Student Displays Work at Nuffield Presentation following Unilever Research Placement

A Level student Aklack Hussain, who currently studies A Levels in Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics at the College, recently completed a four-week research project at Unilever’s laboratories in Port Sunlight.  Aklack gained a place through the highly competitive Nuffield Research Placements programme which received over 400 applications for 2015. Aklack was invited back to the laboratories, along with other students from across Merseyside and Chester who took part in the Nuffield Research Placements, to present his findings to scientific professionals from Unilever and academics from local schools and colleges.

Aklack, who joined the college from Bebington High Sports College, presented the research work he completed on a large format display and explained his findings to visitors at the event. Managers from the Unilever laboratories visited each stand to speak with the students to test how knowledgeable they were about their research area and how well they were able to discuss their findings.

Steve Houghton, who teaches Chemistry and Biology at the Sixth Form College, attended the presentation to show his support to Aklack along with his project mentor from the Unilever laboratories, Carl Gibson. Steve was delighted to see the work Aklack produced commenting, “Aklack is a fantastic student and a credit to the College. It was really interesting to go along to see the results from the project he worked on and talk to him in-depth about his findings. He is a really passionate scientist and I think he’ll go far in the field.”

Sharon Burke, who co-ordinates the placements across Merseyside and Cheshire on behalf of the Nuffield Research Placements and organised the presentation said, “The purpose of the event was to provide an opportunity for the students involved to present their findings in a relaxed environment amongst peers and build their confidence.” The Nuffield Research Placements programme also held a celebration evening at the University of Liverpool for all those involved in projects across the region, which Aklack attended with his family. Sharon commented, “The celebration evening recognised the success of everyone who has taken part in a Nuffield Research Placements’ project. Competition for places was strong this year as across Merseyside and Cheshire there were a total of 84 places and more than 400 applicants so it is a great achievement to have gained a place.”

Aklack is now in the process of applying to University where he hopes to study Chemistry, and hopes his time on the research project will help his personal statement stand out.