I chose to pursue a PhD because I thoroughly enjoyed the research aspect of my mechanical engineering degree, particularly my final year project. As part of the Formula Student team, I had the opportunity to delve into composites research, a field that fascinated me and left me eager to explore further.

The opportunity to continue developing my knowledge while contributing to advanced research made doing a PhD an obvious and exciting next step for me. Joining the AAPS Centre for Doctoral Training has provided valuable insights into transdisciplinary working. I believe this is essential for tackling the complex challenges the world faces. I was drawn to the cohort-based structure of the CDT. I saw it as an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow PhD students while enjoying the community and collaboration opportunities.

Technical innovation with impact

My research focuses on developing structural battery materials and architectures which combine energy storage and mechanical load-bearing capabilities. The aim is to improve energy storage by integrating batteries directly into a device’s structure. This will reduce overall weight and improve efficiency. As a mechanical engineer, a critical aspect of my work involves characterising these materials not only for their electrochemical performance as batteries but also for their mechanical properties and structural integrity.

My interest in composites initially sparked during my undergraduate studies. I was particularly drawn to the concept of multifunctionality. The idea of materials that can serve multiple purposes, such as combining structural integrity with energy storage, fascinated me. This area is highly topical and relevant to addressing many of today’s global challenges, such as sustainability and efficiency in engineering systems. This combination of technical innovation and tangible impact inspired me.

A more sustainable future for industry

The development of structural battery materials and their architectures has the potential to deliver significant benefits. By integrating energy storage and mechanical functionality into a single system, this research can dramatically reduce the weight of devices and structures, leading to increased efficiency and sustainability. In industries such as aerospace and automotive, where weight reduction is critical, these advancements could enable lighter, more energy-efficient designs, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

We are addressing this problem by employing a combination of standardised and novel test methods to evaluate the performance of structural battery materials. Standardised methods are used to establish baseline metrics for both the electrochemical and mechanical properties of the materials, ensuring comparability with existing technologies. In addition, we are developing some novel methods tailored specifically to the multifunctional nature of these materials. This approach allows us to understand how these materials perform under simultaneous mechanical loading and energy storage conditions, providing deeper insights into their practical applications.

Challenges and rewards

I spend around half my time doing practical experiments in the lab, and the other half at my desk. My weeks vary a lot depending on what I am working on! I might be making cell components or full cells, or characterising materials and cells. For me, the hardest part of being a PhD student so far has been learning to let go of some of the side projects or strands of research that I simply don’t have the time to pursue. Balancing my interest with practicality has been a valuable, albeit difficult, lesson in prioritisation and time management. It's all worth it for the satisfaction of those incredible "eureka moments" when, after weeks of trials, testing, and problem-solving, things finally work.

After my PhD I would love to continue doing research, either in a similar field, or other related areas. I hope my research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable, lightweight energy storage solutions, particularly in industries like aerospace and automotive.