Maartje Otten
PhD candidate
University of Utrecht
Department
Organic Chemistry and Catalysis
Contact information
Room
David de Wied Building – 5th floor open office
Email address
m.otten2@uu.nl
Key expertises
Homogeneous Catalysis, Polymer Chemistry, Organometallic Chemistry
About me
I was born and raised near Breda in the south of The Netherlands. I received my BSc degree in Chemical Product Innovation at Avans University of Applied Sciences whereafter I continued my studies at Utrecht University where received my MSc degree in Nanomaterials Science. In October 2021, I started my PhD as an ARC CBBC member in the Organic Chemistry and Catalysis group at Utrecht University. I like to play field hockey and squash, watch Formula 1, and go on road/city trips.About my research
My research focusses on novel pathways and related catalytic materials for upcycling of polyolefins. We are developing a homogeneous catalytic approach to incorporate functional groups on the polymer backbone and explore new material properties of upcycled polyolefins. The introduced functionalities can thereafter for example be used to create new polymeric products that cannot be obtained from other resources, or they can be used as handles for recycling.Academic career
Academic Researcher
2021-present: PhD candidate in the group of Organic Chemistry and Catalysis at Utrecht University, The Netherlands. Under the supervision of Prof. P.C.A. Bruijnincx.
Early-Stage Researcher
2019-2021: Master’s degree in the group of Organic Chemistry and Catalysis at Utrecht university, The Netherlands. Under the supervision of Prof. R.J.M. Klein Gebbink.
Awards and scientific honors
Socrates award for being amongst the 10% best performing students in The Netherlands.