July 2024

Prof Susan Perkin, Professor of Physical Chemistry

I went to state school in the UK then came to Oxford for my MChem degree. After a DPhil and Junior Research Fellowship I went to work at UCL chemistry department in London. I am interested in ionic liquids and highly concentrated electrolytes, and use experiments to guide our understand of their molecular interactions and how these relate to the liquid’s properties. After some time in London, I returned to Oxford as a Tutorial Fellow. A highlight of my job is interacting with all the smart and thoughtful members of my research group. I love the freedom we enjoy in academia to allow your curiosity to carry you to new places, and the chance to meet other people who have been thinking hard about similar things. My free time is mostly spent having fun with my children, ideally outdoors.

Elvira Feng, OxWiChem Events Team

Originally from China, I completed my undergraduate studies in chemistry at the University of Sussex, followed by a master’s degree at the University of Leeds. I am currently a first-year DPhil student in organic chemistry at the University of Oxford, under the supervision of Prof. Martin Smith. My research focuses on applying triaryloxonium ions in the ultra-mild generation of arynes. I enjoy engaging with the public by discussing chemistry and aspire to work as an editor for a science journal to deepen my understanding of the natural world. I take pleasure in critically analyzing papers outside my field, aiding scientists in enhancing their social standing, and contributing to the advancement of science education. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, reading, and cycling.