My interest in Biology started at a very young age due to spending a lot of time outdoors.

I am intrigued
by the functioning of living organisms and how they are all linked; one small change in one species will
affect a whole range of others. Im fascinated by what makes something alive, and how something as
complex as the human body can exist. I often brought home mice, birds and insects to study their
behaviour more closely (I even raised two day old a blackbird chick with boiled dog food). I was lucky to
travel during my childhood which enabled me to see many exotic animals and plants in their natural
habitat. These trips have fuelled my thirst for knowledge and my curiosity of the world.
My father is English, my mother is Serbian and I was born and educated in Belgium.
I spent my first half of primary school in the International School of Brussels where the lessons were
focused on oral presentations which made me accustomed to speaking publicly. I then moved to a
Belgian primary school where I learnt French and Flemish, and Im proud to have passed the first year
with 86 % in general, 10 % above the class average. This boosted my confidence and I feel more
prepared to take on challenges and manage difficult situations. In secondary school I studied four years of
Latin and one of ancient Greek. Learning many languages has improved my memorizing and logic skills. I
chose the Maths-Sciences option which allowed me to focus on what I enjoy most. I feel my knowledge of
high level maths will be useful for understanding the analytical aspect of the course.
I love nature and am keen to learn about species conservation and restoring ecosystems. After reading
Tim Flannerys The Weather Makers I was horrified by the extent of irreparable damage we have already
caused and that has made me interested in solutions to reduce the level of greenhouse gasses in the
atmosphere through biotechnology and the manufacture of bio fuels and biodegradable materials.
Being born in the shadow of Sellafield, and growing up near the home of Unilever Research &
Development, my interest in Science was, in my eyes, inevitable. My fascination with Biology began to
develop at a young age. Having a large number of family members in the field meant I was constantly
surrounded and inspired by cutting edge research and equipment, and I would often be found in my
garden gazing with awe at the diversity of life, or in my bedroom studying everything from leaves to dust
mites with my light microscope
As my academic studies progressed, Biology started to become my passion. I began to excel at primary
school level, frequently receiving top marks in science exams and being asked to speak about the subject
at various assemblies. This ability carried through to secondary school, where I would pick up numerous
awards for both effort and attainment within the subject. I represented my schools science department at
numerous events at universities, including the prestigious Salters Festival at Liverpool University.
Biology at A-Level has given me the opportunity to further extend my studies, allowing me to carry out
private and independent work, something I find immensely interesting. I took this opportunity further study
microbiology and the use of electron microscopes within industry. Through this, I was granted a
placement as a voluntary Lab Assistant at Unilever R&D
During my time at Unilever I was able to put my A Level Biology and Chemistry theory into action. The
staff were immensely impressed with my knowledge of Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopes,
and allowed me to carry out basic functions required for the use of each, including the preparation of
slides for study and resolution control. My Physical Chemistry skills were required whilst carrying out
titrations, and knowledge of Organic Chemistry was vital in the use of surfactants. It was biology,
however, that played the largest part in my time. I was required to prove important data for a study upon
the effects of certain chemicals on human hair, which will later be used in a genuine study
Whilst my time at Unilever was primarily based upon Biology and Chemistry, I was occasionally given the
chance to develop my communication skills, a skill I have also received from ethical debates within
Theology. I was asked to present new ideas for Unilevers Go Green initiative, for which I was
commended for my confidence and ability to work under pressure. This led to a number of individuals
stating they would be very interested in seeing me coming back to Unilever for a future post-graduate
course, most of whom I am still in contact with

These communication skills are also evident in my out of college hobbies, where I am a published music
journalist and acclaimed blogger. My work has been used in both nationwide and local publications, and
on a number of successful music websites as well as being quoted as official reviews by a number of
bands. Through this, I was asked to take up a role at Q Radio, the radio counterpart to the UKs highest
selling monthly music magazine. As part of this job I am required to work alongside other journalists, local
bands and prominent events organisers within Merseyside in finding the most exciting underground
music and bringing it to the publics attention. My blog, on the other hand, sees me acting as a team
leader, setting out tasks for my writers and providing advice and support to ensure their work is always up
to the desired standard. I find my journalistic work ideal as allows me to continuously enhance my English
skills, whilst remaining totally flexible around any academic studies. Living in a city will allow me to
continue this work throughout university
The idea of being surrounded by likeminded people within a university setting is something that excites
me, and the thought of using my passion to improve the life of others in a research environment is what
motivates me to continue within this field