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Rod
MackieAs x-ray diffractionist for the Department of Physics at Clayton campus, Rod Mackie has come a long way from his beginnings as a blacksmith's son in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Yet it was Rod's early experiences with the blacksmith's tools which fuelled his interest in how machines work. He began his workshop career with Edinburgh University but says he was prompted by Scotland's "gloomy weather" to immigrate to Australia in 1970.
After a stint at Peter's Ice Cream, Rod began working at Monash's Physics workshop. In 1986, he was appointed to operate the department's newly acquired x-ray diffraction equipment. His induction was a two-week trip to the US to learn about the equipment. "I was immediately hooked," said Rod of his new and highly specialised career.
He now develops and uses x-ray and microscope equipment for analytical and predictive purposes, and his work is in demand both among academics and industry clients, including the Department of Defence.
In 1998, Rod was given a Vice-Chancellor's Award for Exceptional Performance by General Staff, in recognition of his dedication, hard work and long service. He attributes his success, in part, to his long-time friend and mentor honorary research associate Dick Coyle and to the professionalism of the workshop team.
In his spare time, Rod enjoys bushwalking, music, ballroom dancing and tennis. He has three children and a grandson.
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