People

Core staff

Director

Professor Matthew Davidson

Matthew Davidson established the Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies at Bath in 2008 and is currently Director of its EPSRC Doctoral Training Centre (DTC).  He held Lectureships in the Department of Chemistry at Cambridge (1995) and at Durham University (1995-1999) before being appointed to a Chair of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Bath in 1999. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and is a previous recipient of the Harrison Memorial Prize of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a Royal Society Industry Fellowship. Professor Davidson graduated in Chemistry from the University of Wales, Swansea in 1990 and received a PhD from the University of Cambridge in 1993.

• Email: M.G.Davidson@bath.ac.uk
• Telephone: +44 1225 386443

Deputy Director

Dr Tim Mays

Tim Mays is currently Senior Lecturer in Chemical and Materials Engineering with broad interests in energy and materials research. He is currently Principal Investigator and Operations Director of the EPSRC SUPERGEN United Kingdom Sustainable Hydrogen Energy Consortium (UK-SHEC) and Knowledge Transfer Fellow exploring options for a UK Hydrogen Energy Programme. Other responsibilities include membership of the Department of Chemical Engineering Research Committee, the Faculty of Engineering and Design Research Committee and of the University Senate. Dr Mays is also a member of the Board of the Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment (I-SEE). He gained his PhD the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Bath in 1988 for research on nuclear graphites.

• Email: T.J.Mays@bath.ac.uk
• Telephone: +44 1225 386528

DTC Co-ordinator

Dr Janet Scott

Janet Scott is the co-ordinator of the Doctoral Training Centre in Sustainable Chemical Technologies and a Senior Research Fellow.  She has held lectureships at the University of Cape Town, South Africa (1992-1995, concurrently with her PhD studies) and Monash University, Australia (2000-2006), where she was also the Deputy Director of the ARC funded Centre for Green Chemistry (2002-2006).  Positions in industry have included: R&D Manager, Fine Chemicals Corporation, South Africa (1996-1998) and a Marie Curie Senior Transfer of Knowledge Fellowship held at Unilever R&D, Port Sunlight, UK (2006-2008), followed by a period as Director of a consulting company (continuing).  She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, a previous recipient of the Royal Australian Chemical Society’s Green Chemistry prize.  Dr Scott graduated in Chemistry and Applied Chemistry from the University of Natal, Durban in 1985 and with Honours from the University of Cape Town in 1989 after a career break.  She received a PhD from the University of Cape Town in 1995, while also holding a lectureship.

• Email: J.L.Scott@bath.ac.uk
• Telephone: +44 1225 386073

Whorrod Research Fellows

Dr Christopher Chuck

Christopher Chuck joined the CSCT in September 2011 as a Whorrod Research Fellow. Chris’s research focuses on developing novel, renewable biofuels and plastics from sustainable sources, such as microalgae, cellulose and lignin. Previously, he worked in the Department of Mechanical Engineering exploring the molecular properties of biofuel formulations and how they relate to the fuel properties, engine performance and emissions. Chris completed his PhD in 2007 in Matthew Davidson’s group at the Department of Chemistry, where he designed novel catalysts for the synthesis of biodiesel from waste oils.

• Email: C.Chuck@bath.ac.uk
• Telephone: +44 1225 383119

Dr Aron Walsh

Aron Walsh researches the application and development of classical, quantum and multi-scale computational techniques to model the properties of functional materials. His work covers the bulk, defect, surface, heterostructure and alloy properties of oxide and semiconductor systems, including hybrid organic-inorganic frameworks.

• Email: A.Walsh@bath.ac.uk
• Telephone: +44 1225 384913

Dr Antoine Buchard

Antoine Buchard joined the CSCT in April 2013 as a Whorrod Research Fellow. Antoine researches the use of renewable resources for the production of degradable polymers, high-value chemicals and clean energy. His work focuses on simple ligand design and abundant metal complexes synthesis for environment friendly homogeneous catalysis, including the use of computational chemistry as a tool to elucidate reaction mechanisms and help devise better catalysts.

• Email: A.Buchard@bath.ac.uk
• Telephone: TBC

Dr Ulrich Hintermair

Uli Hintermair is an inorganic chemist and chemical engineer who specializes in homogeneous catalysis research at the interface of chemistry and engineering. His work aims at developing more sustainable processes for bulk chemical production and alternative energy conversion schemes through a concerted approach that comprises molecular catalyst design, mechanistic and kinetic investigations, as well as phase and reactor engineering.

• Email: U.Hintermair@bath.ac.uk
• Telephone: TBC

ICT Project Manager

Jez Cope

Jez Cope is responsible for Information and Communication Technologies in the Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies at the University of Bath. He helps research students and staff in the Centre to collaborate, communicate and work more effectively using technology. His main responsibility is to develop and support iSusLab, the Centre's Virtual Research Environment.

• Email: J.Cope@bath.ac.uk
• Telephone: +44 1225 385827

DTC Administrator

Sheila Apps

• Email: S.G.Apps@bath.ac.uk
• Telephone: +44 1225 385820

Academic members

This list includes researchers across the University (primarily in the Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Departments) who are currently involved with sustainable chemical technologies research in the Centre. Most are also involved in supervising students in the Doctoral Training Centre.

Dr Duncan Allsopp (Publications)

• GaN light emitting diodes
• Nanofabrication for sub-wavelength optical devices
• Energy and sensor applications of advanced GaN based devices and structures

Students 2012

More information about the Doctoral Training Centre

Current projects indicated in bold text.

Stephen Bradley

Stephen graduated with an MChem in Chemistry with a Year in Industry from the University of Leicester in 2012. His year in industry was spent with a major chemical distribution company doing analytical/quality control work. His final year project was based on reclaiming rare earth metals from supermagnet alloys using electrochemical methods in ionic liquid solvents. In his spare time, he plays trombone and piano, as well as conducting one of the university's ensembles.

