Division of Materials Engineering

People

On this page:

• Academic Members
• Postdoc Research Assistants
• Professional Services
• Current PhD Students
• PhD Graduates

Academic Members

Prof Kaspar Althoefer PhD Professor of Robotics Engineering Professor Althoefer's research focuses on robot autonomy, soft robotics, modelling of tool-environment interaction dynamics, sensing and neuro-fuzzy-based sensor signal classification with applications in robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery, rehabilitation, assistive technologies and human-robot interactions in the manufacturing environment.  +44 (0)20 7882 3419      k.althoefer@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Ettore Barbieri Dott. Ing. , PhD, FHEA Honorary Senior Lecturer in Modelling and Simulation of Engineering Systems We are interested in mechanics of materials, how they deform under loading, and ultimately, how they break. We use computer simulations to predict when this happens. We use commercial software when we can, but often we have to write our software. We have experience in a wide range of materials, from engineering (metals, rubber, ceramics and composites) to biological (bones). Sometimes we take inspiration from nature and the arts to invent new structures.  +44 (0)20 7882 7748      e.barbieri@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Cees Bastiaansen BSc, PhD Professor of Materials Cees Bastiaansen is part-time professor with the Materials Division. His research centers around the processing and structure-property relationships of polymers - with an emphasis on aligned, oriented systems, their functional properties and devices. His current research is mainly in polymers for sensors, actuators, smart windows and high performance composites. Cees collaborates with a large number of industrial partners through various multi-partner projects, including a number of EU, UK and NL government funded projects. Cees has been active in polymers in an industrial and an academic environment for over 30 years. He is the author or co-author of more than 300 peer reviewed papers, he is co-inventor of more than 80 international patent applications and co-founder of more than 7 start-up companies. He is a science and technology advisor at multinationals, small and medium size enterprises and start-ups.  +44 (0)20 7882 8865      c.w.m.bastiaansen@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Remzi Becer BSc, MSc, PhD, CChem Visiting Senior Lecturer in Materials Science Polymer chemistry, advanced polymer synthesis and characterization techniques, supramolecular chemistry  +44 (0)20 7882 6534      r.becer@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Emiliano Bilotti Reader Polymer Science and Technology, Smart Polymers, Polymers for Energy, Self-Powered Sensors, Nanotechnology  +44 (0)20 7882 7575      e.bilotti@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Adrian Briggs BSc (Eng) PhD (Lond) Reader in Mechanical Engineering Enhanced Heat Transfer, Two-Phase Flow, Condensation  +44 (0)20 7882 8876      a.briggs@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Joe Briscoe MSci (Hons), PhD, FHEA, CSci, MIMMM, MInstP Senior Lecturer in Functional Materials Nanostructured materials for renewable energy applications: Semiconductor photocatalysts, photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) & solar fuels; Nanostructured photovoltaic devices; Ferroelectrics for solar energy conversion; Piezoelectric energy harvesting. Chemical synthesis of nanomaterials and nanostructured thin films, material characterisation, device fabrication and testing.  +44 (0)20 7882 3552      j.briscoe@qmul.ac.uk

