Steven Petinakis

Experimental Scientist
Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Technology
CSIRO

Bachelor of Science

"What I most like about my job is the challenges it presents, the interaction with senior scientists and people from industry."

I commenced as a trainee technical assistant at the CSIRO at Clayton in 1993. I was one of 200 trainees offered a traineeship with the CSIRO from all over Australia. I assisted in the development of composite materials for the Aerospace industry from 1993-94. I also had a brief stint with Comalco Aluminium as a technician in late 1994. In early 1995 I was offered a position with the CSIRO in Highett as technical officer, where I have worked since.

I have worked on a number of different projects during my time with the CSIRO, but all projects have been associated with the surface modification of polymers. I am currently working as a microscopist, namely in atomic force microscopy, which involves the characterisation of polymeric materials at the micron and nano levels. I also have experience in scanning electron microscopy and extensive experience in adhesion test development. What I most like about my job is the challenges it presents, the interaction with senior scientists and people from industry.

I completed my initial studies at Swinburne University in 1994, and studied at Monash from 1996-99. My time at Monash University was really fruitful for my career as it put me in good stead for the challenges that lay ahead. I studied the whole course part time as I was working at the CSIRO. The lecturers and other academic staff were most helpful and very understanding to me during my studies. As I always had an interest in the sciences from a young age, my time at Monash Science capitalised on this, and has assisted me in my career prospects.