Haley Croft

Address: 3 Holly Street, Alshrub, Bushley, BT24 9QO

Mobile: 0785000700 Email: cr00tt@leeds.ac.uk

Education & Qualifications

2009

University of Leeds School of Chemistry

PhD Molecular Mechanism and Inhibition of Human AICAR Transferase.
Supervisor: Dr. Michael Webb

2005 2009

MChem in Chemistry: Honours Class I

MChem Project (77%), Light, Chemical Change and Life (80%), Structure and
Spectroscopy (81%), Frontiers of Materials Chemistry (68%).

Skills Profile
Problem solving and Analysis

Competent at independent decision making. I am regularly consulted by colleagues when

judgement is required in interpreting experimental results.

Commended on excellent literature reviews for MChem, PhD and coursework assignments which
involved thoroughly reviewing a large amount of data and summarising the relevant information.

Proficient in analysing vast quantities of data and presenting the findings in clear figures, such as
writing macros and editing bash scripts to compile protein melting temperature data from 96-well
plate experiments.

Communication of Research

I have been awarded 2 poster prizes at scientific symposia. Obtained the highest mark of my
year group for a final year presentation of my MChem project and was awarded an oral
presentation prize in the School of Chemistry Postgraduate Conference 2012.

Excellent written communication skills exemplified in numerous formal PhD progress reports and
a summary report for the board members of DyeCat Ltd.

My role as an A-level chemistry tutor required me to find engaging ways of explaining concepts
and build a good rapport with my student.

Teamwork

As president of the Astbury Society Social Committee, I have organised many social events
bringing together researchers from Biology, Physics and Chemistry departments at the University
of Leeds. Successes include cheese and wine tasting, quiz nights, a sports day BBQ event and a
3 hour team building exercise for 150 delegates at the Astbury Rural Retreat 2011.

Dedication to the Leicestershire Arts in Education Symphonic Wind Band has developed my
listening, organisation and collaborative skills. I achieved a Gold Award from the Nation Concert
Band Festival, a competition entered by thousands of bands from across the UK. This is the
highest achievement, with only a couple awarded each year.

Leadership

Supervision of Undergraduate, MChem, MSc and ERSAMUS students has required me to provide
support, assistance and advice, further developing my strong mentoring, improvisational and
communication skills. Mentoring a variety of students, I learnt to assess the needs of the student
and adapt my supervision approach accordingly.

Demonstrating practical chemistry to students, ages ranging from high school to undergraduate,
has honed my ability to successfully communicate advanced technical practices in an
enthusiastic, engaging and educational manner.

Self Reliance, Motivation and Enthusiasm

PhD research demands self reliance and motivation to effectively plan my work schedule.
Constant problem solving and a positive attitude are necessary to overcome the uncertainties
and challenges faced in academic research. I have met all deadlines to date and am on schedule
to complete my thesis on time.

Undertaking a challenging and unfamiliar PhD project has required learning completely new
experimental and analytical skills quickly and efficiently. I am now relied on to mentor
subsequent new recruits to the area, ranging from undergraduates to post doctoral researchers.

I hold the highest musical qualification (Grade 8) in singing, saxophone and flute (equivalent to
an A-level), also Grade 5 in piano and musical theory. These achievements, whilst completing all
academic work to an excellent standard, required dedicating many hours to solo practice
demonstrates my motivational and time-management skills developed from an early age.

Additional Skills

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Origin, ChemDraw, BioEdit, Unicorn, MestReNova, and
Adobe Illustrator.

Positions of Responsibility
Project supervision for undergraduate and postgraduate students

Management of 5 undergraduate and postgraduate students, giving tutelage and guidance on a

daily basis.

Leading presentation workshops

Hand-picked to run presentation skills workshops for MChem students.

Employment History
2009

School of Chemistry, University of Leeds - Demonstrator

Required to provide support, advice, marking and feedback for undergraduate
chemistry students during their practical laboratory modules.

July 2011

Salters Chemistry Camp at Leeds - Demonstrator

Assisting high school students from across the country to complete practical
chemistry experiments and encourage teamwork within the group. My group were
awarded first prize.

July Sept 2009

DyeCat Ltd Researcher

Conducting independent research of a commercially sensitive nature.

Interests and Activities

Private tutor for Chemistry A-level student.

Member of the Weetwood Womens Football Team.

Volunteer member of Nightline listening service - providing information and confidential support.

References Available on Request