Newsletter
Can you walk us through your typical day?
I am a chemist by training, researcher in materials science at the University of Antwerp, Belgium, and a three-time Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions awardee. I specialise in the conceptualisation, development, and characterisation of sustainable materials. My current research bridges chemistry, engineering, and environmental studies to develop and propose alternative materials and processes, with a focus on waste valorisation and circularity within and across sectors. I actively engage in science communication and societal outreach, and contribute to educational activities, aiming to advance research at the interface of science and society.
When I am not in the lab, I like to experiment with new things to travel – not only physically, but also culinary, exploring the richness of the world. You can also find me in places linked with sport or cultural youth events, and music. I always have earbuds close by.
Christina Makoundou
As a volunteer, what initially drew you to get involved with the MCAA Newsletter, and what keeps you motivated to stay?
In general, I am quite active in the MCAA. At the time, in 2020, I actually joined the MCAA Newsletter as part of the Gender Equity Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Working Group. Initially, my role was to help proofread the articles to address language and visual misuses or bias regarding the GEDI topics. The goal was to ensure inclusivity in writing and avoid misunderstandings caused by offensive words or images, to make the MCAA Newsletter enjoyable for all the readers. I decided to stay because I have been enjoying the coverage of diverse subjects during these five years, which has also allowed me to learn and grow in this process.
What are your hopes or goals for the future of the Newsletter?
I like to be part of the evolution of topics, layout and possibilities for the Newsletter. I do not have a particular goal, yet I aim for the MCAA to be more accessible by the members and beyond and that more voices are represented in some conventional and special issues of the Newsletter. It is also the venue for communication about the Association’s activities and horizon. It's great that it continues to maintain its quality and creativity.
How has volunteering as an editor influenced your own career, interests, or view of the scientific community?
I have been involved in the Editorial Board for five years now, and I have discovered so much during this time, the editorial process, the review, and the proofreading. This is also something that is part of the job of a scientist, and this experience in the MCAA Newsletter is very valuable for it. Also, the Newsletter offers different ways of communicating on interesting and valuable topics with a slightly different form than what we may encounter in a more academic edition. This has been a mind-opener regarding transversal yet vital questions in the academic world such as open science or career development and assessment.
What’s one behind-the-scenes moment or memory from working on the MCAA Newsletter?
I believe, every year, the production of the MCAA Newsletter and IRRADIUM magazine is memorable! All these years the teamwork has definitely been expressed through the publication of the magazine and its availability during the MCAA Annual Conference. Each year it is the palpable deliverable of the weeks of work behind the scenes.
If you could swap lives with any scientist, living, dead or fictional, for one day, who would it be and why?
I am an eternal trier: I discover and investigate the unknown. I like to explore new things, and this is also evident in my daily life, my non-scientist one. Think of someone who never fully sticks to a recipe, always adding a personal touch, because successful novelty and innovation often emerge from the unexpected. Imagine any truly disruptive, bold-type scientist – that would probably be a life swap I would happily embrace!
Meet our Editors - Christina Makoundou: I aim for the MCAA to be more accessible - September 2025