Advent calendar - December 7th - Suhas Mutalik

In the Zernike Institute Advent Calendar, we are presenting 24 short spotlights in December. In these specials, we highlight PhD students, postdocs, support staff and technicians of our research groups and team - providing a glimpse in their typical day at work. In Episode 7 meet Suhas Mutalik, PhD student in the Nanomaterials Chemistry group of Dr. Loredana Protesescu.

I am Suhas Mutalik, almost coming to the end of my PhD journey, and I am passionate about research both inside and outside the lab, I thrive on exploring the broader implications of my work! Currently, my focus revolves around the challenging project of synthesizing nanocrystals of boron-rich metal borides. The excitement stems not just from the intricacies of the synthesis process but also from envisioning the far-reaching impact these new materials may have in the future. Incompressible covalent boron-rich metal borides not only hold promise for ultra-hard coatings on Earth but also present opportunities for space-based applications, where their robust characteristics could contribute to the development of resilient materials for spacecraft components and extraterrestrial exploration.

In the lab, my joy peaks while meticulously crafting nanocrystals, bringing together precision and innovation.

Beyond my research, I aspire to play a role in the development of new materials and emerging technologies through the lens of material chemistry. This vision fuels my intellectual curiosity, and outside the scientific realm, I find solace in hiking, stay updated on material chemistry advancements, and channel my creativity into the art of cooking.