Xunhua Mo
Catalyst Development Scientist
Johnson Matthey
Xunhua Mo has a fascinating story. She has always been intrigued by chemistry and how it can transform the world around us. Her journey as a chemist began in China, where she was born and raised in a family of academics. Her parents and brother instilled a love for reading and learning, as well as a respect for different perspectives and opinions. One of the most influential events in her life was when she went to a seminar where she met a professor who encouraged her to pursue a career in catalysis to control pollution.
Career Path: Xunhua earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering from East China University of Science and Technology, one of the top universities in China in STEM. She then decided to move to the U.S. to pursue her Ph.D. at Clemson University, where she had the opportunity to work with some of the most visionary chemists in the world. She was excited to explore new ideas and technologies and did not see the move as a challenge, but rather as a natural choice for her professional growth.
Career Pivots & Transitions: After completing her Ph.D., she had to pause her career for a year in 2005 due to her second pregnancy and some health complications. It was a difficult decision, but Xunhua knew she needed to prioritize her family and well-being. She returned to work in 2007 and faced some challenges in finding a suitable position and securing funding for her research. Fortunately, she was able to leverage her network and obtain a postdoctoral fellowship at Clemson University, where she continued to work on catalyst development. Xunhua also learned to balance her work and family responsibilities and considered that year as a turning point in her career.
Xunhua joined Johnson Matthey in 2010 as a catalyst development scientist. Xunhua was passionate about developing new and improved catalysts for various applications, such as energy and environment. She has been involved in multiple innovative projects and publications. She is an active member of the Diversity Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) group, where she serves as an ambassador. She believes that the DIB group has a positive impact on the company culture, as it fosters an inclusive and respectful environment, promotes effective communication, and organizes various activities for employees. Xunhua feels valued and connected at Johnson Matthey and enjoys working with such a diverse and talented team.
Balance & Mindset: In addition to her work, Xunhua also makes time for extracurricular activities and community service. She initiated math clubs at her kids’ schools, where she volunteers to teach math concepts and skills to students. She also participates in various community events, such as food and book donations, and festivals. She finds these activities enriching and rewarding, as they allow her to give back to society, make friends with people who share similar values, and enhance her life experience.
Xunhua’s Advice: As a woman in chemistry, Xunhua is passionate about empowering more women to pursue careers in the chemical industry and academia. She encourages women to collaborate with each other, attend conferences, and seek mentorship and guidance from senior colleagues. She also recommends reading the book “7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” by Sean Covey, which has helped her, and her children develop good habits and skills for personal and professional success. Finally, Xunhua emphasizes the importance of passing love forward and enriching one’s life through community involvement. She believes that by doing so, we can make a positive difference in the world.
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