From the start of his career, Research Scientist Amol Jadhav has been driven by the need to tackle global warming. His job at Lincoln Agritech is a perfect fit.
Until high school, I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to be when I grew up. I chose science mainly because it seemed like a good path to secure a job. However, I was always the top student in my class, which helped build my confidence in this direction.
At university I became fascinated by chemistry, especially organic chemistry. I found it easy to understand and visualise chemical structures and reactions. So, I specialised in chemistry during my undergraduate degree and later pursued a master’s in organic chemistry.
I worked at a research institute before starting my PhD and developed a deep interest in materials science and catalysts. This has shaped my career.
From the start of my career, I’ve been driven by the need to tackle climate change. This led me to pursue a PhD focused on hydrogen fuel, where I worked on developing electrocatalysts for water electrolysis, crucial for producing hydrogen.
After completing my PhD, I joined Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea. I worked on solar energy conversion and electrochemical processes like splitting water and converting carbon dioxide, focusing on developing efficient, sustainable materials. I worked with an exceptional team, and we made significant strides in our research.
As I was nearing the end of my time in South Korea, I found an opportunity that perfectly matched my interests – this position in the GreenTech team at Lincoln Agritech. The focus on methane and carbon dioxide conversion was right in line with my previous research. I was also drawn to New Zealand’s natural beauty and its emphasis on work-life balance. It felt like the perfect next step.
What does your job involve? What do you enjoy about it?
My job centres on electrocatalysis and photocatalysis – using electricity and sunlight to drive chemical reactions on solid catalysts. I focus on developing materials for green technologies to combat climate change, such as splitting water to produce hydrogen, and converting carbon dioxide and methane. Every day, I get to experiment with new materials, testing their potential to make a real impact on our environment.
There are moments when a theory that seemed solid in principle doesn’t work in the lab. Those moments can be disappointing, but they’re also where the challenge lies. As a scientist, I dive deep into understanding why something didn’t work, uncovering the underlying reasons, and then using those insights to develop new strategies. This cycle of discovery, challenge, and innovation keeps my work exciting and meaningful.
How do you explain your job to your family?
It’s a bit different depending on who I’m talking to. My wife has a master’s degree in electrical and computer science engineering so it’s usually straightforward to discuss what I do with her.
However, explaining my work to my parents, who are farmers in India with no science background, can be more challenging. I often use simple examples to help them understand. For instance, I might explain that my job involves finding ways to use sunlight to turn harmful gases like methane and carbon dioxide into something less harmful.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by the pursuit of discovery and the challenge of problem-solving. I’m driven by the excitement of exploring new ideas and developing materials that can contribute to solving global issues like climate change.
Outside of work, I’m motivated by the same principle – wanting to leave the world better than I found it. Whether it’s through learning, helping others, or facing personal challenges, I’m driven by a deep sense of purpose. I believe that every step forward, no matter how small, is a step toward creating a better future, and that’s what keeps me going.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
I would make all education free for everyone. Education is the key to a better life, and no one should be held back because they can’t afford it. By making education free, we would give everyone a fair chance to grow, succeed, and make the world a better place.
