Carmen works as a senior development engineer in coatings and nanotechnology
Carmen Cobo graduated from the master’s programme in Macromolecular Materials in 2012, after which she went on to complete her PhD in chemistry, polymers and nanocomposite materials at KTH before moving into industry.
Hi Carmen, what are you doing at the moment?
I have been working as a senior development engineer in coatings and nanotechnology at Saltx Technology for two months now, mainly focusing on sustainable methods for storing energy based on chemical reactions. I work developing new materials, methods and processes, as well as analysing and characterising existing ones. I also assist with decision-making regarding necessary instruments and budgets. I am in charge of one major project that will expand within the next year.
What might your regular working day look like?
On a normal day, I might attend a 30-minute weekly engineering meeting, at which the entire engineering team will discuss what they have done over the preceding week. I perform some new laboratory scale experiments on our materials and characterise them using methods that we are still improving in the lab. I may also visit KTH or other companies to use their instruments, as our company is a start-up and we do not have many of our own. There will probably be one or two phone calls with instrument suppliers to discuss future needs from both parties and anything new that may be of interest. There are also meetings with our main materials providers, many of whom I have been in contact with since my first day.
Have you worked with anything else since you graduated?
Yes, I worked as a researcher for AkzoNobel Expancel immediately after completing my PhD and as a consultant to KTH on coating systems for polymer microspheres for eight months together with my PhD supervisor. After that, I was hired by Scania as a consulting development engineer on a project on insulation materials for electric motors, after which I moved to my current job, which offered better conditions and it is much closer to home.
Why did you choose this programme at KTH?
I attended the master’s programme in Macromolecular Materials from 2010-2012. I had such a good time completing my master’s thesis at the Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology’s Division of Coating Technology. I found the field so interesting that I decided to continue studying for my PhD at KTH in the same division. During my master's studies I also went to Germany on an internship in polymers and nanocomposites.
Did you acquire any insights or knowledge during your studies that have been particularly useful in your career?
Surprisingly, yes: everything that I learned during my PhD has been very useful in all the jobs I have been part of. Coping with the frustration inherent in completing a PhD gives you the grit needed to face problems and make the best of things. There is a big part of problem solving that is earned during the process and that gives you the ability to cope, even in new fields you might not be familiar with.
What were the best aspects of studying at KTH?
The group I was part of, with a high percentage of international students from postgraduates to postdocs, was very nice and warm and we used to socialise at dinners and after-work gatherings. As a PhD student, there is some travelling to conferences; it is quite usual to have the opportunity to visit the United States and I was lucky enough to attend several conferences in Europe and Japan. Not to mention all of the learning by doing.
What is your best memory from your time at KTH?
In general, it was a very nice, fruitful journey. I would say that being part of an international environment probably did broaden my worldview and give me a holistic understanding. The journey from ‘scared’ student to supervisor was very meaningful for me.
What are your plans for the future?
My plan is continue working for Saltx Technology for as long as I can, as I find the job motivating and rewarding. I live in Stockholm with my partner; we bought a house five years ago and have a three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, and basically I am just enjoying this part of my life as much as my professional career.
What would you want to say to a student thinking of applying for this programme?
Enjoy your time during the programme, make friends and make sure to maintain a network with the potential to help you on your way (you would be helpful for them too!). And learn Swedish as soon as you can (yes, I’m looking at you, international students!) if you intend to make a life in Sweden.