Mathias Herrlin: The Phase1 trainee programme offered the opportunity to work on a larger scale and receive support in overcoming challenges

I’m Mathias, a fourth-year chemistry student at Åbo Akademi University. This summer, I’ve been working at Fermion as an R&D Chemist Trainee. My tasks have included laboratory work and literature reviews, as well as writing reports. 

In the Fermion laboratory during the summer, I’ve been able to work on a much larger scale than at the university. It’s been interesting to learn that synthesis, for example, does not necessarily work in the same way on a larger scale.

I have also been able to experiment with different methods and tools that are not necessarily required when working on a smaller scale. In addition, I have been able to monitor the progress of my syntheses and my products in NMR and HPLC. The scale of the work has also been reflected in the literature reviews. This means that a small-scale synthesis in the literature might not necessarily work as well on a larger scale.

I have been made to feel very welcome at Fermion and quickly became part of the team. For example, we take breaks together during the working day. During these breaks, I quickly got to know my colleagues. The breaks have provided many interesting and fun moments with the team. 

At the beginning of the summer, I received good induction training, and someone has always been there to help me when needed. I also feel that everything is clearly explained, and the fact that I’m still a student has always been taken into account. As anyone who works in a laboratory on syntheses knows, not everything always goes like clockwork. My colleagues and I have been able to face challenges together, and working in the laboratory has been meaningful.

As a future chemist, I can strongly recommend Fermion to all chemistry students interested in organic chemistry syntheses. At Fermion, you get to work with top experts, who are a pleasure to work with and are always happy to help. At the same time, you can challenge your own skills and knowledge.

I would also like to praise Orion’s Phase1 trainee programme. The programme has included various events which encourage you to meet new people. These events have always been fun, and I’ve got to know many students from different disciplines. 

Best wishes,

Mathias Herrlin