Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Benjamin Clarke

PhD Student
Wellington,,Karori

Summary

I'm completing my Chemistry PhD at Victoria University of Wellington, focusing on the connection between damp, moldy housing, and respiratory disorders. Through isotope-assisted analytical techniques, we aim to quantify toxins in buildings, correlating their presence with respiratory illness rates. I've published an overview of the project (Clarke B, Harvey J, Crane J, et al. 2021. Chemistry in New Zealand 85(1): 19-30). Skilled in method development and lab management, I demonstrate strong leadership and critical thinking. With diverse laboratory experience, I excel in experimental design and execution. As a versatile researcher, I synthesize knowledge across disciplines to innovate solutions, while also connecting effectively with diverse audiences as a natural teacher and communicator.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
2
2
Languages

Work History

Chemistry PhD Student

Ferrier Research Institute
03.2019 - Current
  • Innovative Methodology Development : Developed novel synthetic methodologies addressing complex problems with a focus on practical application & cost-effectiveness.
  • Efficient Method Optimization : Proficient in canvassing a wide range of synthetic conditions simultaneously to optimize method development time and efficiency.
  • Analytical Proficiency : Skilled in diverse analytical techniques including multi-nuclear NMR, FTIR, GC/MS, HPLC/MS and manual & automated column chromatography.

Contract Synthesis of Insect Pheromones

Victoria University Of Wellington
03.2022 - 04.2022
  • Client Focused Synthesis : Experience working to the synthetic objectives of research partners achieving results within a fixed timeframe.

Cosmogenic Lab Manager

GNS Science
06.2017 - 01.2019
  • Demonstrated ability to transfer chemical expertise across sub-disciplines : Learnt novel chemical research areas & methods on-the-fly to achieve results for commerical & research clients.
  • Collaborative development of novel sample processing techniques : Developed & optimised sample processing procedures in a multi-disciplinary team of researchers to meet commerical objectives.
  • Experience in the Use and Development of Highly Hazardous Procedures : Performed method development and risk analysis & management of high-temperature processes with highly hazardous substances.


Petrographic Thin Section Lab & Chemical Manager

GNS Science
01.2011 - 01.2019
  • Lab Management Experience : Supervised Thin Section lab, hazardous equipment, and chemical storage. Managed daily operations, maintenance, HSNO, and H&S compliance. Handled sample receipt, invoicing, and client/vendor relations.
  • Organisation-Level Chemical Management : Former Deputy Facility Director under HSNO act. Oversaw site-wide chemical procurement and spill-response protocols.
  • Proven Ability for Development of Novel Technical Proficiency: Quickly acquired new skills in novel research areas. Innovated techniques to meet client needs and achieve world-class results with limited resources.

Education

Ph.D. - Chemistry

Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington, WGN
05.2024

BSc First Class Hons. - Chemistry

Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington, WGN
06.2016

BSc Dbl. Major - Chemistry & Psychology

University of Otago
Dunedin, OTA

Certificate of Proficiency - Māori Language

Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington, WGN

Skills

Synthesis, Isolation & Chracterisaiton of Chemical Compounds

undefined

Affiliations

New Zealand Institute of Chemistry

Certification

Current Approved Handler certification for hazardous substances classes 1.3G & 1.4G (display pyrotechnics). Previously Certified Approved Handler for all Chemical Classes (ex. Radioactive Substances)

Interests

Glass working Pyrotechnics

Music Art Theater Languages Genealogy

Timeline

Contract Synthesis of Insect Pheromones

Victoria University Of Wellington
03.2022 - 04.2022

Chemistry PhD Student

Ferrier Research Institute
03.2019 - Current

Cosmogenic Lab Manager

GNS Science
06.2017 - 01.2019

Petrographic Thin Section Lab & Chemical Manager

GNS Science
01.2011 - 01.2019

Ph.D. - Chemistry

Victoria University of Wellington

BSc First Class Hons. - Chemistry

Victoria University of Wellington

BSc Dbl. Major - Chemistry & Psychology

University of Otago

Certificate of Proficiency - Māori Language

Victoria University of Wellington
Benjamin ClarkePhD Student