27 May 2022. Brought to you by Bethany Stansby.

Sarah Woods

What is your current job  / programme of study?

PhD student 

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

Music, Dance and Theatre studies 

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

I worked for a small plastic recycling company identifying and sorting plastics ready for mechanical recycling and extrusion. I particularly enjoyed using crude methods of materials testing, such as touch, to identify the materials and from this experience wanted to become a plastics scientist. I then came to Loughborough university and completed a foundation year in science and engineering followed by a bachelor’s degree in Materials engineering.  

What did you enjoy most about your MSE course?  

I like how materials overlaps into lots of disciplines.  

What is your research about? 

I study plastics made from renewable feedstocks (lactic-acid).  

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

The first time I was referred to as a scientist was a pretty cool moment.  

What do you see yourself doing in the future?  

I want to work in research. 

What is your favourite material (and why)?  

Plastics. It is such a versatile material!

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

Don’t worry about not knowing what you want to do as a career. You will figure it out.  

External links 

Sarah’s Twitter

Sarah’s Linkedin