Prof James Busfield MA, PhD, CEng, FREng, FIMMM, FHEA Professor of Materials Examining the physical behaviour by experiment and modelling techniques of soft matter such as elastomers and rubber materials. Properties of interest include abrasion, friction, fracture, creep, fatigue, viscoelastic behaviour, modulus enhancement and composite filler reinforcement. Developing smart soft materials that can sense their environment and soft actuating materials that can change shape in response to a physical stimulus.  +44 (0)20 7882 8866      j.busfield@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Andy Bushby BSc(Eng), PhD, FRMS, MInstPhys Professor of Materials Science Nanoindentation testing, Micro-mechanical properties of material, Size dependent strength, 3D electron microscopy. Director of The NanoVision Centre for microscopy  +44 (0)20 7882 7100      a.j.bushby@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Gabriel Cavalli BSc, MSc, PhD, SFHEA Reader in Science and Engineering Education Language impact on STEM Education. Educational and Academic Development for STEM experts. Flipped-classroom and student-centred approaches to teaching and learning. Transnational education. Polymer chemistry, advanced polymer synthesis.  +44 (0)20 7882 2963      g.cavalli@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Colin Crick PhD Senior Lecturer in Materials Science Research group leader in the development of Novel Functional Materials, including; water repellent materials, water purification, and anti-biofouling surfaces.  020 7882 6886      c.crick@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Joost de Bruijn PhD Professor of Biomaterials Hard tissue replacement, bone tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, synthetic osteoinductive materials, bioreactor systems for adult stem cell expansion  +44 (0)20 7882 6310      j.d.debruijn@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Oliver Fenwick MA MSci PhD Co-director of Division of Materials Engineering / Senior Lecturer in Materials Science Developing materials for electronic devices such as LEDs, transistors and thermoelectrics. The materials include organic semiconductors, carbon materials and halide perovskites, as well as self-assembled monolayers for the control of interfaces in devices. I have a particular interest in controlling nanoscale morphology and self-assembly to tune functional properties.  +44 (0)20 7882 3150      o.fenwick@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Julien Gautrot PhD Professor in Biomaterials and Biointerfaces Synthesis and characterisation of biomaterials. Micro- and nano-patterning. Bio-interfaces. Stem cell biology.  +44 (0)20 7882 5263      j.gautrot@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Himadri Gupta Reader in Bioengineering and Biophysics Multiscale imaging of hierarchical materials; Synchrotron X-ray biophysics; In situ and scanning X-ray scattering techniques; Nano- and microscale tissue mechanics; Ageing and degeneration of musculoskeletal tissues; Mechanobiology  +44 (0)20 7882 8867      h.gupta@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Karin Hing CEng, PhD, BSc, MIMMM, FRMS, FWES Reader in Biomedical Materials My research is focused around the development of pioneering biomaterials and healthcare therapies through development of novel materials and processing technologies and investigation of the phenomena behind biocompatibility, and the stimulation of tissue regeneration. I am particularly interested in understanding the mechanisms behind enhanced bone healing or regeneration in the presence of porous synthetic scaffolds, known as synthetic bone graft substitutes, via manipulation of both synthetic graft chemistry and hierarchical pore structure. I also have extensive experience in translating research from the bench to the bed side through my involvement in the successful development and commercialisation of a progressive series of synthetic bone graft substitute materials with tuneable hierarchical structures to support rapid, reliable bone regeneration, which are now in global clinical use in a range of applications including trauma, joint revision and spine surgery.  +44 (0)20 7882 7804      k.a.hing@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Sir Colin Humphreys CBE, FREng, FRS Professor of Materials Science Graphene, Gallium Nitride Materials and Devices; Advanced Electron Microscopy; High-temperature Aerospace Materials.  +44 (0)20 7882 3450      c.humphreys@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Ana Jorge Sobrido PhD, FHEA Senior Lecturer in Energy Materials Ana's research focuses on the development of new electroactive materials for energy conversion and storage devices. Her group's expertise ranges from the synthesis of new compounds through multiple synthesis approaches to electrode ink formulation strategies and assembly and testing into real electrochemical devices.  +44(0)20 7882 6782      a.sobrido@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Martin Knight BEng, MSc, PhD, FHEA Professor of Mechanobiology, Director of Research My research is focussed on 'mechanobiology' or how living cells and tissues respond to physical forces. In particular I am interested in the role of the fascinating cellular structure known as the primary cilium (cilia in plural). My work also explores the development of organ-on-a-chip models incorporating biomechanical stimulation for predicting the performance of pharmaceuticals. I work on a variety of different diseases including osteoarthritis, tendonopathy and cancer and the development of novel therapeutics.  +44 (0)20 7882 8868      m.m.knight@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Steffi Krause Dr. rer. nat., MRSC, FHEA Professor of Electroanalytical Systems Electrochemical sensors and characterisation techniques including: (i) impedance and quartz crystal microbalance based chemical sensors and biosensors, (ii) electrochemical imaging using photocurrent measurements at field-effect semiconductor devices with scanning photo-induced impedance microscopy (SPIM) and light-addressable potentiometric sensors (LAPS).  +44 (0)20 7882 3747      s.krause@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Zhe Li PhD Senior Lecturer Renewable energy Materials, Semiconductors, Optoelectronics, Solar Cells, Photo-detectors, Materials Engineering, Thin film fabrication and characterisation  020 7882 6887      zhe.li@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Dimitrios Papageorgiou MSc, PhD Lecturer in Materials Science Polymer Nanocomposites, Nanomaterials, Graphene, 2D Materials, Strain Engineering, Raman Spectroscopy, Micromechanics, Polymer Engineering, Bio-based Polymers and Composites  +44 (0)20 7882 6885      d.papageorgiou@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Stuart Peters BA, MSc, PhD Lecturer Industry 4.0 (Fourth Industrial Revolution), Innovation, Sustainability & Climate Change, Energy Materials  +44 (0)20 7882 3784      s.r.peters@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Nicola Pugno MSc PhD Professor of Materials Science Classical Mechanics and Nanomechanics, Bio-inspired and Nano Materials; Fracture, Solid and Structural Mechanics, Tribology and Nanotribology, MEMS and NEMS, Super-tough and Super-strong Materials, e.g. Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes, Lotus Effect, Gecko Effect, Spider Silk and Web, Spiderman Suits and Space Elevator Cables, etc.  +44 (0)20 7882 6310      n.pugno@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Michael Reece BSc, PhD, PGCE, MIMMM Professor of Functional Ceramics Processing and electromechanical properties of functional materials, including ferroelectrics, thermoelectrics and high entropy ceramics  m.j.reece@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Maria Romero-Gonzalez MSc, PhD Senior Lecturer in Materials Science Biomineralization, surface chemistry, biomaterials, environmental chemistry, engineering and sustainability. Flipped learning, student centred learning, curriculum design.  m.romero-gonzalez@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Hazel Screen BEng MRes PhD(Lond) CEng Professor of Biomedical Engineering My research aims to understand how our tissues are built to be able to withstand the loads they experience in the body. I am particularly interested in understanding tendon and heart valve; how and why they get injured, and ways to prevent this happening. By looking at the ways a tissue is supposed to work when it is healthy, we can identify how small changes in the structure, such as those which occur with age, can make injury more likely and look to prevent or treat these specifically.  +44 (0)20 7882 6167      h.r.c.screen@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Andrew Spowage PhD, PGCHE, CEng, CSci, FIMMM, FIMM, FHEA Senior Lecturer Transnational Education, The Performance of Materials, Materials Selection, Corrosion, Metallurgy & Materials Engineering, Project & Engineering Management, Characterisation & Testing of Materials, Failure Investigation  a.spowage@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Lei Su BSc, MRes, PhD, FHEA Senior Lecturer My research is centred on optical devices, instrumentation and optoelectronic materials for detection, imaging, monitoring and communication, interfacing with Artificial Intelligence, Materials, Chemistry and Nanotechnology, in applications such as healthcare, energy and security.  +44 (0)20 7882 5184      l.su@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Gleb Sukhorukov Professor of Biomedical Materials Physical Chemistry, Biophysics, Materials Science. Area of research: Multifunctional Nanoengineered Delivery Systems  +44 (0)20 7882 5508      g.sukhorukov@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Petra Ágota Szilágyi PhD, MRSC, FHEA, MSc, MA Lecturer in Functional Materials I am interested in developing materials for energy applications, in particular for fuel synthesis. When solid materials are of very small particles their properties (such as colour, electric conductivity. etc.) starts to depend on the particle size. My main goal is to achieve control of the properties of materials by controlling their particle size and shape. There are various ways to control particle size, and in my approach templates of well-defined size and shape are used. The above templates are pores of a kind of material called metal-organic frameworks. This is a relatively new kind of materials and they can enter very diverse interactions with guest materials, which I aim to explore to further tailor the latter's properties.  +44 (0)20 7882 7948      p.szilagyi@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Elizabeth Tanner OBE, FREng, FRSE, PhD (Hon Caus) Director of Division of Materials Engineering / Bonfield Professor of Biomedical Materials My research interests are in the development, testing and use of biomaterials for bone and joint replacement. In particular composites of bioactive ceramics and polymers which can encourage bone ongrowth yet have sufficient mechanical properties to be used for load bearing applications. These are based on either non-degradable or degradable artificial or natural polymers depending on application. In parallel I have interests in the mechanical properties of bone and the effects of pathology on these properties.  +44 (0)20 7882 6785      k.e.tanner@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Pankaj Vadgama MB, BS, BSc, PhD, FRCPath, CChem, FRSC, CPhys, FInstP, FIMMM, FRSB, CSci Professor and Director of IRC in Biomedical Materials Development of enzyme and antibody based biosensors for Point of Care Testing. Electrochemical sensors for in vivo monitoring of oxygen and metabolites for application to critical care and diabetes. Polymeric membranes and laminates designed for enzyme based biosensors for optimised sensitivity, selectivity and bio-stability. Laminates and composites developed for biodegradable sensors for chronic wound monitoring, on body electrolyte tracking in exercise and increase of bone adhesive strength.  +44 (0)20 7882 5151      p.vadgama@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Haixue Yan PhD, PGCAP, MInstP, MACS Senior Lecturer Processing and characterisations of ceramics, size effect in ferroelectrics, dielectrics for MW and THz applications, energy materials.  +44 (0)20 7882 5164      h.x.yan@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Yousef  Zawahreh BEng(Hons), PhD, PGCert, FHEA Senior Lecturer in Engineering Materials & Design  y.zawahreh@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Han Zhang MEng, PhD, PGCAP, FHEA, CEng, CSci, MIMMM Lecturer in Materials Science My current research areas mainly focus on smart multifunctional materials, hierarchical composites and nanomaterials. The multifunctionalities in composites I am interested including strain and damage sensing, self-healing with preserved mechanical properties, integrated energy harvesting and storage, and sustainable manufacturing based on self-regulating heating. My experiences cover from design and processing to advanced characterisation and interpretation of polymer and composite materials.  +44 (0)20 7882 2726      han.zhang@qmul.ac.uk

