PhD in Chemistry

Research Adviser: Georgii Nikonov

Program Entry Date: Fall 2017

What is your current status in the program? I am currently completing the program.

Research Topic

Catalysis accelerates chemical reactions to the rate at which chemical transformations might be accomplished in a few seconds. However, current catalysts are based on the benevolent metals like Silver, Gold, Platinum, etc. The goal of my research is to make the catalysis affordable by replacing toxic and costly metals with cheap and abundant main group metals like Aluminum.

It is a long journey to set off on, but the result will worth every effort you put in it.

The questions

 What made you choose Brock?

Chemistry department and professors who believe in what they do. The technical base is also essential if you are a chemist and thanks to Brock we are equipped with top-notch devices to enable our science.

What are some of the challenges you have faced as a graduate student, and how did you overcome them?

Well, when you are a graduate student you get more freedom, though it takes a lot of responsibility in return. In the world of science it happens that the ideas might not work out the way they should. Just do your best and forget the rest. Remember, that the negative results are the stepping stones to a forthcoming breakthrough.

What are your tips for thriving in grad school?

My motto is “Study hard and you will be rewarded, fail to do so and the consequences might be severe”. Well, you might have heard it from one movie, but what I imply is that be persistent and challenge yourself every day.

1 What would you do differently if you could do it over again?

Well, I believe there is no mistake you need to correct for to err is human, to put it down to experience is wise.

What are your next steps?

Despite the fact that this is my second year only, I have already given a thought to my future career. For now, I am taking extra courses with regard to the field of crystallography, as I developed quite a passion for the crystals and the way we can elucidate their molecular structure by irradiating them with X-rays. Working in the Dr. Nikonov’s lab allowed me to soak up his invaluable experience as well as his ardent desire to make a real contribution to the world of chemistry. For that I am very grateful to my supervisor and my colleagues who support me every single day.