Profile
Matthew Macariou
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About Me:
I live with my wife in Cheshire, and with our rescue dog Edgar.
In my spare time I create a podcast for chemistry students, and I’m also learning how to ring church bells. -
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I’ve loved following my passion and working in chemistry, in all sorts of places that do all sorts of things.
From nuclear power to bakery powders.
From electroplating to sticking tiles to walls and floors.
And analysing toothpaste, grease, soils, oils, and…. well just about anything.
Most of all I’ve enjoyed tutoring chemistry students.
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My Typical Day:
I start work at 8am where I get to check lots of car parts, and speak to colleagues and suppliers about what I find. There’s lots of checking paperwork too. I get to leave at 4.30.
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I’m checking parts for use of correct materials, and for evidence that they have been successfully tested.
I also get to give my input on what materials to use for some parts.
I oversee the shelf life control of parts that may deteriorate over time in storage.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I would use it to make resources to make chemistry simpler to understand for high school students.
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Education:
Buxton College
Stockport College of Technology
The Manchester Metropolitan University
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Qualifications:
O-Levels: Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths, English, Geography.
A-Levels: Chemistry, Biology, Maths, General Studies.
HNC Chemistry – I studied one day a week at college whilst working full time.
BSc Hons Applied Chemistry – I also studied for my degree one (long) day a week at university, whilst working full time.
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Work History:
I started as a lab technician in the service dept of a company making chemicals for making circuit boards and gold plating jewelry, taps, pens….etc
I learnt a lot about titrations and other chemical analysis, including using instrumentation. I also started to work on developing some of the chemical products.
After the lab closed I moved on to do lots more analytical chemistry :
- a nuclear power company
- a contract analysis lab
- a company that makes flavours and fragrances
- a food ingredients company
- a cement manufacturer
- a manufacturer of tile adhesives
Then I moved on to a car manufacturer, starting as an analytical chemist in the lab before moving to my current role.
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Current Job:
I now work in the quality team reviewing materials used in parts design, managing the shelf life of parts and materials in our stock, approving parts and suppliers amongst other things.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Dog-loving chemist
What did you want to be after you left school?
A Vet. I wasn't focused enough to get straight A's.
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Only once, it's a long story.
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Adele
What's your favourite food?
Thai green curry.
Tell us a joke.
I would tell a chemistry joke, but all the best ones argon
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