Phd in the Spotlight: Alma Itzel Olivos Suárez
On 4 June Alma Itzel Olivos Suárez (1983) will be awarded her doctorate degree at the UvA. As part of her research at the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), she made a detailed survey of the behaviour of catalysts. Among other things, this knowledge will make it possible to produce medicines more sustainably in the future.
What was the most notable result of your research?
‘I studied a new method that uses nitrenes and carbenes to synthesise new substances. Those are substances that contain nitrogen or carbon, such as medicines and fertilisers. Nitrenes and carbenes are small molecules that are highly unstable: as soon as they come into contact with another molecule, they react with it. Because of this characteristic, they act as intermediaries for the production of new substances. I found a way to control their reactivity. Basically, I discovered that, when a metal catalyst is used, nitrenes and carbenes react as radicals, which have controlled reactions yet retain their high reactivity. We studied this effect in natural enzymes that behave in approximately the same way.’
Why did you want to be able to control the reactivity?
‘Because that could make the production processes of those medicines and fertilizers more efficient and more sustainable. For one thing, you’re left with fewer unwanted by-products. Another thing that makes our method sustainable is the fact that the catalysts are based on inexpensive, sustainable metals that are much less toxic than the expensive precious metals that are used a lot in the chemical industry today. So our method offers a myriad of uses for the industry. And no, I haven’t filed for a patent yet. I’m not the only person working on this, after all. I conducted my research with Sabic, an international chemical company based in Geleen, and with Professor Zhang of the University of South Florida.’
What aspect of your doctoral research did you enjoy most?
‘There were lots of aspects I enjoyed. One of the things that appealed to me most about it, is that I could bring theory and practice together. I spent many hours conducting experiments in the lab, but I also did theoretical research drawing on quantum mechanics. Our group, which is led by professors Bas de Bruin and Joost Reek, is very large and diverse. Including the technicians, there were around 40 of us in all, which made things very convivial.’
What are your plans for the future?
‘I would love to continue in this field of research, maybe at a university, but industry is a possibility too. I’ve got several options lined up, but in these times it’s tough. After doing my Master’s in Mexico, where I’m from, I wanted to go abroad for my doctoral research – Europe, for example, or the United States. I got offered this position in the Netherlands, and I’ve been really happy here. Now I’d like to pursue a career here, because this country has an excellent research climate. Plus, I’ve married a Dutchman!’
Author: Carin Röst