Layla Hashim

What is your current job?
I am the Director and Founder of my own company, Box O Fun, where I focus on integrating sustainability into ceramics through machine learning and augmented reality, blending art, science, and technology.

What A-Levels (or equivalent) did you do?
I studied Maths, English Literature, Accountancy, and Psychology, which provided a foundation that later guided my unconventional journey into materials science.

Why did you choose a career in Materials Science and Engineering
(MSE)?
My path to MSE wasn’t planned; I began with performing and visual arts. After discovering ceramics as a hobby, I became fascinated by the science behind it, which led to my deep passion for exploring the intersection of art, materials, and technology. I’ve written a rhyme about materials science and machine learning.

What did you enjoy most about your MSE course?
I didn’t follow a traditional MSE course. My academic background includes many different subjects, with recent master’s studies in Entrepreneurship. However, I’m passionate about ceramic materials and have secured research funding for sustainability for the ceramics industry through my business.

What is your research about?
My research focuses on creating more sustainable ceramics using machine learning models. I also develop AR-based tools that visualize scientific concepts, aiming to combine material science with cuttingedge technology for sustainability.

What is the coolest thing you have done in your career so far?
Connecting clay, a seemingly simple material, to fields like social history, AI, quantum computing, and sustainability has been incredible. One exciting venture was exploring using satellite data to analyse clay deposits, pushing the boundaries of what technology for the ceramics industry can achieve.

What do you see yourself doing in the future?
I envision developing new materials for advanced ceramics, possibly
using quantum computing to accelerate material discovery. I aim to
stay at the forefront of innovation while continuing to merge science
with technology. Still having a bit of fun along the way.

What is your favourite material?
Clay is my favourite material—it’s versatile, accessible, and foundational to my obsession with material science. Whether for therapy, function, or advanced applications, ceramics are deeply intertwined with technology and our daily lives.

What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make creative mistakes – they’re the best kind of mistakes to make. Stay curious, even if others find you odd – an outsider’s perspective can often uncover solutions faster than conventional approaches. Keep asking “why?” and “why not?”.

Links
boxofun.co.uk
LinkedIn
Instagram