Placement Information
Year you started your placement
2014
Placement period
May – August, September – December
Supervisor’s name
Martin Valldor
Project Details
Overview
Studying mixed anionic system with low dimensional spin ladder and a focus on its physical properties.
Project objectives
I synthesized compounds with mixed anions and was able to make it pure. Afterwards, I measured it using PPMS (resistivity and specific heat capacity measurement), magnetometer, and powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction to determine its physical property.
Research outcomes
Project status
In progress
Expected completion date
10/30/2014
Complimentary document for project
Complimentary document for project
Complimentary document for project
My Co-op Experience at MPI
Why did you apply for a placement with Max Planck Institute?
I wanted to learn about a different field of chemistry as my focus was always organic chemistry while the chemistry at MPI was more solid state and physical chemistry. As well, I wanted to learn about what the science industry and institute was like in Germany compared to Canada.
What recommendations do you have for students who wish to participate in MPI-UBC exchange program?
I would recommend taking a course that relates to the position available for the Max Planck Institute as this would help you understand the concepts better. Additionally, learning some basic German will help for the first month of living in Germany.
Tell us about your travels and cultural experiences in Germany and the rest of the Europe
While I was in Germany, I visited four different cities, Prague, Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. Berlin is a very vibrant, artistic city. Prague was a very beautiful city and has attraction to see. Some of them is the Prague castle, a beautiful impressive spire structure, and the Charles Bridge, a bridge from 1402 where many interesting statues stand. There are many interesting sights to see such as the vibrant East Wall Gallery, a mural painting on the Berlin Wall, and Topography of Terror, a grim museum of the Nazi rule in Germany. Munich is a more technological city. The English Garden is very similar to Stanley Park and make sure to visit a beergarden to get some cool beer and German food. Hamburg is a beautiful harbor city with very nice canal in the warehouse area. Additionally, visit the Miniature-Wunderland, the largest model railway in the world.
