Paola Dugo

Meet Paola Dugo

A mentor or educator who inspired you? During my PhD, I spent six months in the lab with Keith D. Bartle. Keith has been a very important mentor – always providing encouragement and approving research plans with enthusiasm. If I asked him for advice on solving a problem, he would always respond: “you are the expert!” 

Some other prominent mentors during my career include Carlo Bicchi, who showed me how to use gas chromatography in a perfect environment, and Harold McNair, who created a special atmosphere and encouraged me to progress with my chemistry studies – reminding me that curiosity and passing help to overcome any difficulty in the study.

Qualities of a successful mentor or educator? Listening to your students, understanding their needs, and offering your availability when necessary.

Book for scientists? Basic Gas Chromatography by Harold M. McNair and James M. Miller is a starting point and a must read for separation scientists.