CMatP Profile: Dr Bernd Schulz

Bernd oversees the Materials Science sector at ZEISS Australia and New Zealand. He holds a PhD from UNSW Sydney and has over a decade experience as Materials Scientist within academic research and the manufacturing industry.

With a diverse background spanning the battery, semiconductor, automative, and aerospace sectors, he is committed to driving innovative solutions in his role by leveraging his extensive industry knowledge and expertise.

Where do you work?

Describe your job.

I work at ZEISS, where I look after the Materials Science sector in Australia and New Zealand. ZEISS is a one-stop manufacturer of light, electron, ion, and X-ray microscopes as well as industry-scale computer tomography (CT) and coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). My responsibilities include supporting academics in finding the right microscopy solution to answer their scientific questions. Additionally, I work with industries to identify the appropriate quality control solutions.

My role provides me with valuable exposure to a wide range of materials and processes. One of the key aspects of my position is maintaining constant communication with various ZEISS teams around the world. This global network of communication allows me to effectively address challenges that researchers face here by leveraging the knowledge that has already been gained elsewhere.

What inspired you to choose a career in materials science and engineering?

I have always been excited about sciences. But when it came to choosing a university degree, I found myself torn between biology, physics, and chemistry. It wasn’t until I attended an open day at the University of Leoben in Austria that I was introduced to the field of Materials Science. This visit sparked the realisation that I could combine my interests into one discipline. This intersection between various fields of science and engineering, remains a key aspect that I deeply cherish in Materials Science and Engineering.

Who or what has influenced you most professionally?

My professional career has been profoundly shaped by my former PhD supervisor Prof. Sophie Primig. Our initial meeting during my undergraduate exchange semester at UNSW left a lasting impact on my career trajectory, leading me to return to Australia to pursue my PhD under her supervision. Sophie not only helped me to develop my skills as a scientist and engineer but also taught me the importance of effective science communication and strong writing abilities. I admire her commitment to creating an open and supportive environment, which not only facilitated meaningful scientific discussions but also provided a safe space where personal matters were heard and valued. Her influence has been instrumental in my professional and personal growth and development.

What has been the most challenging job or project you've worked on to date and why? One of the most challenging jobs has been my PhD and postdoctoral research on the industrial forging of Ni-based superalloys. These materials would seemingly crack at the slightest glance. It took me more than a year to investigate and identify a basic heat treatment that would prevent these cracks – even before I could start to investigate the challenges our industry collaborator faced during the forging process itself. Eventually, we were able to successfully address the cracking challenges during the manufacturing process. In hindsight, the journey of solving the mystery behind the cracking was fascinating, and it taught me valuable lessons in resilience and perseverance.

What does being a CMatP mean to you?

Being CMatP signifies the recognition of my experience in the field of Materials Science and the commitment to continuous learning and professional development. As a CMatP, I am proud to be part of a vibrant and supportive community who are dedicated to advancing the field of Materials Science. This sense of belonging fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and growth, allowing us to collectively contribute to the advancement of materials engineering and make a positive impact in various industries, while also addressing global challenges.

What gives you the most satisfaction at work?

I find it incredibly rewarding to tackle complex challenges and think creatively to find innovative solutions. I particularly find satisfaction in the process of combining multiple techniques to overcome their individual inherent limitations and find answers to challenging questions. The sense of accomplishment and the opportunity to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field is incredibly gratifying. Knowing that my work contributes to making a positive impact in various industries and addressing global challenges brings me a great sense of fulfillment.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

One of the best pieces of advice that I have received, is to not get ahead of yourself and remain grounded in the present moment. While it is important to plan ahead and think about the future, it is equally important to stay focused on the here and now. This advice reminds me to be mindful and fully engaged in the present moment, rather than constantly worrying about what is yet to come. Although I can acknowledge, this is often easier said than done and takes continues efforts to put into practice.

What are you optimistic about?

When we open a newspaper and see the state of the world, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. But I strongly believe that we, as Materials Professionals, hold a key role in addressing these pressing global challenges such as climate change. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible through materials innovation, I am hopeful that we can make a positive impact on the environment and solve some of the most critical challenges.

What have been your greatest professional and personal achievements?

My greatest personal achievement has been moving overseas to Australia. As a teenager, I dreamt of living abroad, and I never imagined that I would have the courage to turn that dream into reality. I vividly recall the nerves I felt when I first made the move, but I am incredibly happy to now call Australia my home. On a professional level, I consider it a significant achievement to have gained experiences in various fields, both academically and in the manufacturing industry. Balancing work alongside my studies was not always an easy task, but I am immensely grateful for the diverse experiences it has provided me. These experiences have shaped my professional journey and have given me a broader perspective and valuable skills that I continue to carry with me.

What are the top three things on your “bucket list”?

• Continue the work on projects that actively address global challenges like climate change and work towards a more sustainable future.

• Travel South America, pickup my

Spanish again, and dive into the cultures of the region.

• Learn how to swim freestyle and tackle the Coogee Island Challenge. I feel like it is about time I become a proficient swimmer after over half a decade in Australia.