Anna Kroner, Industrial Liaison Scientist
What/where did you study?
I studied for an MSc in Chemistry at University of Wroclaw, Poland. My project was involved with the characterisation of aluminium complexes for the polymerisation of lactide. During this course I gained lots of experience in synthesis of complex organic compounds.
To challenge myself I have always wanted to continue my studies abroad, that’s why I started my PhD project based on a collaboration between two institutes: University of Southampton, UK and European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble, France. This work focused on the preparation of novel catalytic materials and the commissioning of the multi-technique set up of X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy, Infrared Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry (XAS/IR/MS) used to characterise the heterogeneous catalysts in time-resolved, in situ conditions. At the beginning I worked with Dr Mark Newton on building a catalytic cell and gas system combined with an IR/MS array. This set up was applied in a number of academic and industrial experiments on the Energy Dispersive EXAFS beamline at ESRF. I had a great opportunity to learn lots of interesting things about the beamline, use complex set ups and especially solve many complicated problems that arose during the experiment. Working in the synchrotron environment I was involved in the many experimental techniques available at the beamline and gained lots of experience in the investigation and characterisation of catalysts. Also, qualified as a chemist and being surrounded by physicists at ESRF it was challenging for me to understand the physicist’s way of thinking.
What do you do here and how does your experience help you do your job?
After finishing my PhD I joined Diamond in January 2009 as Industrial Liaison Scientist. Work in the industrial liaison office is based on collaboration with industrial companies that are intending to apply their research in the synchrotron facility. My main tasks are to promote the research activities developed at Diamond, while participating at conferences, visiting the companies, and assisting in the operation of the beamlines for the industrial users during their experiment. Since I have gained lots of experience at ESRF building the catalytic reactor I am also responsible for designing and developing the micro reactor for catalyst characterisation in a time-resolved, in situ manner. Doing my PhD studies I have acquired good experience in scientific research, related to industrial applications, as well as participating in numerous meetings and conferences where I have considerably developed my communication skills. All these skills are very helpful to effectively do my job.
What do you like about your job?
There are many things I like about my job. I really enjoy the diversity of the tasks and challenges which I come across in my everyday working life. I participate in many different projects and experiments, which gives me the opportunity to use almost all the beamlines at Diamond. By liaising between the beamline scientists, Diamond staff and industrial partners I get to know lots of people. I am involved in the commissioning of the beamline and building the catalytic reactor, where I can constantly learn about new technological innovations. At the same time my participation in the industrial projects allows me to follow what is currently happening in many industrial sectors.
One of my main challenges is attracting new industrial customers to use our facility. And opening up new collaborations always gives me so much satisfaction, which motivates me to do my job even more.