Rebecca Farnell
Research Scientist at Ciba UK plc, Rebecca Farnell, studied her BTEC National course in Chemistry at Bradford & Ilkley Community College from 1998 to 2000.
Becky started work for Ciba in 1998 as a laboratory assistant, working
predominantly within research and development of acrylic chemistry
intermediates. She attended College on a part-time basis for 2 years
to complete her BTEC National course in Chemistry.
“I have many fond memories of my time at Bradford College
and in particular enjoyed studying with people from different
backgrounds of all different ages – a complete change from my
school environment - not to mention the trips to the pub for dinner!
Sue Clark, the course leader, was a great support and understood the
pressures of studying part-time. However, course tutor, Alec Denton,
was the star of the show; his lectures and practical sessions had to be
experienced to be believed. What an enjoyable way to learn!”
Becky then continued her studies at the University of Huddersfield,
graduating with 1st Class Honours in her BSc (Hons) Chemistry with
Chemical Engineering degree in May 2005. She received numerous
awards from industry and academia recognising her achievements
including the Ciba Student of the Year Award in 2004 and the
Royal Society of Chemistry (local section) prize for outstanding
achievement in 2005.
During this period Becky changed roles to focus on bioproduction/
biochemical research and was promoted to Research Scientist,
investigating alternative routes to key acrylic intermediates utilising
biocatalysis and / or replenishable raw materials.
In September 2005 Becky became involved with the Chemical
Industries Association (CIA) Future Forum and in July 2006, after
nomination by Ciba, she was named as the CIA Young Ambassador
2006/7. This entailed her chairing the Future Forum, organising
events promoting science and the chemical industry to the wider
community including interacting with school children of all ages. She
also visited parliament to meet the Minister for Science & Innovation
and lobbied the government on issues of skills and training in the
chemical industry.
As part of her prize Rebecca enjoyed a 2 week educational visit to
China in August 2007. “I met with other young scientists in Shanghai
and Beijing and spoke to them about their culture and way of life.
Visiting new development sites I was shocked at the sheer scale of
manufacture. While there are worries about competition with China
in manufacturing, the UK and Europe are ahead of the rest of the
world in terms of science innovation and people development. As a culture we are very innovative but we need to give young people the
right training.”
Photograph by Trevor Griffiths