Postdoc Research Associates

Dr Minerva Bosch Fortea Postdoctoral Research Associate  m.bosch@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Julien Gautrot

Dr Anirban Das Marie-Curie Fellow  a.das@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Steffi Krause

Dr Tian Du Postdoctoral Research Assistant Dr. Tian Du's preliminary research focus is the understanding and control of bulk and surface recombination in solar cells based on metal halide perovskites, using a combination of materials, spectroscopic and optoelectronic characterizations. His research also focuses on developing scalable and universal post-treatment methodologies for metal halide perovskite thin films that are not reliant on complex chemical modifications.  t.du@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Joe Briscoe

Dr Simon Grossemy Postdoctoral Research Assistant  s.grossemy@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Hazel Screen

Dr Sheetal Inamdar MEng, PhD Postdoctoral Research Assistant My work is focused on understanding how the collagen network in cartilage contributes to the tissues mechanical properties both in health and disease. More specifically, I utilise small angle X-ray scattering techniques combined with in-situ mechanics to probe the complex nanoscale mechanisms within the tissue. This combined methodology provides real time information into how the collagen fibrils behave under tissue level loading.  +44 (0)20 7882 3119      s.r.inamdar@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Himadri Gupta

Dr Dexu Kong Postdoctoral Research Associate  +44 (0) 20 7882 5306      d.kong@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Julien Gautrot

