Welcome New Members Update - June 2021

We would like to welcome all new NSW members who joined the RACI in May 2021. As a professional membership organisation, we provide networking and special interest events during the year. Details of all Branch events can be found on the website.

Name Member Type
Jawairia Umar Khan Post Graduate Student
Chen Jia Post Graduate Student
Aleksei Marianov  RACI Chartered Chemist
Oliver Rathje  Post Graduate Student


New Member Interviews

  

  1. Bridget Thurn

  • How did you learn about RACI?
I learnt about RACI through the people in my lab group at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), which is headed by Dr Maiken Ueland. 
 
  • Why did you decide to join RACI?
I decided to join RACI because I thought it would be beneficial in providing networking opportunities within the industry. I am also interested in hearing about research being conducted within the country, both within my field and in areas in which I am unfamiliar. 
 
  • What degree program are you studying?

My undergraduate degree was a Bachelor of Forensic Science in Applied Chemistry, which I undertook at UTS. I also recently submitted my thesis for my Honours degree, which was a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Applied Chemistry. I am hoping to continue my studies at UTS later this year. 

 
  • What made you get into chemistry?

Chemistry kind of fell into my lap. I chose my degree at a whim because I thought, like many people, that forensics sounded interesting. I had to decide between the biology and chemistry majors within the forensics degree, and I chose chemistry purely because I liked the subjects during the first year of the course. I didn’t take chemistry during high school, so I went into the degree without any background knowledge. The more I studied chemistry the more I enjoyed it, so luckily my arbitrary decision turned out well. 

 
  • Do you use chemistry in your everyday life? If so, how?
Gaining an understanding of chemistry has changed a lot about my everyday life. I tend to check ingredient lists more closely and look up the structures of any chemicals I find. I also think about everyday reactions more closely, such as the Maillard reaction, which is what causes food to brown in the presence of heat.   
 
  • Do you have a favourite reagent or reaction?
I have always been fond of reducing agents and reduction/oxidation reactions. When I studied organic chemistry, we synthesised lignocaine by first reducing 2,6-dimethylnitrobenzene with SnCl2 and HCl. This was my favourite experiment over the course of my degree and was a large influence in my love for chemistry. Being able to make something viable through a few simple reactions was really exciting, and I’ve been excited ever since. 
 
  • What do you like to do outside of chemistry?
Outside of chemistry I love to cook, and I spend a lot of my time trying and tweaking new recipes. I’m also a musician, and I’ve recently started to play roller derby. 
 
  • How can the RACI help you in your current role?
I think it’s important that research is multi-disciplinary, as gaining perspectives outside of your scope can really help in troubleshooting and overcoming roadblocks. Organisations like RACI are great in facilitating these relationships and connecting researchers, and I hope to learn from as many people as I can both within my field and outside of it.

 

   2.  Theresa Sharbert

 

  • Why did you decide to join RACI?

Having just relocated from the UK to Sydney, RACI is a great way for me to build a wide network across the chemical industry in Australia and search for a new and exciting opportunity.

  • What is your current occupation?

Before moving to Sydney in May, I was the Development Manager Sustainability within a global R&D group.  My work had a strong focus on sustainability in product development, cross-functional sustainability issues, battery binder development and consumer packaging.

  • What made you get into chemistry?

To be honest, a Christmas present I received when I was just seven years old: a kids chemistry kit.  I enjoyed doing the experiments but also using chemistry to explain the reaction that took place.  This stuck with me throughout my studies and career: during my International Baccalaureate, I investigated the browning of apples, during my masters, I investigated the depolymerisation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) using a novel catalyst and within my PhD I investigated new post-metallocene catalysts for ethylene propylene diene monomer polymerisation – a polymer often found in tires.

  • Do you use chemistry in your everyday life? If so, how?

Yes, definitely.  A passion of mine is baking – it allows me to be creative without having to write a risk assessment all the time.

  • Do you have a favourite chemical reaction?

My favourite chemical reaction would be olefin polymerisation with post-metallocene catalysts.

  • What do you like to do outside of chemistry?

I am a big fan of baking – though this is still very much chemistry.  I also enjoy sewing, skiing, reading, and exploring new countries and cities.        

  • How can the RACI help you in your current role?

RACI allows me to build a network in a new country, while also being able to access career advice and continue the scientific exchange I always enjoy.

   3. Emily Jobs

  • How did you learn about RACI? 
I was researching science-based bodies I could become a part of to maximise my networking opportunities and I came across the RACI!
Given that I am studying a chemistry degree, RACI was a perfect fit for me.


  • Why did you decide to join RACI?

I decided to join the RACI in order to maximise my exposure to people working in chemistry related industries and keep my finger on the pulse with what is happening in the industry.  I also wanted to take advantage of the networking opportunities, as the RACI hosts a wide range of events. 


  • What degree program are you studying? 
Bachelor of Science (Analytical Chemistry) at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga.

  • What made you get into chemistry?
 I love science! I work in the mining industry as the Analytical Services Team Leader for an onsite laboratory so chemistry is something I do in my everyday life.  I am constantly intrigued as to "why" reactions occur and have chosen to study chemistry to further my education and to provide professional support to the company I work for.
 
  •  Do you use chemistry in your everyday life? If so, how?

Every day! I oversee various tests being performed in the laboratory and am quite often required to perform some myself.  From titrations to aqua regia digests and mass spectrometry, I am exposed to various chemical tests and hi-tech equipment each and every day.


  • Do you have a favourite reagent or a reaction? 
Anything Chemiluminescence!

  • What do you like to do outside of chemistry? 
I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and going on holidays.  I believe in a positive work life balance.

  • How can the RACI help you in your current role? 

With networking for future job opportunities.  The RACI can assist me with exposure to other people working in the chemistry industry as well as remaining up to speed and connected with what's happening in the industry.