Dr Phillip Leung – Scientist in Residence
20th November 25
This week, our pupils had the privilege of learning from Dr Phillip Leung, our Scientist in Residence, who brought the wonders of chemistry into the classroom with a fascinating chromatography experiment.
Meet Dr Phillip Leung
Dr Leung is a PhD researcher at Imperial College London’s Surgery and Cancer Department, where his groundbreaking work focuses on applying innovative breath analysis techniques for digestive tract cancer diagnosis. His research aims to make early cancer detection possible through breath testing, a development that could significantly reduce cancer-related mortality worldwide.
Beyond his research, Dr Leung lectures undergraduate medical and biomedical students, manages STEAM outreach programmes, and holds a University-level teaching qualification (Advance HE Fellowship). His passion for science education and outreach makes him an inspiring role model for our pupils.
What is Chromatography?
Chromatography is a scientific technique used to separate mixtures. In this experiment, pupils explored how different inks break down into their component colours. It’s a simple yet powerful way to demonstrate how science helps us understand the hidden properties of everyday materials.
Learning Through Investigation
Our pupils:
- Conducted experiments to see how inks separate on filter paper.
- Recorded observations carefully, just like professional researchers.
- Analysed results to understand why some colours travel further than others.
This hands-on approach encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that are essential for success in STEM subjects.
Why It Matters
By working alongside experts like Dr Leung, our pupils gain confidence and see the real-world applications of what they learn.
