Martin Markwitz

Martin decided to pursue physics to learn how to explain complicated phenomena from the most basic physical rules.

Martin received a summer research scholarship to work at Paihau—Robinson during the summer of 2018, after finishing the final year of his physics and mathematics degree.

“I learned that my passion for physics went beyond pure coursework. This fuelled my desire to continue studying physics in Wellington with the aim of doing research of my own in the future.”

At the start of 2019, he decided to go back to the University to complete his physics Bachelor of Science with Honours. The following year, he applied to do a Master of Engineering through Robinson Research Institute with Dr. Chris Bumby in collaboration with Dr. John Kennedy from GNS Science. He was thrown into the study of designing a microwave furnace under further guidance by a GNS microwave expert, John Futter. The purpose of this microwave furnace was to explore the proof of concept of using New Zealand ironsand and Hydrogen gas during the reduction phase of the steelmaking process through an environmentally friendly approach.

“This research went all the way from understanding the fundamental underlying physics, through to using a simulation software to design a microwave furnace, and then finally verifying the accuracy of that simulation software through a clearly defined experimental procedure.”

The Masters at Robinson Research Institute gave an unforgettable opportunity to study a problem in detail, how to come up with solutions to that problem, and how to design an experimental procedure which best tested the accuracy of the simulation. His fellow colleagues and supervisors taught Martin a wide range of skills to prepare for his career in science which he is now applying during his PhD in physics at the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences. This PhD is in collaboration with GNS Science to develop transparent thermoelectric thin films for improved waste heat capturing applications.

During his PhD, he hopes to continue sharing his passion for teaching at the Wellington University Physics Society, a social student club which he started during his Masters. The aim of the club is to help physics students complete their undergraduate studies and to connect them with local summer research scholarship opportunities to kick-start their careers in science, as this was exactly what motivated him to kick-start his own.