Exploring the Cutting-Edge World of Graphene at Paragraf
Meet Josh Maree, a Physics student from the University of Bath, who spent his placement year as a Research Intern at Paragraf. As part of the Graphene Fundamental Research team, Josh had the opportunity to immerse himself in a world of ground-breaking technology and innovation. In this blog, we’ll dive into his experience and the impact it had on his academic and career journey.
Why Paragraf?
Josh’s interest in material science was the key motivator for his decision to join Paragraf. Having taken modules in university that closely aligned with material science and electronics, he was excited to bring this knowledge into real-world research. When asked why he chose Paragraf, Josh explained, “I came here for an interview and a tour of the labs, and it just clicked. The work being done here was right up my alley, and I wanted to be a part of it.”
The decision turned out to be a perfect match for his interests in condensed matter physics and electromagnetism, which he found highly relevant to his academic coursework.
The Autonomy to Explore
One of the most rewarding aspects of Josh’s time at Paragraf was the autonomy he was given in his projects. “I thoroughly enjoyed it here. A lot of the time, I had the chance to work independently, which I really liked. There was a lot of responsibility, and I worked on some very interesting and stimulating projects,” he shared.
Josh appreciated the freedom he was given by his supervisors and colleagues to pursue creative approaches to problem-solving. This level of responsibility not only made his work exciting but also helped him build confidence in his abilities. Presenting his findings back to his team, receiving feedback, and iterating on his work was a process he found particularly fulfilling.
A Supportive and Collaborative Environment
When it came to the work environment at Paragraf, Josh had nothing but praise. “Everyone’s very understanding, and you get loads of support,” he said. Whether it was from his line manager or his colleagues, Josh always felt he had someone to turn to when he needed help. The collaborative atmosphere extended beyond just technical support; it also fostered a sense of inclusivity and teamwork that he found invaluable.
Josh highlighted how approachable his colleagues were, making it easier for him to ask questions, share ideas, and even push the boundaries of his projects. He emphasized the importance of networking within the company, saying, “Try to get to know as many people as you can because there’s a lot of people with diverse and interesting backgrounds here. That really enriched my experience.”
New Skills and Practical Experience
Josh’s internship was a hands-on learning experience. While his academic background had prepared him in some areas, such as material science and condensed matter physics, working in the lab allowed him to develop new, practical skills. “I picked up a lot of lab skills and, specifically, programming skills, which will be really useful in the future,” he said.
One of the standout aspects of his role was learning to work on projects as part of a larger team. This was new to Josh, but it proved to be an essential skill that he believes will benefit him in his career. The experience of contributing to a research team, while managing his own responsibilities, was a rewarding challenge that pushed him out of his comfort zone.
Advice for Future Interns
Josh’s key advice for future interns is to make the most of the experience by getting involved in as much as possible. “Try to get to know as many colleagues as you can, in and out of work. It’s a great way to connect with people and learn from their experiences,” he recommended. He emphasized the importance of immersing yourself in the company culture and not shying away from networking with colleagues.
A Future at Paragraf?
When asked if he would consider returning to Paragraf in the future, Josh responded with enthusiasm: “Yeah, definitely. I really enjoyed my time here and the projects I worked on. I would absolutely come back.” The autonomy, the exciting projects, and the supportive environment all contributed to a positive experience that he would gladly repeat.
One Word to Describe Paragraf
For Josh, Paragraf can be summed up in one word: Exciting. The dynamic nature of the work, the opportunity to be on the cutting edge of graphene research, and the freedom to explore his own ideas made his internship an unforgettable experience.
Josh Maree’s placement year at Paragraf was more than just a stepping stone in his academic journey—it was a year of discovery, growth, and innovation. For students like Josh, an internship at Paragraf offers the chance to dive into a world of exciting challenges, all while gaining invaluable experience and forging connections that could last a lifetime.