Taking advantage of the investiture of doctors from the University of Alicante and in which our teammate Diego Ros participated, he is Chemical Laboratory Technician in the Quality department of Stoller Europe, we approached the laboratory to interview him.
Before starting, congratulations on your PhD in Organic Synthesis with Cum Laude mention and International Doctorate. This title is the highest academic degree awarded by universities and is a recognition of your research capacity to generate knowledge. What has this doctorate meant for you?
The doctorate has meant great growth both professionally and personally. It has been a stage with many challenges to overcome and many objectives met, but finally writing a thesis has been very satisfactory. In addition, I have had the opportunity to carry out a stay abroad and present my results in national conferences, disseminating my research.
Why did you decide to do the doctorate in Organic Synthesis?
In the first place, because it seemed to me a specialty with many fields of application (medicine, materials science, polymers, agriculture, technology …). Second, because I liked research and was excited to be able to create new molecules that could be useful for society.
What learnings have you got and how can you apply this knowledge at Stoller?
After my training I have developed skills such as organization, planning, analytical skills, creative solutions and a desire to improve, which are essential for any job. Also, I have acquired technical knowledge to perform tests with different equipment that can be applied to the analysis of our products at Stoller.
What are your day-to-day functions within the company’s Quality area?
Together with my workmate Elena I am dedicated to developing new products, improving current products and ensuring the quality of raw materials and finished products. We are currently focused on the creation of new products derived from botanical and algae extracts for organic farming, which is becoming every day more important in Europe.
How Chemistry can contribute to Agriculture in your opinion? Is the use of agrochemicals compatible with sustainable agriculture?
Agriculture is highly dependent on the chemical industry, increasing the growth capacity of crops and their resistance to stress. Today both laws and companies seek to adapt to follow the line of sustainability using products with zero waste, renewable and safe raw materials and the use of microorganisms and natural products.
At Stoller we are strongly committed to our people and their talents. We are highly committed to its training, growth and development. Knowledge is an intangible asset that allows us to obtain a competitive advantage as well as add value to our environment.