John P. Connell, BSc 1967

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I completed a BSc at the University of Sydney and majored in Chemistry. I went on to Macquarie University and completed an MSc in Chemistry. I later won an Australian Wool Corporation Scholarship to the University of New South Wales and completed a PhD in Textile Technology. I joined the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, which enabled networking with other chemists.

My first position as a Chemistry graduate was with the former CSIRO Division of Textile Physics where I studied the yield testing of raw wool. This involved the chemical aspects of novel and traditional methods used to assess the properties of greasy wool to assist buyers at auction. Sometimes I used equipment obtained from manufacturers and in other cases equipment was designed and constructed in the laboratory. Cooperation with instrument manufacturers and fellow scientists was essential. I learnt to use statistics to interpret data and published several papers on wool chemistry in scientific journals in Australia, England and USA.

A highlight of my experience was a three month visit to a laboratory of the US Department of Agriculture in Washington DC and I found working overseas a challenge. I later presented my findings to a conference in London.

My next chemistry position was with Berger & British Paints as a Compliance Coordinator. Here I ensured that the labels on the coatings products complied with laws of packaging.

My present chemistry position is as a Voluntary Tutor in Chemistry to adults.

I found that the chemistry I learnt at the University of Sydney enabled me to obtain employment as a professional chemist and understand laboratory management.