Philip Craven was born in Leeds and studied at Leeds Grammar School. It was while studying for his GCSEs that he began to develop an interest in Chemistry. After A-level, Philip attended Edinburgh University. During his degree, he undertook a placement year at GSK Stevenage in a Discovery Chemistry Programme and was awarded a Bronze Award for Chemical Excellence. The Discovery Chemistry Programme was a valuable experience and prompted him to study for a PhD.
Philip returned to Edinburgh to complete his Masters which he carried out in Dr Lusby’s group working on dual organocatalytic and transition-metal catalysed Diels-Alder reactions. After graduating with First Class Honours, Philip moved to the University of York and is now currently studying a PhD under Prof Richard Taylor towards the total synthesis of biologically active natural products.
Philip has plenty of interests outside the lab. In addition to planning his wedding this year, he likes to get involved with sport. Alongside playing the Taylor group six-a-side football team, he plays cricket for a local side at weekends and enjoys the odd round of golf. He also enjoys hill-walking and spending time with friends and family.
Visit Blog