PhD - Surface Science and Catalysis
I first came to Aberdeen to complete a research master's degree in materials science in 2005. I had completed my undergraduate degree in Trinity College, Dublin and had been working in industry for almost a year but was not happy with the kind of work I was doing. I craved something more challenging and ultimately I hoped to work in a research role and needed research experience.
My decision to come to Aberdeen was somewhat serendipitous although I knew I wanted to live in Scotland for the people, the culture, the mountains and the snow! The department of chemistry in Aberdeen drew me in due to its extensive materials chemistry research which to me is one of the most interesting and future-proof branches of chemistry. My research focuses on making the production of ethylene for future plastics production more efficient and I have had the chance to gain experience on a whole range of very expensive and complicated equipment which will undoubtedly contribute to my CV. During my PhD I will have had the opportunity to visit both Seoul and San Francisco for very productive and enlightening conferences. So, after almost four years in Aberdeen and at the end of my PhD I am extremely happy to have chosen this city to live in and this university to study in. Both the university and the city's relatively small size make it very easy to become an integral part of a social and academic community which hopefully will serve me well in times to come.