Seven Questions with... Celine Darwiche

What are you studying, why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future? 

I’m currently in my second year of studying chemistry. My degree is one that is both challenging yet constantly exciting. From spending hours in the lab to learning about double-glazed windows, I am constantly discovering how everything around us works on a molecular level.  

My current plan is to pursue a Master’s in chemistry and then continue in the field of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to hopefully help make drugs for diseases that have not yet been treated.  

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or gotten involved with while at UCL? 

Just after I finished my first year, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend six weeks in one of the Chemistry PhD labs as part of the UCL Laidlaw Research and Leadership Programme.  Here I helped research about semi-conductors and self-healing materials. Although many of the reactions that I carried out didn’t yield the expected results, the journey was a firsthand immersion into the essence of scientific exploration. I witnessed cutting-edge research as the team was full of amazingly talented chemists with a true passion for what they do – it was truly inspiring.   

Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at UCL? 

The Archeology Library is one of the best libraries around. It is hidden and not too well known which makes it perfect since UCL libraries are usually constantly packed!  

Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London: 

Narrowing this down to only three is quite hard but I’ll try my best: 

1. Visiting Portobello Market 
2. Cycling down Hyde Park (maybe in better weather)  
3. Going to the Tate Modern  

If you could study a different subject, what would it be and why? 

If I had to pick a different subject, I would have studied fine art (extremely different than Chemistry I know). I studied art up until A-level, and my love for painting and drawing has been with me ever since I was a kid. I still practice it as a hobby, but I think it would have been very fun to learn even more about specific techniques and exploring the embedded historical and cultural context. It would have been a great degree to widen my expression and creativity. 

Who inspires you and why? 

Out of all the influential people that I have had the honour to meet, I would have to say that my biggest inspiration is my mum. She is someone who has sacrificed a lot for me to be where I am today and has never stood in the way of my dreams. She has taught me life’s most crucial lessons on how to be compassionate, determined and, most importantly, kind. She inspires me to always persevere regardless of how tough anything gets and how “failure” is just a form of redirection. I continue to try my hardest every day because of her and for that I can’t thank her enough.  

What would it surprise people to know about you? 

Snakes are actually my favourite animal! I know that almost everyone hates snakes, but I find them such fascinating creatures. I’m not saying that I wouldn’t be absolutely terrified if I got attacked by one, however, I find their colours, patterns, and movements very unique. (There are worse things around such as spiders…) 

The Laidlaw Scholarship offers first year undergraduate students a chance to develop their leadership skills and gain experience in research. Find out more about the UCL Laidlaw Scholarship. Applications are open until 15 January 2024.