Sanziana Foia (Department of Chemistry), UCLA Summer 2019

The 8-week IROP placement I was offered by Imperial could easily go down as one of the best experiences in my life. From a research perspective, it was the first time I had the opportunity to be independent in science, acquire skills that surpass the boundaries of academic labs and make connections within the scientific community.

Apart from doing chemistry, I also had the opportunity to contribute to the group in other ways – for instance, I designed the cover for the group’s last paper, which was accepted and will be soon coming out in the journal Angewandte Chemie. From an intercultural perspective, I had the amazing chance of living in a hall for international students. The people I met really made my experience special, as they have very quickly become a second family far from home.

Overall, I feel like I have made lifelong friendships, enriched my understanding about a completely different country – and continent! – built up my research and laboratory skills and developed strong connections with other scientists around the world.