Howden-born Rob studied A Levels in Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics with us from 2013 to 2015,  along with an AS Level in Physics and an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which focussed on Cancer Epidemiology. The EPQ marked his first real experience of conducting a research project and helped ignite a curiosity that has shaped the direction of his studies and career over the last decade. 

Rob was the first person in his family to attend university – an ambition he credits York College, and in particular former Head of Mathematics Miggy Biller MBE, with helping him believe he could achieve. “As somebody without an educational role model, I always aimed to gain admission into one of the UK’s highest-ranked universities, and that ambition was strengthened and supported by my tutors. Miggy was instrumental in helping me aim high,” he says.

After leaving College, he completed a four-year Master of Chemistry (MChem) degree in Chemistry at the University of York, before progressing on to a four-year PhD in Organic & Supramolecular Chemistry at Durham University. As of 2025, he now works as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Cambridge. In 2025, he was presented with the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation’s Achievement in Education Award. Rob says, “Being able to represent Yorkshire after moving away and continuing to progress in my career is quite humbling.”