The right chemistry

Since commencing her studies at Monash Univeristy in 1997, Rita Harika, 24, (BSc(Hons) 2001, PhD 2003) has achieved everything she set out to do and more.

Dr Rita Harika

Passionate about chemistry from an early age, Dr Harika knew by the time she was at high school that she wanted to study towards a PhD in the subject area.

By 2000 she had completed her science degree with honours, and in 2001, she received an Australian Postgraduate Award, enabling her to persue her dream.

That same year, while in the first year of her PhD, Dr Harika won a $40,000 Fulbright Scholarship in science and engineering from an Australia-wide field of candidates.

The scholarship took her to the University of California, where she had the opportunity to work with a leading expert inher chosen field.

"Working with Professor Bill Evans and being able to meet other industry experts was invaluable for ma as a researcher," says D Harika. "I plan to build on these international links as I pursue my career in research."

After a year at the University of California, Dr Harika returned to Australia in 2003 to complete her PhD under the joint supervision of Professor Glen Deacon and Dr Peter Junk from Monash's School of Chemistry. Her thesis in rare earth chemistry involved making new compounds, characterising them and determining their chemical structures. Rare earths include elements such as cerium, lanthanum, yttrium and europium.

"The potential uses are in organic catalysis and in the development of corrosion inhibitors," Dr Harika says. "Australia has huge rare earth resources that can be put to good use. Rare earth complexes are more environmentally benign and are excellent corrosion inhibitors, unlike those currently in use."

As to the future, Dr Harika plans a career in the chemical industry and may yet complete an MBA at Monash.