• Putting PEG into electrochemistry: transforming carbon dioxide into fuels with Dr Frank Marken & Dr Laura Torrente Murciano — 1st MRes project
• Development of nanoporous gold electrodes for glucose detection with Dr Mirella di Lorenzo & Dr Frank Marken — 2nd MRes project

Jessica Bristow

Jess graduated with an MChem in Chemistry from the University of Bath in 2012. Her final year project involved calculating the energies associated with various optical processes occurring within sapphire (α-Al2O3). Jess undertook a summer scholarship in order to continue and publish the work carried out in the final year of her degree. Jess's other interests include playing sports non-competitively and wine tasting.

• Optical engineering of metal oxides: theory with Dr Aron Walsh — 1st MRes project
• Optical engineering of metal oxides: experiment with Professor Chris Bowen, Dr Frank Marken & Dr Aron Walsh — 2nd MRes project

Robert Chapman

Rob graduated with an MChem in Chemistry for drug discovery from the University of Bath in 2012, his final year research project looked at the N-oxide catalysed Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of α,β-unsaturated ketones. Rob spent his third year on placement with BioFocus working as a medicinal synthetic chemist. In his spare time Rob enjoys watching and playing sport.

• Nanostructured catalyst and continuous reactors for the upgrading of CO₂ with Dr Laura Torrente Murciano, Dr Matthew Jones & Dr Davide Mattia — 1st MRes project
• Tandem Catalytic Reaction with Dr Steven Bull & Professor Christopher Frost — 2nd MRes project

Christopher Davey

Chris graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2012 with an MSci in Chemistry with an International Study Year. His International study year was spent at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. In his final year project he looked at the Photochemical Reduction of a [NiFe]-Hydrogenase Analogue using Rhenium(I) Diimine Complexes. Chris’ other interests include surfing, music and films.

• Co-crystallisation routes to high surface area materials for gas storage with Dr Valeska Ting & Professor Chick Wilson — 1st MRes project
• Supramolecular photosystems with Dr Dan Pantos — 2nd MRes project

Joseph Donnelly

Joe graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2012 with and MChem. His final year undergraduate project involved the mechanical characterisation of scCO2 foamed PLA scaffolds for use in bone tissue engineering applications. In his spare time Joe enjoys both watching and playing sports and socialising with friends.

• Establishing the interactions between a host of 3rd generation biofuels and aviation kerosene with Dr Chris Chuck — 1st MRes project
• Turpentine derived light harvesting polyesters with Dr David Carbery, Professor Matthew Davidson & Dr Aron Walsh — 2nd MRes project

Georgina Gregory

George graduated with an MSci in Chemistry from Imperial College London in 2011. Her final year research project involved MOFs. She likes Dr. Who and walking.

• Sustainable management of funeral processes with Dr Tim Mays & Dr John Troyer — 1st MRes project
• MOFs produced by bio-oxidation with Dr Andrew Burrows & Dr Simon Lewis — 2nd MRes project

Marcus Johns

Marcus graduated from the University of Bath with an MEng in Chemical Engineering in 2012. A placement year was spent working for MAST Carbon International, and final year projects involved the design of a waste treatment plant for use on a nuclear submarine and a microbial fuel cell for water treatment. He is a member of the theatrical and musical societies and plays alto saxophone in the concert band.

• Tunable porous carbons for energy storage applications with Dr Janet Scott, Dr Davide Mattia & Dr Laura Torrente Murciano — 1st MRes project
• The enzymatic spinning cloth disc reactor: reaction intensification for biotransformations with Dr Emma Patterson, Dr Darrell Patterson & Dr Janet Scott — 2nd MRes project

Caroline Jones

Caroline graduated from the University of St Andrews in 2012 with an MChem in Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry. For her final year Masters project she investigated the use of isothioureas as organocatalysts. During her degree she also undertook an industrial placement at GlaxoSmithKline in North Carolina, where she worked in a Chemical Biology group for a year. Outside of academia Caroline enjoys spending time reading, swimming and socialising.

• Production of a novel 3rd generation biofuel from yeasts grown on waste resources with Dr Chris Chuck & Dr Matthew Jones — 1st MRes project
• N-Oxides as organocatalysts with Dr Steven Bull & Professor Jonathan Williams — 2nd MRes project

Sarah Kirk

Sarah did her undergraduate degree (Chemistry, MSci) at the University of Bristol. She spent her third year of study in Bordeaux and returned there to work as a teacher for a year after graduating in 2011. For her final year project she worked on stable isotope analysis of dairy and adipose fats in African ruminant animals, for use in Neolithic diet reconstruction. In her spare time she enjoys learning languages, travelling, live music and reading.

• New initiators, reactors and polymers for tissue engineering applications with Dr Matthew Jones, Dr Marianne Ellis & Dr Davide Mattia — 1st MRes project
• The application of new initiators, reactors and polymers to tissue engineering with Dr Marianne Ellis, Dr Matthew Jones & Dr Davide Mattia — 2nd MRes project

Paul McKeown

Paul graduated from the University of Liverpool with an MChem in 2012. His third year project was based on the synthesis and use of novel silica-polymer composites which he carried on into the summer. For the forth year, he worked on heterogeneous catalysts for biomass production, considering platinum-ruthenium nanoparticles for glycerol reformation. Other interests include music and playing guitar.

