This month our short interview features Dominique (Dom) Appadoo, who heads the Australian Synchrotron’s high-resolution far infrared beamline.

Describe your job in 25 words or less.
My job is to manage, operate and develop the Far-IR & High-Resolution beamline and build its user community.

Best thing about your job?
It’s a great opportunity to rub shoulders with other scientists who are either well established or new to their fields. I enjoy the endless challenges which come with instrumentation. I also enjoy interacting with the talented Technical staff, Engineers and Controls & Instrumentation personnel, as well as the Accelerator Physicists and the Operators who are also at the root of the success of the Australian Synchrotron.

Worst thing about your job?
Trying to satisfy the unrealistic demands of upper management.

Apart from the Australian Synchrotron, what's the coolest job you've ever had?
The coolest job I had prior to the Australian Synchrotron is working at the Canadian Light Source; it was -50ºC cool!!!

Best things about living in Melbourne and why?
We are spoilt for extra-curricular activities, restaurants, markets, wine ...

Your favourite overseas destination and why?
Japan because it is so rich in culture, traditions, and very clean; the people are so respectful, the food can be interesting and the trains are on time!

A little-known fact about the Australian Synchrotron?
It has the best darn IR beam team in the world.

What’s the most unusual or interesting sample you’ve seen on the far-IR beamline here?
Rat semen! Our users were examining the fluorescing chemical components for forensic purposes.

What is the biggest achievement or discovery so far for your beamline?
Securing internal funds to purchase a closed-loop cryostat which will enable the study of samples down to 5 K!!

What advice would you most like to offer users and potential users?
To read the beamline page on the website and to spread the love ... I mean word!