Profile
Mickella Dawkins
My CV
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Education:
Mount Alvernia High, Jamaica
Lambeth College, London
University of York
Brunel University, Middlesex
Loughborough University -
Qualifications:
Good English and Maths grades at GCSE are as important as science grades.
If you don’t achieve the grades you need at GCSE, A’Level or university, there may be and usually are other options available so, keep an open mind.
There can be competition for university places so, besides achieving the necessary grades, it is also good to get involved in extra-curricular activities. They can help to make you stand out from other students. -
Work History:
Syngenta – Research Chemist
Firmenich – Regulatory Affairs Officer
ISP Specialty Chemicals – Regulatory Affairs Officer
Chalfonts Community College – Head of Chemistry, Leader for Science Teaching and Learning
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About Me:
This quote attributed to Albert Einstein sums me up to a tee…“I am neither especially clever nor especially gifted. I am only very, very curious.”
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I was born and grew up in Jamaica. I left home at 16 and studied in London and then later in York. I’ve had a few jobs/careers, including Research Chemist, Regulatory Affairs Officer and Science Teacher, and will probably have a few more before I retire.
I live in Derby with my husband and three children. There are days when I amaze myself and then there are days when I mix up the names of my children. Regardless of the day I try to have a sense of humour.
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My Work:
My work is in the area of renewable energy – researching a way of producing hydrogen that will generate little or no carbon dioxide.
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The burning of fossil fuels, like the natural gas we use in our homes for cooking and heating, produces carbon dioxide (and water vapour). The large amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere has been linked to global warming. At present, many countries around the world, including the UK are working towards the reduction of carbon dioxide emitted to the atmosphere.
Hydrogen is seen as a possible replacement fuel for the natural gas we use in our homes, as when hydrogen is burned, it does not produce carbon dioxide. At present the main ways of generating hydrogen involves the production of carbon dioxide. My research aims to develop a method of generating hydrogen, with little or no carbon dioxide being produced.
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My Typical Day:
I wake up too early, get my children fed and ready before taking them to school/nursery. I then spend the day in the labs at Loughborough university. At the end of the work day I collect my children from school/nursery and we head home to spend time together as a family.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
Develop a website for the public where they can stay up-to-date with the happenings in the world renewable energy or, offer it to another panel member with a better STEM engagement idea.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
curious renewable fuel researcher
What did you want to be after you left school?
Pilot (but I'm scared of heights)
Were you ever in trouble at school?
My parents would have 'killed' me so never enough for the school to call my parents.
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Too many to choose but favourite music genres are Reggae and RnB
What's your favourite food?
Too many to choose but cake is a good place to start
Tell us a joke.
I would tell you a chemistry joke but all the good ones Argon!
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