22 July 2022. Brought to you by Chris Hamlett.

Benedict Keates

What is your current job / programme of study?

Currently studying for MEng Materials Science at University of Oxford

What A-Levels (or equivalent) did you do?

Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths

Why did you chose a career in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)?

I felt that I would enjoy implementing more of my previous Chemistry knowledge into my study than other engineering courses would allow me to, and Materials Science is a perfect balance of what I studied at A-Level

What did you enjoy most about your MSE course?

I enjoy learning how Materials Science applies to the real world, and how it is used to explain everyday phenomena and improve society

What do you see yourself doing in the future?

I hope to go onto research in Biomaterials or Energy materials to be used in renewable energy or storage solutions

What is your favourite material (and why)?

My favourite material is definitely wood, it is incredibly versatile due to its properties, renewable and has played a big part in human history through structures and buildings

What advice would you give your 16 year old self?

I would like to tell my younger self that Materials Science is what I was looking for – I remember being unsure about applying for the course instead of another science or Medicine, but now I find that studying Materials has been a perfect fit for me.

Links to any external profile pages / website you have

www.linkedin.com/in/benedict-keates