Olivia Linley

What is your current job / programme of study?

I am currently studying a PhD in Electrochemistry studying degradation of water electrolyser materials at the University of Sheffield.

What A-Levels did you do?

I did A-Levels in Chemistry, Physics and Maths. I also did an EPQ.

Why did you choose a career in Materials Science and Engineering?

I didn’t want to choose either chemistry or physics – so Materials Science seemed like the perfect fit!

What did you enjoy most about your MSE course?

I really enjoyed writing my dissertation! I wrote about the impending waste crisis that the Lithium-ion electric vehicles (EVs) are going to create when they become the main vehicle on the road. As I finished my degree in 2021, I couldn’t be in a lab during my last year, so I took a more journalistic approach where I spoke to EV manufacturers directly to get their battery specifications, then discussed possible reuse opportunities.

What is your research about?

I’m currently researching polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysers (PEMWEs), with a particular focus on the degradation of the materials within the
cell. I have always had an interest in renewable energy resources, and as water electrolysers can make ‘green’ hydrogen (hydrogen produced without releasing greenhouse gases, as only hydrogen, oxygen and water vapour is produced) which can then be used in combination with hydrogen fuel cells to produce clean energy – it seemed like a brilliant fit!

What is the coolest thing you have done in your career so far?

After graduating in 2021 I ran a tuition business teaching maths and the sciences to students in KS3 and KS4 (GCSE) years. I taught one student for two years and managed to help get them from a grade 1 in maths to a grade 4 in their final exam – nothing can beat that! I have also taught students all over the world online including Dubai, Hong Kong, Qatar, Germany, Spain, and taught science in an American summer camp for 3 months!

What do you see yourself doing in the future?

I see myself working in education in the future! I want to run my own virtual school, teaching maths and the sciences to students from all over the world. After finishing my PhD I am planning on self-teaching A Level biology, so that I know what it is like sitting a science exam as a private candidate – then I hope to make it better!

What is your favourite material?

I really like glass! I was always fascinated by the stained-glass windows in churches when I was a child. While I don’t work with glass in my current research (possibly due to how clumsy I am!) I do really enjoy the ‘Blown away’ show on Neflix, where glass artists take part in a competition similar to ‘The Great British Bake Off’.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

I’d tell her not to worry so much. The biggest thing life has taught me is that everything will always work itself out in the end. Don’t stress so much!

Links
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