Name and Surname: Dmitry Yu. Murzin
Organization: Åbo Akademi University (ABO)
Major Fields of Research/Activity: Chemical technology, catalysis
- What is your role in the YAF project? What are you currently working on within the scope of YAF?
I am acting as a PhD thesis advisor to Nikita Sarkov, the DC in the YAF program with a strong support of Dr. Päivi Mäki-Arvela, who act as a co-advisor. The main activities of our team are related to very challenging selective transformations of fatty acids to renewable jet fuel using heterogeneous catalysis.
- Why do you think the YAF research is important for your career development and how it will impact the society?
Making SAF from renewable feedstock is by far not a trivial task. If the project succeeds it could potentially influence society at large through developing the basis of a technology for making sustainable aviation dramatically reducing the CO2 footprint. This will be a major reward for me after a 40 years career.
- What or who inspired you to go into academia/research?
I started to do research as a sophomore student at the Mendeelev University of Chemical Technology driven primarily by scientific curiosity, which still is the main driving force for me continue research. In my formation years I was strongly influenced by my PhD advisor, a world-famous scientist in the field of physical chemistry Prof. M. Temkin.
- For you, what is most challenging and/or exciting about your work in YAF?
Make cleavage of chemical bonds in a selective way without generating by-products is a very challenging endeavour, which requires deep understanding of catalysis. It is always exciting to see how the theory and comprehensive experimental work lead to very practical results for the benefits of the society.
- Write an inspiring quote for the DC you are going to supervise in YAF.
If you do not stay the road will lead you. Andrei Platonov.
Если не будешь стоять, то дорога доведет. Андрей Платонов «Котлован».
- Where can we find you after work? Doing what?
Continuing to work and occasionally entertaining grandkids.
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