Charlie Kniebe-Evans, (2018, Chemistry)

Charlie is in her final year studying Chemistry at Univ. She is also University College Boat Club’s Women’s Captain. 

Why did you choose to study Chemistry? Has anything surprised you about the course?
Science and mathematics were my favourite subjects throughout school. I like the way that science is used to explain the world around us and felt that the Oxford Chemistry course provides a great deal of depth and breadth in some of the most interesting areas. I was surprised by the level of independent learning that is used to supplement the lecture courses. I found that this style of learning really helped to consolidate the taught content. I am now in my fourth year and am thoroughly enjoying my Part II research project in Physical Chemistry in the Ritchie Group.

How do you think you changed since you walked through Univ’s doors for the first time?
I have grown in confidence, both socially and academically. Univ’s supportive community enabled me to step outside of my comfort zone without fear of judgement and provided a learning environment in which I could thrive.

Do you have any favourite moments thus far from your time at Univ (academic or otherwise)?
Some of my favourite memories at Univ were made in Trinity Term of my first and third year, spending time in the Fellows Garden with my year group, punting under Magdalen Bridge and sunny sports days in Uni Parks!

What do you outside of your studies?
Most of my free time is spent playing sport. I joined UCBC and learnt to row in my first year. Since then, I have raced in W1, W2, and even M3 for bumps and am currently UCBC’s Women’s Captain! We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Univ at external regattas and I enjoy the break from academic life that training and racing provides. I also learned to play rugby at Univ in my first year. This was great fun and led to me playing a few BUCS matches with the University seconds team.

Describe Univ in three words.
Friendly, Supportive, Inclusive.

Published: 7 February 2022

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