Haiyan Jin (Jeremy)

 

My name is Haiyan Jin, but everyone calls me Jeremy. I work for Marine & Protective Coatings at Felling in the north of England. I was born in 1981, in Hangzhou, China, and was educated at the University of Leeds where I obtained both a BSc and MSc in polymer and surface coatings. For my Masters research project, I created a UV-curable ink formulation, which became a commercial success. 

In 2007, I joined Marine & Protective Coatings at Felling as a chemist. I worked for a technical support group where I developed a deep understanding of product development and the market place. During my time in the group we developed a new test method for the qualitative and quantitative measurement of surface failures in high temperature pipe lines. 

At the end of 2010, new horizons beckoned when I was promoted to the position of senior development technologist. The new post requires me to push the boundaries when it comes to innovation. I have already set up a new color group and am responsible for providing related support and to head up development projects. We have already developed a new low VOC color system, keeping us ahead of VOC legislation. 

When you´re part of a key research team, you rely on colleagues and management for encouragement and support. It´s something AkzoNobel provides without a second thought, making it a great place to be involved in innovative science. In terms of personal and career development, the sky´s the limit. Since I have been here I´ve improved my knowledge base as a technologist and at the same time broadened my skills in disciplines ranging from marketing to business awareness and health and safety, and I´ve also been able to get out and meet customers and suppliers to discuss what they want from us and vice-versa. 

Away from my work, my favourite pastimes are golf and football. The perfect combination I believe because you need focus in sport and in your career to succeed.