Chris Wood

Research scientist
Defence Science & Technology Organisation, Melbourne

Bachelor of Science (Honours)
PhD in materials engineering

“Though my materials background is utilised extensively; I’ve also learnt many new skills and get to work on a diverse range of activities.”

I completed a B.Sc (Hons) degree at Monash, majoring in Materials Science. Doing honours was a real challenge but also very rewarding and a lot of fun, and it was here that I acquired a taste for research. Getting to do hands-on research work was something I greatly enjoyed, so much so, that I remained in the school to pursue postgraduate studies, later gaining my PhD in Materials Engineering. SPME was a great environment to conduct my postgraduate studies in with good facilities and staff, an enthusiastic postgraduate community and a great supervisor.

Soon after completing my PhD I commenced work as a Research Scientist with the Defence Science & Technology Organisation (DSTO) in Melbourne, which is where I work today. Working in the Air Vehicles Division at DSTO is a great way to be involved in a wide range of work that is both interesting and challenging. Though my materials background is utilised extensively, I’ve also learnt many new skills and get to work on a diverse range of activities. My daily work includes dealing with issues relating to the support of older air platforms, conducting fundamental research into the mechanical behaviour of aircraft engine alloys, and assessing the technical risks associated with advanced materials technologies that will be used on the next generation of Australian Defence Force aircraft. One of the most satisfying things about being a scientist at DSTO, apart from a great work environment, is knowing that the work I do and the solutions I help develop have a direct impact out in the field.