Alchemy - Issue 28 | Page 19

Visit Tom’s website to hear his music and see/hear the videos he’s scored: www.tomday.me As I progressed through the PhD, I began helping out the recruitment team doing high school visits. I would talk about how chemistry and biology can be used to make medicines. It was a great way to earn some extra cash on top of my scholarship. I found myself drawn to the science education/ communication aspects, so when a full-time role came up I leapt at it. Since starting the role, I’ve developed more of an ‘outreach’ approach to recruitment. This involves curriculum-aligned workshops for Year 10, 11 and 12 students, as well as a ‘Young Alchemist’ club, which further engages with Year 11 and 12 students who share an interest in chemistry and biology. Interest from schools seems to be growing exponentially. Apologies to those who need the faculty car! So where to next? Well, I’ve recently packed away all my music gear. I need to tie up loose ends and submit my PhD thesis. Between working full time and making music, the thesis writing took a bit of a hit – sorry Pete! After that? Well, I’m learning a lot from the recruitment and marketing world, so perhaps with those skills, alongside my PhD and music production, some kind of science communicator who talks about drug design, over the top of some ambient/chillout music? 17