"[...] I encourage my peers to join SCI, especially for career/professional development."
My research supports green(er) analytical chemistry, where I use microfluidic techniques to minimise sample volumes and leverage the sensitive characterisation power of mass spectrometry. I like to say that my research proposes micro-solutions, in particular microdroplets, in response to mega-challenges, as viewed through the lens of green(er) analytical chemistry.
How did you first get involved with SCI?
One of the things I appreciate most about chemistry is the cross/inter/intra/multidisciplinarity, as well as the numerous avenues and intersections by which one can traverse chemistry: Academia, entrepreneurship, government, industry, and others. I first became aware of and involved with SCI as a second-year graduate student in Canada when I saw the announcement/call for the SCI Canada Awards. I then read and learned more about SCI as a global organisation that aims to “be where science meets business,” ultimately joining as a Student Member for better awareness/involvement. I encourage my peers to join SCI, especially for career/professional development.
SCI aims to be ‘where science meets business’. What is the potential commercial application of your research?
Microdroplets are generally considered to be small-volume liquids ranging in size from femto/picoliter(s) to nanoliter(s). By performing chemistry in microdroplets, laboratories can conserve precious compounds, reduce sample volumes and waste streams, and routinize/speed-up analyses. Because of these features, microdroplets serve important roles in both academia and industry as mini-vessels for chemical analyses and syntheses. By 2026, the overall global liquid handling market, within which the applied (micro)droplet field is situated, is expected to reach nearly $5.1 billion USD in value with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 6.8%. I see my research supporting the advancement/development of this microanalytical field.
What do you hope to gain from your involvement with SCI?
Through involvement with SCI, especially now as an Ambassador, I hope to expand my network of (global) chemists and learn more about the business side of chemistry. As an international graduate student, I appreciate chemistry as a globalized science and also as a means to address global change-drivers. Additionally, I want to support efforts that bridge the gap(s) between chemistry and policymakers, especially science communication for relationship and trust building. I am also excited to engage with the International and Technical Groups at SCI
Dan Reddy
Queen’s University at Kingston, Department of Chemistry
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