Clyde local Matt Robb feels “incredibly satisfied” to have completed his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the department of chemistry, University of Otago; a journey that started in 2016 when he enrolled to study a bachelor of science (BSc).

“It feels great to have completed my thesis. It's quite strange having 'wrapped up' three years of work, but incredibly satisfying.”

His thesis focussed on spin crossover complexes, which are 'switchable' complexes where you can turn the magnetic behaviour on and off by changing temperature, pressure, or irradiating them with light.

Matt said the hope is that they can one day be used for molecular switches, which could be used for information storage, or computer memory applications.

“There are some other applications such as sensing applications that switch with presence/absence of some other compound, and some very cool work with polymers to make actuators, which are materials that can modify their shape in response to temperature.”

He started his study at the start of the pandemic, which brought challenges, such as limited lab access, and restricted meetings with colleagues.

Matt is currently working as a research assistant and applying for jobs across the globe. One is as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Stockholm, Sweden, where he would be working on gas capture and switchable molecules.

He credits his success to the support of his family and some of his first teachers who got him excited about chemistry, including Natasha Hitchman, formerly of Dunstan High School, and Alex Pearson. 

“I have a giant list of thank yous around Otago, but notably my supervisor Professor Sally Brooker was incredibly supportive, along with my research group, and the staff in the department.”

The Central App asked Matt about his advice for students about to start tertiary studies.

“My biggest recommendation would be to open yourself up to different courses [during] your undergraduate degree.

“While people usually go in with a plan of what they'll study, it often ends up changing as you find other subjects that pique your interest. There are lots of cool companies in NZ developing new future-focussed and green technology, but science degrees can also be useful in other areas.

“The skills gained in a science degree aren't necessarily all practical lab skills, but also experience gained in writing reports, reading comprehension, presenting information in talks and data analysis, which are also sought after.”