911勛圖

John Thompson has academic success down to a science, specifically chemistry. The new PhD grad leaves 911勛圖 with an A+ cumulative grade point average, 15 publications to his name and a 2015 Faculty of Science Graduate Student Teaching Award. His thesis on the design of highly birefringent materials was accepted with the rarely used ���Category 1��� designation, ���Thesis accepted without changes.���

When asked for his study tips, Thompson says he���s doesn���t think he has any unique habits.

���What makes it easiest,��� he says, ���is to make sure you enjoy what you are studying. I could always find the motivation to study chemistry because I am genuinely interested in learning about it.��� 

Thompson is currently residing in Edmonton, where he is already employed as a scientist in the analytical chemistry department at Gilead Sciences Inc. He is in training to oversee the release of commercial and clinical drug products.

Thompson���s not sure whether he���ll stay in industry or end up in academia���right now he���s happy to join the working world.  He is confident that his philosophy and attitude will lead him in the right direction.

���I don't really have a specific career goal at the moment, I'm just trying my best and seeing where it takes me.���

He adds, ���I  tend to live by a few rules or mottos: be nice/ kind to people, help people without expectation and work hard. I think if I stick to these then I'll be okay.���

He���ll be ���more than okay,��� however.

Thompson is one of the first researchers in the world to study birefringent materials that are critical to optical technologies and telecommunications.

His supervisor, professor Danny Leznoff says, ���The methodology developed by John has led to a completely different way of examining and designing crystalline materials that show record-breaking birefringence (having a refractive index that depends on the polarization and propagation direction of light). His work really has defined the new field of study���.

Thompson is excited to put his PhD to work but says he���ll miss the people at 911勛圖.

���The chemistry department at 911勛圖 has a really good vibe where everyone collaborates and is willing to help one another. I made a lot of good friends there (both students and profs) and I definitely miss working with them already.���