In June 2004, Mitch Loan wrote:

"You know, its funny where life takes you......and in my case IRELAND.

I am currently working as a senior research fellow at the University of Limerick in Ireland, where everyone still thinks I am a student – I just can’t wear a shirt and tie.

On the work side of things, I am involved in a number of different research projects with Aughinish Alumina Ltd. These are right across the gamut of Bayer process research, from digestion to crystallisation. I coordinate one of these projects, supervise PhD students, and dabble in the laboratory myself. A core component of this work involves doing research at large-scale European Union research facilities in the UK, Germany and France – which certainly keeps me busy.

The job is lots of fun, but so is Ireland – the country, people and history. Truly a great experience. My wife and I are indulging in the numerous travel opportunities Europe offers, but also the sights, sounds and flavours of Ireland. I am still surfing at least once a week, which is a great topic of conversation in Ireland – the water temperature is a third of that in Western Australia Brrrrr.

Slan – Irish for bye."

Dr Loan is currently working at Alcoa World Alumina in Western Australia.