"…much to the relief of my lecturers, I decided that practical chemistry was not really for me…so I reverted to my mathematics roots and began a post-doctoral degree…"

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Melanie Cook

Born in United Kingdom, 1975
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

University of Durham, UK, 1997

Doctorate Degree in Computational Chemistry

University of Durham, UK, 2000

Field of work

Software Development

Areas of interest outside work

Sports acrobatics and gymnastics.

I was born in Leicester in the United Kingdom in 1975. Shortly after my parents moved to Stone, a small village in the middle of England, and it was here that I went to high school.

After finishing school in 1994 I continued my studies at the University of Durham where I began a joint honours degree in chemistry and mathematics. Mathematics did not challenge or stimulate me in the same way that the chemistry lectures did, so I decided to change subjects and specialise in chemistry.

I received my bachelor's degree in 1997 and, much to the relief of my lecturers, decided that practical chemistry was not really for me. I reverted to my mathematics roots and began a post-doctoral degree in theoretical chemistry where I specialised in the computer simulation of liquid crystals. This work involved large-scale simulations of liquid crystals, polymers and complex fluids using molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulation techniques. Liquid crystal phases are distinct phases of matter (solid, liquid and gas), which lie between conventional solid and liquid phases. They are formed by rod-shaped or disk-shaped organic molecules. Today liquid crystals have important applications in liquid crystal displays, detergents and soaps, and in the oil industry. Nature has also made use of liquid crystalline molecules in designing materials with important biological functionality, such as cell membranes. I was involved in designing and developing computer models which predict the formation of liquid crystal phases, and calculate many of the important properties of these systems.

After I received my Ph.D. in 2000 I started work for the Transport sector of SchlumbergerSema in the UK as a software developer and I have recently begun a strategic marketing role within the Global Transport sector.

Alongside my academic career I have always been actively involved in gymnastics, which is my real love. I started artistic gymnastics at the age four but at the age seven I converted to a different disciple of gymnastics, called Sports Acrobatics, which I am still involved in today. My desire, dedication and determination has paid off, as since the age of 13 I have represented Great Britain in Sports Acrobatics at many major championships around the World which, I believe has helped broadened my perspective and worldview.