The Low Points: Failures and Challenges ( 21:25) Seán’s ice cream didn’t turn out well, but from that point on, he never deviated from the path of pursuing a career in chemistry. They used snow from outside, and the whole class got really into it. After finishing their end-of-semester exam, they each got to make their own ice cream. Jacobs who was really passionate about chemistry and incorporated fun experiments in class. In high school, Seán had a phenomenal chemistry teacher Mrs. “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.” – Aleister Crowley Seán creates thin films with metals, and these thin films have important applications in microelectronics, solar cell technology, batteries, and new energy. This process allows them to apply atom-thin layers of material on top of each other. Using a reactive gas, they blow a material into a reactor to form thin films using a process called atomic layer deposition. Seán’s lab makes very thin films of things. He and his family love to travel, and they are looking forward to Sean’s upcoming sabbatical in Sweden. Seán can also be found frequenting clubs to hear bands play punk and power pop music live. Much of Seán’s time outside the lab is spent with his family, including his wife, eight year old son, and his twin brother who lives nearby. People Behind the Science Podcast Show Notes Seán is here with us today to tell us all about his journey through life and science. Seán served as a Lecturer at the University of Ottawa and a Visiting Scholar at Harvard University before joining the faculty at Carleton University where he is today. Next, Seán conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Bourgogne in France, Cornell University, and Harvard University. in Chemistry from Queen’s University at Kingston and was awarded his PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Ottawa. Seán Barry is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Carleton University.

The Man Who Took Trips by Roy Ald