Where did you go to school and university?
|
I moved away from my home town of Prachinburi in Eastern Thailand, to complete my year 10-12 studies at the Satrividhaya School in Bangkok. My major subjects were mathematics and science. I then got a Diploma in Analytical Chemistry and finished my undergraduate study at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand.
|
What is your Research Project?
|
The title of my thesis is “Synthesis, Characterisation and Application of Conducting Polymer Nanoparticles”. My thesis was submitted in February 2006.
|
Do you get paid?
|
Initially I was awarded a scholarship from a Thai company (Unilever Thai Holdings Ltd.) and this enabled me to begin a Masters degree in Science at Wollongong. Then after two years I was awarded an IPRI (Intelligient Polymer Research Institute) scholarship to complete a PhD.
|
What are you trying to achieve?
|
We are trying to get the conducting polymer into a nanoscale size using emulsion polymerisation and also make it dispersible in an aqueous solution. The application of these nanoparticles in biosensor technology is also being investigated.
|
Is it exciting?
Yes it is, as it has so many possible applications. Conducting polymers have limited use as they are insoluble and infusible. Synthesis of conducting polymers on a nanoscale size makes them more processable. Also these particular nanoparticles have shown unique properties making them superior to bulk polymers in regards to biosensor performance.
|
 TEM image of Polypyrrole nanoparticles, particle size ~ 50 nm
|
|
What are you enjoying most about it?
|
I love doing application work where we can develop our polymers and manipulate their uses. One of my most successful moments was when I had synthesised our polymer nanodispersions and then they were printed using desktop printer. I am also very happy working in IPRI as everyone is very friendly and are good team- mates. I enjoy the lab work and listening to the laughter along the corridor (all day long). Sometimes they are so crazy but I reckon I must be the same since I have worked with them for so long.
|
What has been the most memorable moment?
|
I have had so many memorable moments but the best one would be when Professor Gordon Wallace asked me to complete some research work in Dublin. I was so excited and I have now have two good friends from that trip.
|
Why would you encourage others to get involved in science and research?
|
Look at the big picture - scientific research is producing so many new and advanced technologies. It has the potential to solve many problems we are experiencing in the world and we are trying to improve the quality of life and to make the world to better for following generations.
|
|
|
a) Polyaniline nanoparticles 
|
b) Conventional bulk monomer solution 
|
The film from nanoparticles (film a) has consistent roughness with no clustering which is favourable for biosensing. This uniform surface shows improved enzyme deposition characteristic and better sensor performance than film b.
|
|
Where to next?
|
I love doing research work and will continue doing it. Soon I will return to my home country and repay my company for the support they have shown me. My work in Unilever is research and development of consumer products such as dishwashing liquids and cleaners.
|