• Optimising the washing of fabrics to save energy, water and chemicals with Dr Michael Bird, Dr John Chew & Professor Chick Wilson — 1st MRes project
• Molecular modelling of H2 storage in nanoporous materials with Professor Steve Parker, Dr Tim Mays & Dr Valeska Ting — 2nd MRes project

Tat Ming Mako Ng

Mako graduated from the University of Bristol with a MSci in Chemistry in 2010. His third year was spent on placement with Synthomer carrying out development work in emulsion polymers. His final year project involved the synthesis and looking at the NMR relaxation of silsesquioxane-polysiloxane-silsesquioxane triblock polymer. Before joining the DTC he returned to Synthomer, and then went to Alphasense. In his spare time he enjoys travelling, playing badminton and repairing gadgets.

• Printable electronics: large-area processing of conductive metal oxides for solar cells with Dr Aron Walsh, Professor Michael Hill, Professor Mark Weller & Dr Darrell Patterson — 1st MRes project
• Waste water treatment by photocatalysts active under visible light with Dr Laura Torrente Murciano & Dr Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern — 2nd MRes project

Andrew Paterson

Andy graduated with an MSci degree in Chemistry from the University of Bristol in 2011 which also involved an industrial placement with the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. His research interests are in synthetic organic and inorganic chemistry and his final year at Bristol was spent working on boron mediated cross couplings. He then took a year out before joining the DTC where he worked as a barman and travelled around Asia. Outside of the academic environment, his interests include music, travel and 'owning noobs'.

• Ru catalysed C-H activation with Professor Chris Frost — 1st MRes project
• Sustainable production of pharmaceuticals – novel continuous processing with Professor Stan Kolaczkowski, Dr Darrell Patterson & Professor Christopher Frost — 2nd MRes project

Andrew Rushworth

Andrew graduated in 2012 with a BSc in natural sciences from the University of Bath. His final year project involved chemical vapour deposition to deposit nanoparticulate lead and cadmium sulphides in a polymer matrix and their subsequent characterisation. His interest in sustainability and his excellent experience at Bath meant the DTC was a perfect choice for him. Outside of study he enjoys board games, judo and going to church.

• Modelling and analysis of supercritical adsorption in nanoporous solids with Dr Tim Mays & Professor Saiful Islam — 1st MRes project
• The development of precursors for graphene production with Dr Andrew Johnson, Professor Paul Raithby & Professor Simon Bending — 2nd MRes project

Joseph Thompson

Joe graduated with an MChem from the University of Bath in 2012, his final year project involved the preparation of single source precursors for the deposition of light active materials. During his third year he went on placement with Imerys in Cornwall developing new technologies for paper. In his spare time he enjoys cycling, badminton and paragliding.

• New energy materials with Dr Andrew Johnson & Professor Michael Hill — 1st MRes project
• Fuel from sugars with Dr Darrell Patterson & Dr Matthew Jones — 2nd MRes project

Jonathan Wagner

Since graduating in 2008 with a MEng in Chemical Engineering from the University of Bath, Jon completed an engineering graduate scheme with BP. During this time he worked on the onshore support team for a Northsea oil platform and spent two years on a gas terminal in Teeside. In his free time Jon likes to travel and has recently started to learn Portuguese.

• Development of a microbial biofuel; utilisation of waste resources, reactor design and catalysis with Dr Chris Chuck, Dr Dmitry Lukyanov & Dr Matthew Jones — 1st MRes project
• Aqueous dye sensitized solar cells with Dr Petra Cameron & Professor Alison Walker — 2nd MRes project

Remigius Wirawan

Reggie obtained his BE (Hons) in Chemical Engineering from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia in 1997. After spending 10 years working in oil & gas industry with Schlumberger in various postings across three continents, he decided to have a career change as a school teacher, teaching general science and IB Chemistry at Global Jaya International School, Indonesia. He came to Bath with his wife and son thinking that he can make the world a better place through greener chemical technologies.

• Novel lightweight inorganic materials for hydrogen storage with Dr Valeska Ting & Professor Mark Weller — 1st MRes project
• Biopolymer based materials amenable to triggered decomposition to facilitate WEEE recycling with Dr Janet Scott — 2nd MRes project

Students 2011

More information about the Doctoral Training Centre

Current projects indicated in bold text.

Ibrahim Ahmet

Ibbi completed his undergraduate degree with first class honours in Natural Sciences at the University of Bath prior to joining the DTC. His third year project involved the synthesis and characterisation of Zirconium based multi modal imaging probes that can be used for both diagnosis and therapy of prostate cancer. In his spare time he runs for the Bath athletics squad and paints pictures.

• Development of new metal and metal chalcogenide precursors for application in energy production and storage devices with Professor Michael Hill, Dr Andrew Johnson & Professor Simon Bending — PhD project
• Development of nanoporous materials for aerospace with Dr Tim Mays & Dr Andrew Burrows — 1st MRes project
• Thermoelectric materials (from heat to electricity) with Dr Andrew Johnson, Professor Kieran Molloy, Dr Chris Chuck & Professor Michael Hill — 2nd MRes project

Alexandra Chittenden

Alex graduated with an MChem in Chemistry for drug discovery from the University of Bath in 2011, with her final year research project in directed reactions of γ-hydroxy silanes . Her third year was spent at Pfizer working as analytical support for the development and scale up of late stage inhalation drugs. In her spare time she enjoys playing sport, especially lacrosse, and socialising.

• Catalytic epoxidation with in-situ generated hydrogen peroxide by nanoparticulate catalysts with Dr Pawel Plucinski & Professor Christopher Frost — 1st MRes project
• Sustainable synthesis of blockbuster pharmaceuticals with Dr Steven Bull & Professor Christopher Frost — 2nd MRes project

Emily Holt

Emily graduated with a BSc in Chemistry from Aberdeen University in 2011. Her final year project was looking at electron transfer through dye sensitised solar cells. Between the third and fourth year of her degree Emily undertook a year placement with Shell working in the laboratory on a gas plant. In her spare time Emily enjoys sports, especially rowing and skiing, and making jewellery.

