Will is originally from rural North Devon. He started his integrated master's in chemistry at Bangor University and finished it at Cardiff University under the supervision of Dr. Benjamin Ward in 2022. His fourth-year thesis focussed on ring-opening polymerisation (ROCOP) and heterogeneous catalysis, in order to investigate a simple method to produce recyclable polymers. His work on this project has given Will a passion and deep appreciation for green and sustainable chemistry which he has brought into the CDT, in which he is researching lithium-free electrochemistry. Outside of chemistry, Will enjoys playing badminton, bell ringing and quizzing. He represented Cardiff at University Challenge.

Will's research project is aligned to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

Originally from Southport, I completed my MRes in organic synthetic chemistry at the University of Nottingham under the supervision of Professor Ross Denton. My research project focused on the development of a metal-free route for the synthesis of amines. Through this work I developed an interest in sustainable synthesis which inspired me to pursue further study in the CDT. Outside of Chemistry I enjoy baking, running, reading and knitting.

Ishbel's research project is aligned to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

Originally from Nottingham, I graduated with an MSci in Chemistry with a Year in Industry at the University of Nottingham in 2023. During my studies I developed an interest in drug delivery and completed my Industry year at Upperton Pharma Solutions where I worked in the R&D department. My main project there involved using cellulosic polymers as a coating material on a novel bone regeneration substrate for the treatment of osteomyelitis.  My 4th year MSci project was completed under the supervision of Dr. Vincenzo Taresco and involved exploring the use of enzymatically synthesised polymers as nanoparticle drug delivery vehicles.  Outside of research, I enjoy spending time travelling in my campervan with my dogs, as well as knitting and sewing. 

Emily's research project is aligned to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

Originally from Leicester, I graduated from the University of Leicester with an MChem in Pharmaceutical Chemistry in 2023. During my undergraduate degree I developed an interest in chemical biology and organic chemistry which led into my master’s project. For my MChem project I worked with Dr. James Hodgkinson on how the variation of heteroatoms on a Class 1 HDAC PROTAC can affect ligand binding and how it could potentially affect protein degradation. Outside of chemistry I enjoy baking/cooking, going rock climbing and spending time with my pets.

James' research project is aligned to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

Originally from South Shields in the North East of England, I graduated from Newcastle University with an MChem in Chemistry in 2021. I completed my 4th year MChem project under the supervision of Dr Julian Knight with this focused on the reduction of quinoline with polymer immobilised ionic liquid stabilised palladium nanoparticles. Following my graduation, I worked within the CDMO sector for 2 years as a Research and Development Chemist. In this role I focused on developing and optimising the synthetic routes to produce small molecule APIs, prior to their large-scale manufacturing campaigns. In my free time, I enjoy attending Newcastle United matches and socialising with my friends and family.

Ben's research project is aligned to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

Originally from Italy, I graduated first with a BSc in Industrial Biotechnology and then with a MSc in Industrial Chemistry at the University of Rome in 2022. My Master’s degree research project, conducted under the supervision of Professor Giancarlo Masci and Professor Patrizia Gentili, focused on the synthesis and physicochemical characterization of multiple-stimuli responsive block copolymers functionalized with 2-(hydroxyimino)aldehydes, in order to to obtain nanoparticles potentially useful for drug delivery or chelation of metal ions. During my undergraduate degree I developed an interest in organic chemistry and sustainability which led me to pursue studies with a PhD. Outside of chemistry, I enjoy climbing, hiking, reading and travelling.

Originally from Coventry, I graduated with an MSci in Chemistry from the University of Nottingham in 2021. My final-year project, completed under the supervision of Professor Ross Denton, focused on investigating the structural misassignment of triaryl natural products using computational ¹³C NMR data. Working in a synthetic chemistry lab post-graduation has shaped my research interests, and inspired me to pursue the development of new synthetic methodology within a sustainable solvent system. In my free time I enjoy hiking, climbing, cycling, and spending time with my cats!

Rhoda's research project is aligned to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

Originally from Birmingham, Alex moved to Nottingham in 2019 and graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2023 with an integrated Masters in Chemistry. His MSci research focused on the development of novel sustainable methods for the reductive amination of carboxylic acids, under the supervision of Professor Ross Denton. Outside of research, Alex represents the university baseball team and enjoys cooking and playing the saxophone.

Alex's research project is aligned to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

Originating from Bristol, Robert graduated with an integrated Master’s in Chemistry from the University of Birmingham. His final-year project involved the development of novel dendritic peptides for enzyme-responsive PIC particles. Since his time at University, he has worked in the speciality chemical industry for Infineum in Oxfordshire as a Synthetic Chemist, working on process optimization of oil-based detergent and polymer development and route scouting for small molecule synthesis. His current research interest area is in Biocatalysis and its use in transforming the sustainability of the chemical industry.

Outside the lab, Robert enjoys cycling and playing badminton and video games

Robert's research project is aligned to the following United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals:

Joseph is originally from Manchester. He studied Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge, followed my a MSc in Nanoscience at the University of Bristol. His final year project focused on the preparation and photoswitching of conductive polymer thin films. His interdisciplinary background covers chemistry, materials science and physics, and has led into his CDT research developing concrete additives to reduce its environmental impact through carbon capture and storage. Other than chemistry, Joseph enjoys running, practicing taekwondo, TTRPGs, and walking his dog.

Joseph's research project is aligned to the following United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals:

Adeifeoluwa (Adeife for short) was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. He graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2023 with an MSci in Chemical Physics. During his degree, he worked on two projects: His fourth-year project focused on the synthesis of gadolinium based molecular magnets with applications in molecular refrigerants while his fifth-year project focused on measuring the longitudinal component of strongly focused electromagnetic waves via the superposition of beams of such with paraxial beams.

From a young age, Adeife had always cared about the environment and has always looked for ways to reduce the damage that humans have inflicted on the Earth, leading to his engagement with the CDT. He had also always wanted to find alternatives to the fossil fuels in the energy sector and make the already available alternative energy sources more efficient. From the knowledge and skills gained in his two research projects, he decided to go for the LIFE Theme where he would be able to apply his knowledge of electromagnetic theory and inorganic chemical synthesis to create better and more sustainable batteries.

Outside of science, Adeife loves watching cartoons, anime and YouTube videos, playing his saxophone and reading comic books.