An interview with Stefan Bon

Name: Stefan A. F. Bon

Current Job: Professor

Scientific Discipline/Field: Chemical Engineering: Colloid and Polymer Science

Country: The Netherlands, but currently work in the UK

Pick some letters (L,G,B,T,Q,+, etc.): G

Website: www.bonlab.info

Twitter or other social media handle: @bonlab

What does your job involve?

Teaching the next generation scientists some aspects of chemical engineering, and fascinate them with the beauty of polymer and colloid science. My research team, BonLab, loves creativity. We like to move the boundaries on what is possible in the wider area of polymer colloids. The most important part of my job is to make people happy when they study and actively contribute to science.

How did you get to this job (education etc.)?

I studied chemical engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology and was “hypnotised” by the beauty of colloid and polymer science through a study internship at Nippon Paint, Osaka, Japan during the summer of 1992. My PhD allowed my to dive in properly and unleash creativity. I knew i wanted to be an academic as I very much enjoy unraveling the unknown in science, pushing boundaries. Moreover, I love teaching and enjoy sharing the fascinating aspects of colloidal science.

Do you feel being LGBT has affected your career decisions?

Yes, big time. I knew i was gay from early age. Came out during my PhD studies when i gained sufficient confidence and self-esteem as a person. Yes, even in the progressive Netherlands there was a big hurdle in the 1990s. The fun thing was that originally i wanted to study computer science (the cool geeky thing to do in the late 1980s). However, the monotonous grey IBM computers with monochrome screens put me off on a university open day. It was not flamboyant, artistic, and creative enough. Chemical engineering was. This drive to be creative is the red or should I say pink thread throughout my further career. Being an academic gives me the freedom and opportunity to work together with my team and innovate, with a smile.

Have you had any reactions from colleagues about being LGBT, either good or bad?

Most colleagues react positive. Unfortunately, there are always individuals who do not agree with who I am and what I stand for. That is their loss. I stand strong in my shoes, out and proud. This I feel is important to others from the LGBT community.

Did you have any role models growing up (LGBT, STEM, totally unrelated.)?

I did not have a specific gay role model when i grew up. I was very introvert and in that closet. STEM-wise I have great admiration for the pioneers of emulsion polymerization and I continue to be fortunate to have fruitful discussions with several great scientists in this area.

What are your plans for the future?

This is a hard question. I used to have the target to become full professor. Now that I have been for a number of years, I guess my drive is to contribute to the next generation of polymer colloids in a way that it makes a difference to society. For my team and the students i teach, I hope to continue to be the mentor that guides them to succeed and most of all, be happy in life.