• Investigating fouling & cleaning during the filtration of gum arabic to save water and reduce energy with Professor Chick Wilson, Dr Michael Bird & Dr Darrell Patterson — PhD project
• Encapsulation of metal nanoparticles in silica nanospheres with Dr Laura Torrente Murciano, Professor Christopher Frost & Dr Matthew Jones — 1st MRes project
• Metal nanoparticles supported on cellulose films with Dr Janet Scott & Dr Laura Torrente Murciano — 2nd MRes project

Adam Jackson

Adam graduated with an MEng in Chemical Engineering at the University of Bath in 2011. This included research into oxygen-scavenging hollow fibres with Dr Semali Perera, and an industrial placement with Infineum. His final projects moved into more sustainable territory with the design of a polylactide (PLA) plant and an environmentally-friendly aerosol. Adam's other interests include playing in rock bands, producing experimental music and fencing.

• Building-integrated functional coatings with Dr Aron Walsh, Professor Laurie Peter & Dr Darrell Patterson — PhD project
• Enhanced light conversion: suface oxidation of GaN from ab initio thermodynamic modelling with Dr Aron Walsh & Dr Duncan Allsopp — 1st MRes project
• Spherical carbon particles from cellulose for biomedical applications with Dr Davide Mattia, Dr Janet Scott & Dr Laura Torrente Murciano — 2nd MRes project

Helen Lomax

Helen graduated from The University of Nottingham in 2010 with a MSci in chemistry. Her third year was spent on placement with GlaxoSmithKline carrying out drug discovery research. She then went on to do her final year project on natural product synthesis. After graduating she worked for a year at Springfields Fuels Ltd on their graduate training scheme. In her spare time she likes kickboxing, horse riding and cooking.

• New approaches to the catalytic activation of arenes with Professor Jonathan Williams, Dr Steven Bull & Dr Darrell Patterson — PhD project
• An alternative waste free approach to biodiesel synthesis with Professor Jonathan Williams & Professor Stan Kalczkowski — 1st MRes project
• Stimuli responsive membrane for fouling reduction with Dr Darrell Patterson & Dr Michael Bird — 2nd MRes project

William Mahy

Will graduated with an MChem in Chemistry from the University of Bath in 2011, where he studied the asymmetric synthesis of chiral sugars for the use in directed evolution of a thermostable aldolase as his final year project. Previously he also worked as a medicinal research chemist on a professional placement, undertaking research for Takeda Cambridge Pharmaceutical Ltd in 2009. Outside of academia, he enjoys reading, playing squash and socializing with friends.

• Design of multi-catalytic processes for drug discovery with Professor Christopher Frost, Dr Steven Bull & Dr Pawel Plucinski — PhD project
• Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plants for catalytic applications with Dr Pawel Plucinski & Professor Christopher Frost — 1st MRes project
• Multicatalytic synthesis of blockbuster pharmacauticals with Professor Christopher Frost, Dr Laura Torrente Murciano & Dr Steven Bull — 2nd MRes project

Harriet Manning

Harriet graduated from the University of Bristol with an MSci in Chemistry in 2010. Her third year was spent in Grenoble as part of the Erasmus exchange program. Here, as well as studying, she carried out a 3 month research project developing new, artificial metalloenzymes. During her final year at Bristol she worked on a project helping to improve the robustness of palaeodietary reconstruction. Before joining the DTC she spent a year working in France and travelling around Asia.

• The application of hybrid membrane processes to fractionate gum arabic into streams of added value with Dr Michael Bird, Dr Karen Edler & Dr Darrell Patterson — PhD project
• MOF nanoparticles and membranes for selective CO₂ absorption with Dr Andrew Burrows & Dr Karen Edler — 1st MRes project
• Downstream processing of algal biomass for high value product recovery with Dr Tom Arnot, Dr Chris Chuck, Professor Rod Scott & Professor Matthew Davidson — 2nd MRes project

David Miles

David graduated with an MSci degree in Chemistry from the University of Bristol in 2011, where he spent his final year investigating the electrochemical properties of quantum dot assemblies. During his studies he undertook a placement with Johnson Matthey within their fuel cell testing facility at Sonning Common. In his spare time he enjoys travelling, SCUBA diving and occasionally playing some football.

• ZnO nanostructured materials for dye sensitized solar cell applications with Dr Davide Mattia & Dr Petra Cameron — PhD project
• Zinc oxide nanoparticles for high efficiency dye sensitised solar cells with Dr Davide Mattia & Dr Petra Cameron — 1st MRes project
• Towards CO₂ reduction: gas electrochemistry in metal-organic frameworks with Professor Frank Marken & Dr Andrew Burrows — 2nd MRes project

Heather Parker

Heather graduated with an MSci in Chemistry from the University of Bristol in 2010 where she spent a year researching the use of iron-based catalysts for the novel process of reductive cross-coupling. She then spent a year working as a science technician in a school before joining the DTC in 2011. Aside from chemistry her interests include music, badminton and photography.

• Depolymerized lignin for the aviation and care product sectors – catalyst design and product testing with Dr Matthew Jones & Dr Chris Chuck — PhD project
• Renewable additives for aviation and transport fuels with Dr Chris Chuck and Dr Matthew Jones — 1st MRes project
• Catalytic direct amide formation with Professor Jonathan Williams, Dr Pawel Plucinski & Professor Stan Kolaczkowski — 2nd MRes project

Adam Pockett

Before coming to Bath, Adam studied Physics at Aberystwyth University. His main research interests involve renewable energy, specifically in dye-sensitized solar cells.
Adam also enjoys many types of sport (normally watching, not playing), and mountain walking.

