but they invite the RSC to come to see the new starters. I remember talking to whoever came to the university and I signed up and then I kept renewing the membership. I received the magazine and then I started to come here [Burlington House] for the events and I just fell in love with this place. I love what the Royal Society of Chemistry do for students when they encourage us, like my undergraduate research bursary. This is amazing: it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and that was my first time in research really. I would never have had the opportunity if I didn't get that bursary.
What is the first thing you think you should do when you become a student member of the Royal Society of Chemistry?
Definitely get involved and follow what the Royal Society of Chemistry do. From my perspective, start to get involved in the events. Start to look at some of the things the Royal Society of Chemistry offer: there are stipends or certain bursaries… people can get help when they are a member. So I would say when you become a member, definitely get involved – it helps to progress your career; I really believe that.
Why is being a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry important to you?
I have received a lot of support but genuinely I just like being here, I love coming to Burlington House. I benefited from being a member by receiving the Undergraduate Research Bursary and I would love in the future to have my own research group and for that I believe the Royal Society of Chemistry could be helpful.
What aspects of your membership do you use or value the most?
I come here for the events that the Royal Society of Chemistry runs. I’ve also been involved in nominating other members for prizes and awards. I obviously use Chemistry World magazine, I like reading it because there is current research I can read about and also jobs and PhD opportunities published there.
What activities or events have you been involved with through your membership?
The first event I went to was Chemistry Stories – I loved it. I came in and thought ‘I can't believe this building, I mean how beautiful is this place?’ And then I saw the library and I don't live in London but if I did, I would love it. Then I came for a conference, the Heterocyclic & Synthesis Group Postgraduate Symposium – even though I was an undergraduate – and I presented my poster and also did a flash presentation as well. I also came for a women in chemistry event and then I did the Resilience and Wellbeing Workshop.
What does the Royal Society of Chemistry mean to you?
Chemistry, equality, support and community.
It's the history of chemistry and of different chemists. They promote women in science and they promote science in general. I think the Royal Society of Chemistry is very excited about chemistry and it really comes across.
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