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Thomas Malig
Research topic
The Development and Application of an Automated Reaction Monitoring Prototype to Elucidate Catalytic Reaction Mechanisms
Faculty
Research supervisor(s)
Home Town
Waterdown
Country
Canada
Selected Award(s)
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I chose to pursue graduate school to broaden my scientific understanding and receive exposure to areas I was previously unfamiliar with. Graduate school also provides an excellent opportunity for collaboration in the exploration of new ideas. The opportunity to develop fundamental skills such as writing, reading comprehension, and public speaking is another reason I chose to enter graduate school. I hope to one day pursue a career involved in chemical research, and the skills developed during the pursual of my graduate degree are invaluable.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I chose to study at UBC for several reasons. The primary reason was so I could work with my supervisor Dr. Jason Hein. After our first meeting and the discussion of the research opportunities, I knew UBC was where I wanted to end up. The chemistry department at UBC is another reason I chose to study here. There's lots of impactful chemical research ongoing at UBC with lots of opportunity for collaboration. An additional reason for wanting to study at UBC was to be able to spend time living in Vancouver. The city has a rare mix of both urban and natural features unlike any I've seen.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
Being on the interface of multiple different scientific research areas.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
The natural beauty seen all over the city and campus.
After I first met my current supervisor and discussing the research opportunities, I knew UBC was where I wanted to end up.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Goal setting, both long and short term, is crucial. Also maintaining open communication with your PI/co-workers will ensure that everything is running efficiently and everyone is heard.
Learn more about Thomas's research
An essential component to the understanding and optimization of any chemical process is the elucidation of the reaction mechanism. We have developed a novel reaction monitoring platform capable of generating kinetic data for complex reactions with minimal analyst intervention. The platform has demonstrated to be robust, modular, and highly reproducible. Quantitative data is gathered using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as an analytical platform. We have since used the device to generate reaction profiles for a series of kinetic experiments. The data gathered has greatly aided in mechanistic elucidation for multiple catalytic reactions.