“I’m the only person in my family to have gone to university and now I’m lecturer.” Reading graduate, Dr Dan Skelson, reflected on his journey as a first-generation student from a working-class background to becoming an academic.
When Dan first visited the University of Reading in 2015, he told his dad: “I like it here. I could see myself spending four years here.” Nearly a decade later, not only has Dan completed both his MChem and PhD at Reading, he is now a lecturer in the Department of Chemistry who is determined to inspire the next generation of scientists.
Finding a home at Reading
For Dan, chemistry was always a subject that sparked curiosity. He explained: “Chemistry is one of those subjects that’s always fascinated me. I love how everything interlinks and how it can be adapted to make things better.” It was this passion for problem solving, data analysis, and a natural curiosity that made chemistry the perfect degree choice. During his studies, Dan immersed himself in every branch of the subject – from organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry. He said:
“The course at Reading is fantastic and gives you a wonderful variety of topics. I was particularly drawn to inorganic and physical chemistry which has more of a maths element to it.”
Dan’s research throughout his studies focused on a challenge with global significance – converting carbon dioxide into fuel. He explained: “I worked on synthesising inorganic complexes and then studied their electrochemical processes towards converting carbon dioxide into a fuel. In less technical terms, I designed catalysts and applied a voltage to them to convert carbon dioxide into a fuel. I really enjoyed this project and continued with the same research during my PhD.”
While his research continues to be one of his passions, Dan’s time as a student was marked by personal highlights such as graduation ceremonies and meeting his now fiancé, Abbie. He recalled:
“Graduations are magical events. Marking all those years of hard work and receiving your certificate, it gives you that feeling of immense pride.
“But my best memory from Reading, is meeting my partner, Abbie. We met in the first year of my PhD when I lived in halls and happened to live with each other, and now, after nearly six years together, we are newly engaged.”
Thriving as a first-generation student
Dan’s achievements carry an added layer of pride as he is the first in his family to attend university. Growing up in Dorset with a strong family history in The Royal Navy and trades, Dan initially had no clear roadmap to higher education – just a sense of “what felt right”.
He explained: “I always enjoyed the process of learning throughout school and had a natural flair for STEM subjects. The last three generations of my family have gone into military roles, but because of a visual impairment I have this wasn’t an option for me.
“My love of learning meant that college and then university felt like the right next step for me.
“The most challenging part was that I had no-one in my family who had gone to university before me to offer advice.”
Despite these challenges Dan found ways to thrive. He budgeted carefully, worked long hours in hospitality over the summer to support himself, and embraced the independence of university life. He said: “The impact of finances, or lack of, can have a huge impact on students.
“Financial backing not only fund resources but allows students to focus solely on their studies. Those without savings or from low income homes often rely on part-time work to fund themselves while they study.
“I decided that I didn’t want a part-time job to affect my work, so I saved up by working six or seven day weeks throughout the summers – that pot of money would then last me the year.”
Dan’s determination paid off. He earned a first-class degree, secured a Chancellor’s Award, and went on to study for a PhD – an achievement that still fills him with immense pride. He said: “I am the only person in my family to have come to university and now I have the prefix of Doctor.
“It’s important to remember that no path is lesser than the other – every person’s path is simply different.”
Encouraging others
Teaching quickly became a central part of Dan’s journey, and he relished the opportunity to support students both in labs and life. He explained:
“Whenever I helped in my practical demonstrator role, I would take the opportunity to not only teach students about the chemistry, but also tips and tricks regarding life skills or studying.”
This enthusiasm grew through his work as a Schools Visit Demonstrator where he presented information, advice and guidance talks to students, and as STEM lead for Access Reading where he provided support to those from non-traditional backgrounds, to help them with the university process. Dan said:
“I started off in their shoes as a first-generation student and made my life here. I wanted to help others who also didn’t have someone to look to for that sort of guidance.”
In July 2025, Dan graduated from his PhD and stepped straight into a new role as Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry. He said: “I’m extremely honoured to give back to my department and help teach a new generation.”
Dan brings a teaching philosophy shaped by his own journey. He shared: “A friendly, fun but also informative environment will always bring the best out of students, and I strive to make my lectures and workshops like this – a place to learn, to help each other and teach one another. I want students to know that there is no such thing as a silly question. I believe that if we can encourage a positive environment, it will encourage a positive cycle that continues.
“I remember during my time at school a teacher laughed when I said I wanted to study chemistry. I wasn’t top of the class, but I knew my strengths and worked hard – and now here I am, with a PhD and helping to encourage others.”
His advice for other first-generation and working-class students is simple – trust yourself. He said: “Always follow your gut instinct and take opportunities that come up. You are able to shape your own destiny.”
Find out more about Chemistry.
Find out more about further study as a University of Reading graduate.