• Aqueous dye sensitised solar cells with Dr Petra Cameron & Professor Alison Walker — PhD project
• The life cycle analysis of 3^rd generation biofuels with Dr Marcelle McManus & Dr Chris Chuck — 1st MRes project
• Aqueous dye sensitised solar cells with Dr Petra Cameron — 2nd MRes project

James Tyson

James graduated in 2010 from the University of Sheffield having obtained his MEng in Chemical Engineering. His final year research project involved investigating post translational modifications in cytoskeletal protein structures with the aim of contributing to more accurate diagnostic methods for prostate cancer. Throughout his degree he was involved in a number of placements at Kimberly Clark where he worked on various projects associated with minimising waste, improving efficiency and general environmental performance. James is an avid film fan and tries to watch as much live music as possible.

• Graphene nanocomposites and biocomposites in cancer theranostics: towards prostate cancer biosensing with Dr Sofia Pascu, Professor Frank Marken & Dr Pedro Estrela — PhD project
• Fabrication of highly conductive 3D bio-electrodes for micro-bio fuel cells with Dr Mirella di Lorenzo, Professor Frank Marken & Dr Sofia Pascu — 1st MRes project
• Renewable personal care products from microalgae with Dr Karen Edler & Dr Chris Chuck — 2nd MRes project

Fraeya Whiffin

Fraeya graduated with an MChem (Chemistry) from the University of Bath in 2011, which included a placement at Infineum studying the method of action of lubricant additives. She undertook a summer project on synthesis using ultrasound, and did her final year project on visible light initiated C-H activation on pyridine based substrates. Her interests are in clean energy and pollution reduction.

• Care product emulsions and a palm oil substitute from a yeast cultivated on waste with Dr Chris Chuck, Dr Darrell Patterson, Dr Karen Edler & Professor Rod Scott — PhD project
• Supramolecular photosystems with Dr Dan Pantos — 1st MRes project
• Emission reduction from aircraft with Dr Semali Perera & Dr Andrew Burrows — 2nd MRes project

Stephen Wood

Stephen graduated with an MPhys (Physics with Astronomy) degree from Durham University in 2011. During his final year of study he undertook a project in the Organic Opto-Electroactive Materials group investigating the dye photosensitization of titania for direct carbon dioxide conversion to hydrocarbons. Outside of academia he enjoys squash, football and hiking.

• Computer modelling of new cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries with Professor Saiful Islam & Dr Tim Mays — PhD project
• Monolithic oil vapour recovery unit based on novel adsorbent low pressure drop technology with Dr Semali Perera & Professor Tony James — 1st MRes project
• Atomic scale computer modelling of new oxide materials for lithium batteries with Professor Saiful Islam — 2nd MRes project

More information about the Doctoral Training Centre

Students 2010

More information about the Doctoral Training Centre

Current projects indicated in bold text.

Sarah Abou-Shehada

Sarah graduated with a MChem in Chemistry from the University of Bath in 2010, during which she carried out two research projects; the first in the synthesis of group 14 tetra-selenophenyl derivatives and her final year project in the synthesis of inositols via a microbial arene oxidation intermediate. Her main areas of interest are in organic synthesis and the development of more sustainable synthetic methodology. In her spare time Sarah enjoys swimming and the odd friendly game of football.

• Catalytic reversible oxygen transfer processes with Professor Jonathan Williams, Dr Pawel Plucinski & Dr Steven Bull — PhD project
• Continuous tandem reactions catalysed by magnetic nanocatalysts with Dr Pawel Plucinski & Dr Christopher Frost — 2nd MRes project
• Lipases for the asymmetric synthesis of chiral α-aryl-aldehydes with Dr Steven Bull & Professor Mike Danson — 1st MRes project

Lee Burton

Lee graduated with an MChem degree from the University of Warwick in 2010 after spending a year modeling charge transport in organic semiconductors. Previously he also worked on a professional placement undertaking research for the Australian Antarctic Division at the University of Tasmania in 2008. Outside of academia, he enjoys skiing/ snowboarding, reading and is currently learning to play the piano.

• Phase stability and composition for tin sulfide sensitised solar cells with Dr Aron Walsh, Professor Kieran Molloy and Dr Chris Bowen — PhD project
• Characterisation of nanoporous hydrogen storage materials with Dr Tim Mays, Dr Karen Edler & Dr Valeska Ting — 2nd MRes project
• Computer modelling of new materials for solid oxide fuel cells with Professor Saiful Islam — 1st MRes project
  

Duygu Celebi

Duygu has graduated from London Metropolitan in 2009 with a BSc in Chemistry where she studied plant extraction techniques as part of her final year project. She then completed her Master’s degree at Imperial College London in Green Chemistry where she worked on conversion of biomass using novel inorganic catalysts. Duygu enjoys playing tennis, learning foreign languages and socialising with friends.

• Oxidised cellulose gels and films for encapsulation and release with Dr Karen Edler, Dr Janet Scott & Professor Richard Guy — PhD project
• Nanoscale characterisation of renewable rheology modifier derived from cellulose with Dr Davide Mattia, Dr Janet Scott & Dr Karen Edler — 2nd MRes project
• Sustainable formulations: interactions between surfactants and clays with Dr Karen Edler, Dr Saskia Lindhoud & Dr Janet Scott — 1st MRes project

Chris Hall

Chris completed his BEng in Chemical Engineering with Environmental Engineering at the University of Nottingham in 2006, his third year design project involved the design of an HCN production plant. After graduating he worked as a Graduate Process Engineer for Petrofac, an Oil & Gas consultancy. During this time he was given the opportunity to work on large FEED projects, get involved with HAZOP studies, practise process modelling and work abroad for 8 months with Project Services. Chris’ interests include badminton and socialising with friends.

