2018 Chemistry Hi! My name’s Naa-Odoley and I’m a finalist studying Chemistry. My Pathfinders project will examine the impact of ‘Science Fairs’ – an event originating from the U.S.A – on influencing students’ degree and career choices. I am a theoretician at heart: my love of chemistry originated from a passion for maths – although I am researching in an organic chemistry lab this year, so I appreciate the practical elements of scientific enquiry too! Science Fairs provide the opportunity to take ownership of empirical research, and through this project, I will determine whether Science Fairs might allow students to realise they are capable of being scientists. I am especially curious to see whether there is any relation between this and the apparent greater diversity within STEM courses in the most prestigious universities of the States, in comparison to the UK. Alongside my degree, I’ve enjoyed getting involved in college life through JCR roles such as being Ethnic Minority Officer and Housing Officer. I was also part of the Balliol Ball Committee (2019), our annual charity musical in 2020, and have worked with the Balliol Telethon since my first year. These have provided me with the opportunity to engage with inspiring and eye-opening conversations with Old Members, which I am eager to continue with on my travels! Outside of Balliol, I am also passionate about access and outreach programmes – I am a co-founder of Oxford Social Impact Society and a Digital Ambassador for the Oxford UNIQ programme. This, combined with regular volunteering for Balliol and Oxford-wide open days and Chemistry taster days, is where I discovered a passion for an influence on education policy, which I hope to pursue through my career once I graduate. Finally, the opportunity to go the States is one that I have long dreamed of and am eager to pursue with the kindness of the Pathfinders fund – and hopefully I will carry these memories well into my adult life.