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Dr Juan Olugin

Current position: : (CONACYT Postdoctoral Fellow with Dr. Angeles Paz-Sandoval (CINVESTAV, Mexico City)
Previous postdoc: (January 2012 – July 2014) Postdoctoral Fellow with Prof. Martin Albrecht (University College Dublin). Marsden postdoctoral fellow with Prof. Sally Brooker (April 2011 – December 2011)
Previous position: Research Assistant with Prof. Sally Brooker (June 2010 – March 2011) PhD: MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology PhD Scholarship with Prof. Sally Brooker at the University of Otago (2007-2010)
MSc: CONACyT Scholarship (2003-2005) with Prof. Ivan Castillo (UNAM, Mexico)
BSc(Hons): First Class (1997-2002) with Prof. Laura Gasque (UNAM, Mexico)

Doing my PhD at the University of Otago has been very rewarding, and one of the best decisions I have ever made. Working with Sally has been great. Her enthusiasm and optimism during my research project was very important in order for me to complete my thesis, especially in the last stages. Her support in both professional and personal ways has been invaluable.

In a professional way I learned so much from the Brooker Bunch, such as single crystal X-ray crystallography, Mössbauer spectroscopy and magnetochemistry. All of these techniques were learnt hands-on, which is very rare in large chemistry departments. Working in a friendly and relaxed environment was very productive, resulting in six publications so far, and with more very interesting and unique results which will be published soon. All the good and bad results are always accompanied by a nice chat and coffee with Sally or with her visiting international collaborators.

Moreover Sally is always involved and keen to help the students in a personal way. She helped me in minor issues such as finding accommodation and opening a bank account, which is very helpful when moving from very far away. And in quite major issues such as helping me to find my next job, or just listening to my personal problems. I can proudly say that Sally was not only an excellent supervisor but a very good friend.

Dunedin is a nice place to study. It is very easy to make long-term friends with both international and friendly local students. The historical character of the city and its beautiful natural surroundings can be readily enjoyed with them. I will definitely miss the good and tranquil lifestyle and the good friends I made in Dunedin.