Dr William Megone Postdoctoral Research Assistant  w.v.megone@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Julien Gautrot

Dr Khai Duong Quang Nguyen KTP Postdoctoral Research Associate synthesis and characterisation of polymers and polymer composites; silicone elastomer and composites; photorheology; formulation science; 3D printing.  +44 (0)20 7882 7821      k.nguyen@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Julien Gautrot

Dr Nam Nguyen BSc MSc PhD MRSC Postdoctoral Research Assistant  nam.nguyen@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Julien Gautrot

Mr Theo Saunders Postdoctoral Research Assistant  t.g.saunders@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Michael Reece

Dr Ben Slater PhD Postdoctoral Research Assistant I work with functional framework materials known as metal organic and covalent organic frameworks (MOFs and COFs). These materials possess porous channels which can be exploited for a variety of applications. My research looks at utilising these materials for lithium ion conductivity to increase the efficiency and safety of batteries by replacing the liquid electrolytes with a solid.  b.slater@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Petra Ágota Szilágyi

Dr Yiwei Sun BSc, PhD Postdoctoral Research Assistant Dr Yiwei Sun's research focuses on nanomechanics of graphene and environmental effect on graphene, answering questions as how thick is one layer of carbon atoms, do graphene devices perform the same around the world, why is graphite a lubricant?  +44 (0)20 7882 5301      yiwei.sun@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Colin Humphreys

Dr Clare Thompson MBiochem, PhD Postdoctoral Research Assistant Mammalian cell culture, immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy and image analyses, reverse transcription and real time PCR, molecular cloning, cell transfection, immunoprecipitation and western blotting, biochemical assays (various).  +44 (0)20 7882 3603      clare.l.thompson@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Martin Knight

Dr Vanira Trifiletti PhD Marie Sklodowska Curie Fellow Nanostructured materials for renewable energy applications: photovoltaic and thermoelectric devices. Chemical and physical synthesis of single crystals and thin films, material characterisation, device construction and testing.  +44 (0)20 7882 3604      v.trifiletti@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Oliver Fenwick

Dr Yiwen Ivy Wang Postdoctoral Research Assistant Organic electronics  y.i.wang@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Zhe Li

Dr Charlie Waugh Marie Sklodowska-Curie Research Fellow  c.waugh@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Hazel Screen

Dr Zhichao Weng PhD Postdoctoral Research Assistant My PhD project was based on investigating spin dynamics in small molecule OLEDs via ultra-small magnetic field effects. My expertise: 1. High quality organic materials purification technique and OLEDs processing in cleanroom environment. 2. Measurements of Magnetic Field Effects (High Field Effect and Ultra-Small Magnetic Field Effect) in OLEDs 3. Equipment design and engineering (High resolution and precision Helmholtz Coil system) 4. Software designing, programming and test system integration for magnetic field effects measurement system 5. Data processing, quantitative analysis and physical model optimization based on large dataset  z.weng@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Colin Humphreys

Miss Man Zhang BSc Postdoctoral Research Assistant Ferroelectric; Dielectric; Photocatalyst; THz  07594310369      exx332@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Haixue Yan

Professional Services

Dr Russell Bailey PhD, FRMS, T/SI Analytical Laboratories Manager Oversees the technical support provision within the analytical laboratories of the school. Facilitates support for research and teaching, in line with the university’s long-term strategic objectives. Primary areas of expertise are electron and scanning probe microscopies, and mechanical testing.  +44 (0)20 7882 8468      r.j.bailey@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Erica Di Federico PhD Mechanical Testing Technician Provides comprehensive technical support for the mechanical testing facilities for academic staff, postgraduate, and undergraduate students within the School to enable the achievement of teaching and research aims and objectives. This comprises supporting appropriate research projects, managing contract testing and assisting with practical classes, demonstrations and in the development of prototypes and experimental equipment for teaching and research. Responsible for the operation and upkeep of the materials processing and mechanical testing laboratories. Responsible for the instruction, guidance, and supervision of staff and students in the use of laboratory equipment and techniques as appropriate.  +44 (0)20 7882 5054      e.difederico@qmul.ac.uk