• Hydrogen storage in metal-organic frameworks with Dr Tim Mays & Dr Andrew Burrows — 2nd MRes project
• Biodegradable peptide derivatives for the removal of oil from marine environments and waste streams with Dr Petra Cameron & Dr Steven Bull — 1st MRes project

Alf Hill

Alf graduated from the University of Bath in 2004 with an MEng in Chemical Engineering and embarked on a six year career in oil refining. In this time he developed expertise in crude oil distillation and biodiesel blending and he undertook a nine month placement designing a gas to liquids pilot plant. His research project at the DTC is biomass gasification using fluidised bed technology. Alf is a keen karate student and holds a second dan black belt. He also enjoys travelling, currys and real ale.

• Urea as a renewable feedstock for PEM fuel cells with Dr Laura Torrente, Dr Frank Marken & Dr Pejman Iravani — PhD project
• Novel salalen ligands and complexes for sustainable polymers with Dr Matthew Jones, Dr Christopher Frost & Dr Laura Torrente — 2nd MRes project
• Biomass to energy — fluidised bed modelling with Professor Stan Kolaczkowski & Professor Kieran Molloy — 1st MRes project

Ben Hodges

Ben graduated from the University of Surrey in 2010 with an MChem (Chemistry). His third year was spent on placement at Holcim in Mons, Belgium working on a method for cement analysis using powder X-ray diffraction. His final year project was undertaken in conjunction with Holcim investigating alternative waste materials for the production of specialist cements. In his spare time he enjoys keeping fit, cooking and socialising.

• Tailored donor acceptor carbon nanohybrids as new approaches to photovoltaic applications with Dr Sofia Pascu, Dr Petra Cameron, Professor Paul Raithby and Dr Davide Mattia — PhD project
• Porphyrin-functionalised nanomaterials for dye-sensitised solar cells and related photovoltaic applications with Dr Sofia Pascu & Dr Petra Cameron — 2nd MRes project
• Hydrogen storage in nanostructured materials with Dr Semali Perera & Dr Tim Mays — 1st MRes project

Rhodri Jenkins

Rhodri studied for his M.Sci in Chemistry from the University of Bristol, graduating in 2010. In his last year of undergraduate study he worked in the Organic Geochemistry Unit (OGU) carrying out research for a project entitled “Paleocene Biomarker Assemblages and Temperature Reconstructions from Sites in the New Zealand Sector of the Southern Ocean”. In his spare time he likes to read comics, play video games, and occasionally do some exercise.

• Renewable liquid fuels from microbes for aviation and road transport use with Dr Chris Chuck, Dr Chris Bannister & Professor Matthew Davidson — PhD project
• Supramolecular photosystems with Dr Dan Pantos — 2nd MRes project
• Factors affecting the decomposition of biodiesel and their impact on engine performance and emissions with Dr Chris Bannister & Professor Matthew Davidson — 1st MRes project

Anyela Ramirez Canon

Anyela finished her studies of Chemical Engineering  at “Universidad de América” (Colombia) in 2001, where she spent her final year researching in obtaining an alternative fuel oil from used rubber tyres using pyrolysis. Her Master in Environmental Engineering in “Universidad Nacional de Colombia” took her two years to complete it (until 2007), where she researched a treatment to reuse waste water in irrigation. She has spent the last 6 years in public and private companies and has participated in many projects in food, chemical and petroleum industries such as BP (British Petroleum), Petrobras and Ecopetrol.

• ZnO photocatalytic membranes for water treatment with Dr Davide Mattia, Dr Petra Cameron, Dr Tom Arnot and Dr Laura Torrente — PhD project
• Detection of micro-pollutants in water with Dr Tom Arnot & Dr Barbar Kasprzyk-Hordern — 2nd MRes project
• Biopolymer/nanoparticle films for removal of contaminants from water with Dr Karen Edler, Dr Davide Mattia & Dr Janet Scott — 1st MRes project

Lisa Sargeant

Lisa joined the DTC in 2010, after graduating from The University of Nottingham earlier the same year with a BSc in Biochemistry. During the final year of her course she undertook a research project looking at protein-protein interactions of the Cas-CRISPR protein Cas3. Her interests outside the DTC include a variety of sport and social events, including swimming and running. Lisa has recently been elected as ‘Public Engagement Rep’ within the DTC.

• The development of microbial lipids suitable as low temperature fuel feedstock with Dr Chris Chuck, professor Rod Scott & Professor Matthew Davidson — PhD project
• Emulsifying materials from algal biomass with Dr Tom Arnot, Professor Rod Scott and Professor Matthew Davidson — 2nd MRes project
• Directed evolution of a thermostable hydrolase for the synthesis of amide bond with Dr Steven Bull & Professor Mike Danson — 1st MRes project

Jessica Sharpe

Jessica did her undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences at the University of Bath prior to joining the DTC. Her third year project involved the synthesis and characterisation of building blocks for metal containing polymers, with the potential to be used in small phone and TV screens. She plays a lot of sport, in particular hockey, and likes to socialise regularly with friends.

• Hydrogen storage in novel nanoporous materials for sustainable energy applications in the aerospace industry with Dr Tim Mays & Dr Andrew Burrows — PhD project
• Development of semiconducting oxide materials for applications in energy storage with Dr Andrew Johnson, Professor Michael Hill & Professor Kieran Molloy — 2nd MRes project
• Hydrogen storage (mathematically based) with Dr Tim Mays — 1st MRes project

Luke Williams

Luke Williams graduated from UCL with a MEng in Biochemical Engineering in 2010.  His masters research paper was based on an investigation of a new strain of E. coli, looking particularly at its cell wall permeability compared to traditional strains, which could potentially lead to novel and more productive methods of producing proteins.

