For this issue of the Postdoc Journal Perry Motsegood is in the Spotlight.
Perry Motsegood (CSE) received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Iowa in 2012. His expertise is in electrochemistry. He has extensively researched the physical phenomena of enhanced power output in alkaline batteries using magnetic microparticles and electrochemical acetone breath sensors.
He learned about postdoctoral opportunities at Argonne from a friend. Based on the numerous electrochemical topics Perry researched during his Ph.D. studies he was encouraged to apply.
He recently had the opportunity to take part in an annual program review held at Argonne by the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy.
“It was an excellent opportunity to understand my current project from the broad perspective,” says Perry, “I understood how my efforts complement the overarching goal.” Perry enjoys addressing known technical problems to find directly applied solutions and understanding research goals and direction from a policy and management point of view.
Perry met with researchers from other DOE national laboratories and gained a wide perspective of how Argonne’s research programs benefit the Office of Nuclear Energy and the DOE complex. He provided the DOE program reviewers an overview of the research he was performing during the meeting.
He was asked by his supervisor and department chair to present his research during the meeting. Perry was happy to showcase his research. He prepared his presentation in a clear and concise manner, while still providing detailed technical information. The reviewers consisted of physicists, engineers and chemists who did not share the same technical expertise and background that Perry did.
Perry was given 20 minutes to present his research. “It was not a great deal of time to discuss a year’s worth of research,” says Perry. He organized his research and presentation to tell a complete story while still covering the relevant topics and ideas without delving too deeply into details. Perry gained excellent experience in how to effectively convey his research and communicate complex ideas. He also gained insight into research performed at other national laboratories within the Office of Nuclear Energy.
Perry advises his fellow postdocs to be open to opportunities that allow them to present their research. “Embrace the opportunity without question,” says Perry.
From the Winter 2013/2014 Edition of the Postdoctoral Journal.
