The College reconnected with Christopher Plummer (SPC 2001-06) who travelled the world working on the development of biodegradable polymers. Over the course of his research career, Chris published 23 scientific publications and a patent. However a desire to be closer to home saw Chris and his young family move back to Australia and thriving, complete with a career change as a teacher where Chris is enjoying making a difference in the lives of his students!
Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?
After finishing at SPC in 2006, I attended RMIT University to study Applied Science, having developed a keen interest in biology. Oddly enough, after being required to study chemistry in my first year, I found myself much more interested in it. I hadn’t even studied chemistry in VCE but ended up switching my major to it. I completed my degree and then went on to complete a year of Honours, before being fortunate enough to receive an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) scholarship to undertake a PhD. My PhD took four years and was in the area of chemical synthesis, specifically developing analogues of chemicals used in fragrances.
After completing my PhD in 2016, I moved to China, where I spent three years working at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, researching ways to modify polymers. I then spent two years working in France, followed by two years working in Poland, working across both industry and academia on the development of biodegradable polymers. Over the course of my research career, I published 23 scientific publications and a patent.
While living in Poland, my wife and I welcomed our son, Alexander, who is now three years old. After seven years overseas, we decided it was finally time to return home to Australia, so that Alexander could grow up here in the lucky country. We returned home to Australia in 2023, and in 2025 we welcomed our second child, Lucy.
Even before returning home, I had decided that I was ready for a change from research and was looking for greater stability and a better work‑life balance. I therefore decided to pursue a career in teaching. Unfortunately, this meant returning to university for more study. Fortunately, I was able to work and study simultaneously through the Teach Today program while completing my Master’s degree. I now teach Science and Mathematics at a school in Wyndham Vale.
Teaching has been a very rewarding career change, and I genuinely feel that I am making a difference in the lives of my students. That said, I expect it will be many years before I feel as confident and skilled in the classroom as I once did working in a laboratory. There is still a lot to learn, but I am enjoying the challenge.
Do you have family ties with SPC?
I have a younger brother, Matt Plummer, who was in the class of 2009. He’s doing well, living in Geelong with his young family and working as a primary school teacher.
What are your fondest memories of your time at St Patrick’s College?
My fondest memories are of the time I spent with my friends. Those friendships have lasted well beyond our school years, which is something I really value. In fact, a few months ago I travelled internationally to attend one of my friends’ weddings. Likewise, several of my old school friends travelled to Taiwan for my own wedding in 2019.
I also have very fond memories of the school camps, particularly the hiking trip in the Grampians, even though we pitched our tent on low-lying ground and woke up to a storm with water pouring in. I think they call those formative experiences.
Which teacher from your time at SPC had the greatest impact on you? Why?
I had many fantastic teachers during my time at SPC, but two in particular made a lasting impact on me.
Year 7 was a rough year for me. During parent-teacher interviews, Mr Tony Prosia took me aside and gave me some words of encouragement that have stayed with me ever since.
The second teacher that had a great impact was Mr Damian Kinnersly. As a teacher myself, I now look back and realise just how lucky we were as 14-year-olds to have him as a role model and guide. At the time, I probably didn’t fully appreciate it, but I certainly do now.
I hope they’re both doing well.
How has your education shaped your professional life?
[I am having trouble answering this one. This seems to be mostly answered in Q1]
How has your time at SPC shaped your personal values and your family life?
Going to St Pat’s gave me more than just an education, it also helped shape the values that I try to live by. In particular, the importance of treating others with respect and taking responsibility for my actions has stayed with me throughout my adult life. Those values were also a major part of why we decided to move home after seven years overseas – I want Alexander and Lucy to grow up with the same values and opportunities that I was fortunate enough to have growing up.
If you could pass on one message to the students of today, what would it be?
That your past doesn’t define you. That you can turn it all around on a single day if you want to.