• Biosynthesis of fine chemicals with Dr Steven Bull & Professor Mike Danson — PhD project
• Biodegradable polymers: optimising catalyst deactivation for post polymerisation processing with Professor Matthew Davidson & Professor Kieran Molloy — 2nd MRes project
• Production of pharmaceutical — novel continuous processing with Professor Stan Kolaczkowski & Professor Jonathan Williams — 1st MRes project

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Students 2009

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Current projects indicated in bold text.

Rebecca Bamford

Rebecca gained her BSc in Chemistry from the University of Bristol after which she spent several months working at Mott Macdonald Ltd. within the Generation of Renewable Energy group. During this time she worked on a biodiesel production plant and construction of solar PV farms. In 2009 she obtained her MSc in Advanced Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London, with a research project on the catalytic conversion of bioderived feedstocks.

• Using soft biopolymer supports for metal nanoparticles in catalytic applications with Dr Laura Torrente & Dr Janet Scott — PhD project
• Biogas upgrading by removal of CO2 and H2S using adsorbent fibre technology with Dr Semali Perera — 2nd MRes project
• Biodiesel from algal lipids with Professor Matthew Davidson — 1st MRes project

Simon Bishopp

Simon joined the DTC in 2009. He graduated from the University of Sheffield earlier the same year with a MEng in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry. In his final year masters project he was researching the effect on the adaptation of crystal habit (morphology) of amino acid systems by addition of dopant impurities. Prior to this he worked on designing a novel way to capture and process CO2 from a Combined Heat and Power plant to produce a fuel feedstock.

• Exploration of process alternatives for continuous conversion of bio-derived feedstocks with Dr Janet Scott & Dr Laura Torrente — PhD project
• Investigating the downstream purification methods in continuous Catalytic Amide Synthesis with Dr Pawel Plucinkski & Professor Jonathan Williams — 2nd MRes project
• Atom efficient catalytic amide synthesis with Professor Jonathan Williams — 1st MRes project

Jennifer Crabtree

Jenny completed her dual degree in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at Sheffield University and graduated with an MEng in July 2009. Her third year design project involved the design of an anaerobic digester to produce methane from kitchen waste as part of a larger group project focussing on the conversion of waste CO2 back into fuel. For her MEng research project she studied the nucleus formation and growth of dendritic crystal structures and how they were affected by environmental conditions.

• Molecular modelling of CO₂ adsorption, separation and sequestration with Professor Steve Parker & Dr Semali Perera — PhD project
• Probing the surface structure and reactivity of zinc oxide surfaces with Professor Stephen Parker & Dr Matthew Davidson — 2nd MRes project
• Flow chemistry for the conversion of amides to amines with Dr Pawel Plucinkski & Professor Jonathan Williams — 1st MRes project

Ben Firth

Ben did his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Bath prior to joining the DTC. During this time he interned with a research team investigating the fouling of heat exchangers in oil refineries. Outside academia he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, watching American Football and Rugby League, and drumming.

• Biodiesel production in fixed bed catalytic reactors with Professor Stan Kolaczkowski & Professor Matthew Davidson — PhD project
• Biophotovoltaics with Dr Petra Cameron & Professor Laurie Peter — 2nd MRes project
• The effect of biodiesel on a simulated engine sump oil with Professor Matthew Davidson & Dr Chris Bannister — 1st MRes project

Tom Forder

Tom studied for his MChem (Chemistry) at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. The final year of his course was spent on industrial placement with Lubrizol Ltd in Manchester. He was a member of the Hyperdispersant research team, developing polymer-type additives for plastics and unsaturated polyester resins. After graduating in 2008 he continued working for Lubrizol as a graduate research chemist before moving to Bath and joining the DTC in September 2009.

• Novel initiators for the production of copolymers with Dr Matt Jones, Professor Matthew Davidson & Dr Marianne Ellis — PhD project
• Molecular design of scaffold for tissue engineering applications with Dr Marianne Ellis & Dr Matt Jones — 2nd MRes project
• Bespoke polymers for tissue engineering applications with Dr Matt Jones, Dr Steven Bull & Dr Marianne Ellis — 1st MRes project

Julia Griffen

Julia graduated with an MChem in Chemistry Management and Industry from York University in 2009. The fourth year of which was spent on placement at GlakoSmithKline in Stevenage. Based in Chemical Development the placement centred on spectroscopy and chemometric analysis, specialising in distillation monitoring and control in the research labs through to the manufacturing plant on a large scale.

• Unexploited microbial oxidation — sustainable routes to high-value chiral synthetic intermediates with Dr Simon Lewis & Dr Tom Arnot — PhD project
• Biodiesel production with Professor Stan Kolaczkowski & Professor Matthew Davidson — 2nd MRes project
• Sustainable routes to High Value Chiral Synthetic Intermediates with Dr Simon Lewis — 1st MRes project

Ben Jeffrey

Ben graduated from the University of Southampton in 2008 with an Msc in Chemistry. His major projects were supramolecular DNA-porphyrin arrays in the pursuit of molecular electronics and bidentate carbene ligands for transition metal catalysts. He has also worked for Sigma Aldrich doing R&D for SAFC Pharma. Ben joined the DTC in 2009 and will be working on biodegradable polymers.

• New catalysts and monomers for biological polymers with Professor Matthew Davidson & Dr Marianne Ellis — PhD project
• Tissue engineering applications of biodegradable polymers with Dr Marianne Ellis & Professor Matthew Davidson — 2nd MRes project
• Improving the physical properties of biodegradable polymers with Professor Matthew Davidson — 1st MRes project

James Lynch

James was born and raised in a small fishing town called Buckhaven where he attended Buckhaven High School. James studied at the University of St Andrews where he under took an MChem during which time he under took two research projects, the first of which was looking at the synthesis of 5,5 di substituted hydantons for pharmaceutical application.