Mr Nick Duggan Workshop Technician I'm a mechanical production engineer with many years experience in all aspects of mechanical maintenance, manufacture and workshop practice. I have wide experience in working on a range of equipment and plant in the chemical, process and mechanical engineering fields, specifically those in research, teaching and pilot plants.  +44 (0)20 7882 6836      n.duggan@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Benjamin Gridley MChem, PhD Technical Facilities Manager  +44 (0)20 7882 8740      b.m.gridley@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Shoghik Hakobyan PhD Materials Characterisation Technician  +44 (0)20 7882 3119      s.hakobyan@qmul.ac.uk

Mr Dennis Ife Mechanical Workshop Manager Provides comprehensive technical support for staff and students in the School to enable the achievement of teaching and research aims and objectives. Responsible for the operation and upkeep of the laboratory areas of CAD-CAM. Responsible for the instruction, guidance and supervision of staff and students in the use of laboratory equipment and techniques as appropriate.  +44 (0)20 7882 6383      d.ife@qmul.ac.uk

Mr Shafir Iqbal Laboratory Technician Provides comprehensive technical support for staff and students in the School to enable the achievement of teaching and research aims and objectives. To be responsible for the operation and upkeep of the laboratory areas of Cell and Tissue. Responsible for the instruction, guidance and supervision of staff and students in the use of laboratory equipment and techniques as appropriate.  +44 (0)20 7882 6991      s.iqbal@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Armando Lacerda PhD Research Laboratories Manager  +44 (0)20 7882 7461      a.m.lacerda@qmul.ac.uk

Mr Maurizio Leo Laboratory Techinician (Materials Processing)  +44 (0)20 7882 2776      m.leo@qmul.ac.uk

Ms Jun Ma BSc, MSc, MPhil Laboratory Technician Provides comprehensive technical support for staff and students in the School to enable the achievement of teaching and research aims and objectives. To be responsible for the operation and upkeep of the laboratory area of Instrumentation. Responsible for the instruction, guidance and supervision of staff and students in the use of laboratory equipment and techniques as appropriate.  +44 (0)20 7882 5057      j.ma@qmul.ac.uk

Mr Andrew McDonald Mechanical Workshop Technician Apprentice trained mechanical engineer providing support to students and staff in manufacturing and CAD/CAM processes.  andrew.mcdonald@qmul.ac.uk

Mr Danny Neighbour BSc,MSc,CEng MIEE Laboratory Technician Provides comprehensive technical support for staff and students in the School to enable the achievement of teaching and research aims and objectives. To be responsible for the operation and upkeep of the laboratory areas of Robotics and Servo PBL. Responsible for the instruction, guidance and supervision of staff and students in the use of laboratory equipment and techniques as appropriate.  +44 (0)20 7882 5056      d.neighbour@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Giovanni Santagiuliana BSc, MSc, PhD Polymer Research Manager Thermoplastic polymer processing, nanocomposites, graphene-based composites, materials characterisation, analytical modelling, materials and products development, cycling  +44 (0)20 7882 2792      g.santagiuliana@qmul.ac.uk

Mr James Searles Mechanical Workshop Technician I have 20 years experience in the manufacturing industry primarily in the f1 and aerospace industry  j.searles@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Richard Whiteley MEng, DPhil XRD Characterisation Technician Provides comprehensive technical support for staff and students in the School to enable the achievement of teaching and research aims and objectives. Responsible for the operation and upkeep of the X-Ray Diffraction Facility. Responsible for the instruction, guidance and supervision of staff and students in the use of laboratory equipment and techniques as appropriate.  +44 (0)20 7882 6379      r.whiteley@qmul.ac.uk

Current PhD Students

PhD Graduates