About

I am an organic chemist with experience in synthesising photoactive organic molecules and polymeric materials for energy applications. Besides research, I am passionate about teaching / science outreach and have garnered several awards over the years. I am driven to inspire the next generation through teaching and be engaged in renewable energy research, working hand-in-hand with other researchers in the field. 

Education

PhD in Chemistry (Sept 2014 - Nov 2018)
Newcastle University, United Kingdom
Supervisor: Professor Andrew C. Benniston
Thesis: Design and Synthesis of Functionalised Polyethers and Polyesters
Awarded on November 5th, 2018

Visiting PhD Student (June 2017 - July 2017 & Feb 2016 - May 2016)
Universität Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
Supervisors: Dr Jose Antonio Reina Lozano, Dr Marta Giamberini
Specialised Research Areas: Polymer Chemistry, Membranes

BSc (Hons) Pure Chemistry (Sept 2011 - Sept 2014)
Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
FYP Supervisors: Dr Oo Chuan Wei, Dr Lim Wan Leng
FYP Thesis: Synthesis and Characterisation of Chalcone-based Side Chain Photoluminescent Poly(Azomethine) Esters

Awards

IUPAC Periodic Table of Younger Chemists as Bohrium, Bh (2019) 

Second Place Oral Presentation Award in School of Chemistry Newcastle University’s Postgraduate Research Conference (2017)

Gold Award & Roscoe Medal for Physical Sciences (Chemistry) Category in STEM for BRITAIN (2017)

Best Poster Presentation Prize in Emerging Areas of Photochemistry: From Fundamentals to Applications Symposium (2017)

Sustainable Energy and Fuels Best Poster Prize in 5th UK Solar Fuels Symposium and Postgraduate Afternoon (2017)

Joyce Lockhart Prize - School of Chemistry, Newcastle University (2016)

First Prize Winner of IUPAC International Video and Essay Competition “A World Without Polymers” (2011)

Teaching & Public Engagement Roles

Invited Speaker (2011 - 2019)
University of Southampton Malaysia Research Seminar (2019)
Lit and Phil Recent Research Showcase (2017)
Soapbox Science Newcastle (2016)
The Big Ideas Event (2015)
Malaysian Chemistry Carnival (2013) | Central 
Malaysian Chemistry Carnival (2012) | Northern Region
Malaysian Chemistry Carnival (2011) | Northern Region
IUPAC Video Award Presentation Ceremony (2011)

Invited Mentor/Panel Member (2017 - 2018)
MINT (Motivating, Inspiring and Nurturing Talent) Day (2018)
PGRDP Workshop | B3: Making the Most of Your PhD (2018)
PGRDP Workshop | C2: Informal Introduction to Research Degree (2017)
PGRDP Workshop | C2: Preparing for Progression (2017)

Postgraduate Demonstrator (2015 - 2018)
CHY1101 Basic Organic Chemistry | with marking responsibilities
CHY2101 Organic Chemistry | buddying responsibilities
CHY2201 Physical Chemistry | buddying responsibilities
CHY2301 Inorganic Chemistry 

Lecturer and Demonstrator (2015 - 2018)
Colourful Chemistry Summer School 2015, 2016 | Forensic Chemistry
Get Ahead Study Skills Sessions 2017, 2018 | “New Hope: The Return of the Climate Warriors”

Mentor/Co-Supervisor (2015 - 2017)
MChem Students final year project supervision

Volunteer (2015 - 2017)
Maker Faire UK as part of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2017)
Soapbox Science Newcastle (2015)

Publications

Y.S.L. Choo, P.G. Waddell, A.C. Benniston, Synchronized “Click” and Templated Synthesis of a Fluorescent Pyrene Crown Ether, Eur. J. Org. Chem. (Q1, IF: 3.029), 2019, 14, 2560-2565. doi:10.1002/ejoc.201900125

W.L. Lim, C.W Oo, Y.S.L. Choo, S.T. Looi, New generation of photosensitive poly(azomethine) esters: Thermal behaviours, photocrosslinking and photoluminescence studies, Polymer (Q1, IF: 3.771), 2015, 71, 15-22. doi: 10.1016/j.polymer.2015.06.041

Thesis

Y.S.L. Choo, Design and Synthesis of Functionalised Polyethers and Polyesters, Doctoral Thesis, Newcastle University, 2018. theses.ncl.ac.uk/jspui/handle/10443/4376

Y.S.L. Choo, Synthesis and Characterisation of Chalcone-based Side Chain Photoluminescent Poly(Azomethine) Esters, Undergraduate Final Year Project Thesis, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2014.

Research Interests

I am interested in researches related to polymers, green/sustainable Chemistry, photoelectrochemistry and supramolecular Chemistry. I have an exceptional passion in science outreach and public engagement programmes.

Aspirations

In the near future, I hope to be a part of and contribute to the scientific community which would in turn, help make the world a better place.