• Atom-efficient synthesis with novel catalysts in batch and flow with Professor Jonathan Williams & Dr Pawel Plucinkski — PhD project
• Flow synthesis of hydantoin compounds with Dr Pawel Plucinkski & Professor Jonathan Williams — 2nd MRes project
• Iridium-catalyzed formylation of amines with paraformaldehyde with Professor Jonathan Williams & Dr Pawel Plucinkski — 1st MRes project

Serena Marshall

Serena completed her undergraduate MChem Medicinal Chemistry degree at Reading University during which she was involved in a placement year at GlaxoSmithKline where she worked as a quality support student. Her final year MChem project involved the synthesis of stemodinone utilising photochemistry to transform simple carbon compounds into complex cyclic rings. Her interests outside chemistry include babminton, horseriding, cooking and wine.

• Responsive vesicles in an aqueous cream emulsion for dermatological applications with Dr Toby Jenkins & Dr Tom Arnot — PhD project
• Developing sensors for fast detection of infectious water with Dr Toby Jenkins & Dr Tom Arnot — 2nd MRes project
• The use of polyethylene glycol as an alternative solvent with Dr Christopher Frost — 1st MRes project

David McClymont

David graduated from the University of St Andrews in June 2009 with an MChem in Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry. During his 4th year I undertook an industrial placement with St Andrews Fuel Cells, where he was given the opportunity to develop their novel solid oxide fuel cell design. David enjoys a number of sports, in particular football and golf, and will never be found far from a TV when Man United are on!

• Novel catalyst systems for DeNO_x (and oxidation) with Professor Stan Kolaczkowski & Professor Kieran Molloy — PhD project
• Structural techniques for developing new gas storage materials with Professor Paul Raithby & Dr Tim Mays — 2nd MRes project
• Catalyst system design for the control of NO_x using hydrogen with Professor Stan Kolaczkowski & Professor Kieran Molloy — 1st MRes project

Daniel Minett

Daniel was born and raised in Manchester, and studied for his MChem degree at the University of York in a 4 year degree, the final year of which was spent on placement in the Netherlands at DSM, working on the development of heterogeneous catalysts. Daniel enjoys swimming, reading, a wide variety of films and fiddling around on computers. He also really enjoy travelling and will always be willing to visit new places on very little notice!

• Formation of commercially relevant products from the catalytic reduction of CO₂ with Dr Davide Mattia, Dr Andrew Johnson & Dr Matt Jones — PhD project
• Continuous flow micro-reactor for catalytic conversion of CO₂ into commodity chemicals with Dr Davide Mattia, Dr Andrew Johnson & Dr Matt Jones — 2nd MRes project
• Kinetic study of a zinc proline catalyst system for biodiesel with Professor Stan Kolaczkowski & Professor Matthew Davidson — 1st MRes project

Will Reynolds

Will obtained his BSc in Applied Chemistry from University of Leeds in 2008 and MSc in Green Chemistry and Sustainable Industrial Technology from University of York in 2009. He has a significant amount of research experience in organic synthesis, working with Dr Mark Heron on photochromic liquid crystals and novel photochromic dyes and with Professor. James Clark and Dr Simon Breeden on clean synthesis of pharmaceuticals, which included an industrial collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline. His research interests are centred around sustainable synthesis and use of renewable feedstock chemicals.

• Uncovering new reactivity with old catalysts with Dr Christopher Frost, Dr Matt Jones & Dr Laura Torrente — PhD project
• Investigations into heterogenised catalysis with Dr Sean Rigby, Dr Matt Jones & Dr John Lowe — 2nd MRes project
• Multicatalytic flow synthesis of functionalised heteroaromatics with Dr Christopher Frost — 1st MRes project

Tom Wildsmith

Tom studied for his MChem (Chemistry) at the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne graduating in 2009. During the final year of his course he undertook a research project looking at the dynamic covalent assembly of nanoscale cage structures using symmetrical amines and di-aldehydes. Tom’s interests outside chemistry include rugby and golf.

• Low-temperature routes to TCO coatings — formation of functionalised plastic surfaces with Professor Michael Hill, Professor Kieran Molloy, Dr Andrew Johnson & Dr Chris Bowen — PhD project
• Investigations into heterogenised catalysis with Dr Sean Rigby, Dr Matt Jones & Dr John Lowe — 2nd MRes project
• Development of single source precursors for the formation of p-type thin films with Professor Michael Hill — 1st MRes project

Kathryn Wills

Kathryn graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2007 with an MSci in Chemistry, spending her final year researching bimetallic complexes of Schiff-base calixpyrrole macrocycles and their ability to bind and activate dinitrogen. She followed this up with a summer project at the University of Edinburgh, investigating mass spectrometry ionisation techniques suitable for characterising these air-sensitive compounds. Kathryn spent 12 months working for the RSC before joining the DTC, completing their Communication and Membership Marketing graduate programme, and in her spare time enjoys tennis, socialising with friends, reading and supporting her home football team, Sunderland AFC.

• Copper-based dye-sensitised solar cells: Economically viable photovoltaics with Dr Petra Cameron, Dr Simon Lewis, Dr Matt Jones & Dr Davide Mattia — PhD project
• Bio-photovoltaic cells with Dr Petra Cameron & Professor Laurie Peter — 2nd MRes project
• Rational design of efficient copper based dyes for dye-sensitised solar cells with Dr Petra Cameron — 1st MRes project

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