Contact Jen Hollands

Areas of expertise

  • Water Science and Engineering

Background

Jen graduated from Sussex University with a 1st Class Honours Master of Chemistry degree in September 2018. This degree helped her to develop comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the major concepts, principles and theories in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. 

For her third year dissertation, Jen developed a series of analytical experiments for the Royal Society of Chemistry Schools' Analyst competition, where the national final was hosted by Sussex. The experiments were developed around the central theme of environmental pollution. Jen is an avid supporter of promoting education and outreach events with the aim of making science accessible to all. Jen was the first student within the chemistry department to undertake a master's research project in chemistry education, which involved measuring students’ understanding, perceptions and expectations of assessment and feedback in the chemical sciences.

In her spare time during third and fourth year, Jen secured funding from the Sussex Alumni fund to train five students in accredited peer support at the Institute of Mental Health. She established a peer support group which complemented the current support services present at Sussex University.

After graduating, Jen worked at a Further Education College as a Science Lecturer, specialising in chemistry and physics. Alongside this, she successfully completed her Professional Graduate Certificate in Education to become a fully qualified teacher in further education. In her final year of working there, she was promoted to Course Team Leader which further broadened her experience of working with senior management and the science team.

Jen has been working part time as an Associate Lecturer at the Open University since 2021, supporting the delivery of a second year undergraduate module which focusses on the chemistry of life, water and health. It was this module that inspired her to apply for a PhD position at Cranfield University in the area of water.