Chemical Engineer, Researcher, and Advocate for Women in STEM

Dr. Clare Rees-Zimmerman is a chemical engineer whose work sits at the intersection of mathematics, materials science, and engineering. Since leaving Sheffield Girls’, she has built a career combining research, teaching, and advocacy for women in STEM. Her work has earned multiple awards and fellowships, and she is passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Tell us a bit about your career after leaving Sheffield Girls’

I trained as a chemical engineer at Trinity College, University of Cambridge, completing both my undergraduate and PhD degrees. During my studies, I undertook industrial summer internships, including R&D at Procter & Gamble. My PhD explored paint drying -how mixtures of differently sized particles self-assemble in thin films – a topic with real-world applications in creating cheaper, more sustainable materials.

After my PhD, I was awarded a Junior Research Fellowship at Christ Church, University of Oxford, giving me the freedom to develop an independent research profile. I also taught undergraduates at Lady Margaret Hall and Somerville College, inspiring students while continuing my own research. In January 2026, I became a Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the University of Bath, building my own research group and continuing work at the intersection of mathematics, materials, and engineering.

Why did you decide to take the career path you did? What are you doing now?

I discovered my love for research during my final-year project, modelling drying blood spots to improve paper diagnostics. This led to a PhD, where I uncovered new particle motions at the nanoscale and explained why small particles accumulate at the top of drying films. My work has been recognised with the 2023 IMA Lighthill-Thwaites Prize, the RSC/SCI Katharine Burr Blodgett Award, and the Danckwerts-Pergamon Prize.

I now enjoy exploring ideas that genuinely interest me, connecting deep mathematics with practical engineering problems, and mentoring students through research and teaching.

Did your education at Sheffield Girls’ influence your career?

Absolutely. Sheffield Girls’ gave me confidence and curiosity. Chemistry, maths, and biology were popular choices, and the all-girls environment meant it was never “uncool” for girls to study physics or maths. The school encouraged me to present and perform –  skills that have been invaluable in academic conferences and research communication.

What advice would you give sixth form pupils at Sheffield Girls’ today?

I loved and excelled at many subjects, so choosing a university path was challenging. Now I do multidisciplinary research, combining chemical engineering, maths, chemistry, and materials science. My advice: don’t worry about finding the “perfect” option – any STEM degree can give you the skills to make a real-world impact.

What did Sheffield Girls’ do for you?

The school gave me confidence, a love of learning, and the ability to communicate effectively – essential for scientific research. The encouragement to present and perform prepared me for academic life, from revising rejected papers to giving talks in male-dominated academic fields.

Are you involved in any groups, campaigns, programmes with a particular focus on women?

Supporting women in STEM has always been important to me. As a student, I reached the final four for the Women in Science and Engineering Girl Award. At Oxford, I served on the EDI committee, and at the University of Bath, I sit on the faculty Athena Swan committee. I also volunteer at outreach events, including Trinity Women in STEM residentials, inspiring younger generations of scientists and engineers.