Leonardo Pantoja Munoz

Science and Technology Technical Tutor (Analytical Chemistry and Instrumentation), Middlesex university

MSc Environmental Pollution Control, 2011

Tell us a bit about your role as a Technical Tutor at Middlesex University.

As a Technical Tutor, I support analytical chemistry teaching and research, including ensuring that analytical equipment is fully operational and available to staff and students in the School. Analytical chemistry in Middlesex University involves mass spectrometry and electron microscopy liquid chromatography among other many techniques.

What do you enjoy about your work and what are the challenges?

Analytical chemistry is a fast moving field and the expertise required to keep up with changes in instrumentation and techniques is both rewarding and challenging.

What made you choose to study at Middlesex University?

The campus at Hendon has state of the art laboratories and installations, which convinced me to study here. It is an easy commute from where I live (east London) and at Middlesex there is a real commitment to climb the University ranking tables which makes it very attractive to study here.

What drew you to MSc Environmental Pollution Control?

Before taking the decision to study a Masters degree, I had experience in the field of remediation of contaminated soil. The program offered in Environmental Pollution Control suited me well in terms of developing the skills I had gained in the past and also to explore other areas in my field.

What aspects of your course did you enjoy most?

I enjoyed the practical aspects of the course, and my teachers' interesting lectures.

What is your fondest memory of studying at Middlesex?

The people I met during my four years as a Middlesex University student, from classmates, professors, supervisors and technical staff.

What one piece of advice would you give to a prospective student interested in studying at Middlesex?

At Middlesex University there is a real commitment to giving our students a real opportunity to get jobs after graduation.

What made you want to stay on at Middlesex through your PhD, and to work?

I was given the opportunity to work in state of the art laboratories with equipment that will allow me to have experience on state of the art techniques. I had a multidisciplinary group of supervisors that help me on different aspects of my research.

What are the top three career tips you would give to current students and recent graduates?

Network

Take time to reflect on day to day activities

Enjoy your time as a student (it goes too fast)

What does the future hold for you?

I would like to establish a high degree of expertise in more than one analytical technique at Middlesex University. I am also collaborating with different research groups at Middlesex that will produce publications on high impact journals.