"My designated 'personality types' are: Coach, Quality Controller and Coordinator.In relation to the 'Coach' aspect, the quality that I relate to the most is 'good with working with a wide range of people'. This identifies with my role as a placement student as I regularly rotate around the labs to assist other colleagues with experimental work. Being 'friendly', 'trustworthy and a good listener' are also traits I identify with as these are very useful and important qualities to have when working in a team to ensure good productivity. As a 'Quality Controller' I must make sure that I am conducting the work I do in the correct and designated manner, so the results obtained are accurate and reliable.As a 'Coordinator' I am willing to help throughout my department when needed and I am happy to regularly switch roles to ensure that the work is completed on time and to the best of my ability."

"Working in an environmental lab, I am involved in preparing and analysing various soil and water samples from the UK and overseas. We use various techniques for elemental analysis. What I enjoy about my job is the knowing that the work we do is beneficial in informing clients/communities on the chemical composition of their samples to enable them to make decisions which benefit not only them, but the environment as a whole."

"Due to chemistry being my favourite subject at A Level, I decided to undertake it at degree level, which I have studied 2 years at the University of Surrey. Once my placement year at BGS is complete, I will return to university to do my final year. The attraction of environmental chemistry arose after an interest in nature documentaries and various news articles highlighting the dangers of global warming and pollution. Working in an environmental chemistry lab has only increased my passion and interest for the field."

"My two main hobbies are going on long walks and cross-stitching! I enjoy cross-stitching keyrings and cards as they are quick and easy to make and can be given to friends and family as a nice personalised gift. "

"One of my roles as a chemistry placement student in the environmental lab is to perform the daily checks. These involve calibrating the pipettes, fridges and mass balances that are used every day in conducting work. I prepare samples for analysis, as well as being responsible for the cleaning and disposal of samples that have been analysed. I am currently being trained on instrumentation used for trace element analysis of waters and soils: the ICP-MS! I also conduct bioaccessibility experiments (to determine the concentration of elements that can be absorbed in the body). In the near future, I will start on my research project which I will present my findings to my university after my placement year has finished."

"A Levels: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics Currently: Undergraduate BSc Chemistry student "