Prize for Chemistry graduate student

Chemistry students will graduate as part of an online ceremony on Friday 28 August. As part of this summer’s graduation Rob Ives will receive a prestigious Chancellor's Leadership Award, which is awarded to University of York students who have demonstrated a commitment to academic study, work experience and track record that has benefited others and made a significant and lasting contribution to both the University community and the city of York. Only three students are selected for the award after excelling on the York Award and York Leaders programme.

Rob has just successfully completed a masters research project in Organic Molecular Materials Chemistry in the group of Dr Alyssa-Jennifer Avestro. During his time at York, he was elected as Chair of the Chemistry Society and was also a member of the executive board of the York Science Conference. In the Summer of 2019, Rob was also a visiting research scholar gaining international research experience at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Prague. 

On receiving the news of the award, Rob said: “I feel truly humbled. Over my time at York, I've pushed myself as much as possible – dedicating countless hours to develop personally & professionally. It is really pleasing to be recognised for my efforts with such a prestigious award presented to a select few. Above all else, I believe University is more than studying solely for a degree. For myself, it has been about developing a willingness to take a chance, no matter how daunting or difficult. I’ve aimed to develop a confident, resolute and diligent mindset to overcome fear & risk: insecurities that I strongly believe to be prerequisites to the journey of adventure and success.”

Looking ahead, Rob will progress to postgraduate study doing a PhD in Organic Chemistry at Durham University with the long term intention of following a career in academia or industry.