Alex Sells CO16

In the last edition of The Truronian 2023/24, we were delighted to share even more stories about just a few of our Old Truronians who have kindly shared their journeys after leaving Truro School with the Development and Alumni Relations team.

Truro School, known for its rich blend of academic rigor and extra-curricular opportunities, has shaped countless students’ futures. One such student, a recent alumni Alex Sells CO16, reflects on her time at the school, the memories she cherishes, and the path it paved for her successful career in chemical engineering.

Reflecting on her school days, Alex recalls the perfect balance Truro School offered between academics and her passion for music. The support from the academic staff enabled her to engage deeply in both areas, allowing for unforgettable experiences. “Truro School was a really good fit for me because it enabled me to pursue music alongside my studies with support and understanding from academic staff that allowed me to do some incredibly memorable extra-curriculars,” she says.

Her fondest memories from Truro School revolve around the school musicals. She fondly remembers being part of the choir for “Sweeney Todd” and playing in the orchestra for “Fiddler on the Roof.” These experiences were not only enjoyable but also a testament to the hard work and dedication of the school’s staff. Additionally, the chemistry labs provided exciting and adventurous learning moments, and Friday morning maths lessons with Ms. Holroyd were a cherished escape during stressful times.

Her brother, William Sells CO23, also attended Truro School, adding a familial connection to her school memories. While she always knew she didn’t want to follow her doctor parents’ footsteps, her love for maths and science steered her towards a career in chemical engineering. It was Dr. Orchard’s inspiration and experiences that solidified her decision to pursue this path at the University of Birmingham.

After leaving Truro School, Alex embarked on a five-year degree in chemical engineering at the University of Birmingham. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, she successfully completed her degree, including a placement year at GSK in Worthing. This period of her life was marked by academic excellence, culminating in her achieving a first-class integrated master’s degree in chemical engineering.

Currently residing in Swindon, she works as a Process Development Engineer at SFC Energy UK. Her role involves investigating processing issues, scaling up processes, and participating in research and development efforts. She takes pride in her diverse achievements, from earning a diploma in flute to excelling in her final year research project and navigating the challenges of software development.

Initially exploring a career in software development, she soon realised her preference for roles involving tangible problem-solving and interaction with diverse teams. This led her back to operations, where she now thrives. While she harbours aspirations of teaching someday, she currently enjoys mentoring work experience students and immersing herself in the dynamic environment of her engineering role.

Family remains a cornerstone of her life. She is the eldest of three siblings, with her younger brother also having attended Truro School, and her sister currently in primary school. Weekends often find her in Cornwall, a testament to the close-knit bond she shares with her family. Her personal life is enriched by her fiancé, their pet snake Phantom, and hobbies like music, baking, reading, and indoor climbing.

Staying in touch with friends from Truro School, though less frequent due to busy schedules, is a source of comfort. She credits her teachers for much of her success, recalling the patience and dedication of educators like Mr. McCabe, Miss MacLeod, Dr. Orchard, and Mr. Gustafsson. Their support fostered her confidence and passion for science.

Alex is now focused on her evolving role at SFC Energy UK and the excitement of planning her wedding. She envisions continuing in operations, solving new problems daily, and contributing to a greener future through advancements in fuel cell technology.

Are you an Old Truronian? Can we share your story in The Truronian? Simply complete the interview questionnaire online or contact the Development and Alumni Relations team at [email protected]. We want to hear from absolutely everyone – every single Old Truronian story is interesting and important.