2025-26 Cohort
Joshua Brunt – Born and raised in Derbyshire, I graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2024 with an MBiol in Biochemistry. During my Master’s year, under the supervision of Rebecca Dumbell, I investigated the role of the transcription factor ZFHX3 in regulating the differentiation of adult stem cells into adipocytes. Now, as part of the Sustainable Chemistry CDT, my research focuses on how non-thermal plasma and its non-equilibrium properties can be harnessed to improve the efficiency of synthesising nitrogen-containing chemicals from sustainable feedstocks such as CO₂ and N₂. Outside of research, I enjoy cooking and fitness, with a particular interest in kickboxing and powerlifting.
My project is aligned with the following SDG goals:
- Responsible consumption and production
- Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Decent work and economic growth
Schubert Fernandes – Originally from Goa, India, I graduated from Goa University with MSc in organic chemistry. During my master’s, I had the opportunity to conduct a research project which focused on the extraction of phenolic CNSL components and derivatizing them to surfactants and coumarins. Post my graduation, I worked in multiple research fields including agrochemistry, medicinal chemistry and early drug discovery and process chemistry for late-stage development of APIs. My work is primarily focused on kinetic analysis of reactions in flow chemistry, along with the incorporation of high throughput experimentation and machine learning for enhancing sustainability in chemical manufacture. In my leisure time, I enjoy sketching, cooking and playing table tennis and pool.
My project is best aligned with the following SDGs:
- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Partnerships for the goal
- Climate action
Joshua Leeson – Raised in North Derbyshire, I graduated from the University of Nottingham with an MSci in Chemistry with an integrated year in industry in 2025. Under the guidance of Prof. Liam Ball, my 4th year research project focused on developing techniques for arylation of α-amino acids via bismuth-mediated electrophilic arylation. In addition, my year industry at EPC-UK Ltd involved a solo research project wherein I studied the removal of organic contaminants from an industrial waste stream. The experience in organic and sustainable chemistry I gained through these projects inspired me to pursue post graduate research in the CDT, where I will be working on circular recovery of organic materials from wastewater. In my free time, I am an avid darts player and hiker.
My project aligns with the following SDGs:
- Clean water and sanitation
- Industry, innovation, and infrastructure
- Responsible consumption and production
Theodore Lunny – Raised in Brighton, I completed my undergraduate degree in MEng Chemical Engineering at the University of Nottingham with an additional placement year at an engineering consultancy in the energy industry. My master’s project investigated the reaction kinetics of a nucleophilic substitution reaction to produce a novel API intermediate in a continuous mesoscale flow system. Building upon this experience with flow chemistry and a desire to develop sustainable manufacturing methods, I will investigate self-optimisation of flow crystallisation processes. This will be highly multi-disciplinary research combining chemistry, engineering, and data science exploring fundamental crystallisation processes with inline monitoring. Outside of research I enjoy canoeing, hiking, and cooking.
My project is aligned to the following Sustainable Development Goals:
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Climate Action
Evan Shelton – Originally from Leicestershire, I graduated from the University of Nottingham with an MSci in Chemistry in 2025, with my final year project in developing sustainable, bio-based monomers for use in 3D printing technologies. Additionally, after my third year I was able to undertake a short research project within the university of Nottingham, computationally modelling the electrostatic aggregation between particles in extreme environments. My research project is looking at ways to use non thermal plasma to explore routes to nitrogen containing chemicals in a practical and efficient manner. Outside the lab I love to cook and bake, and have a keen interest in the environment which I like to share with my friends and family.
My project is aligned with the following SDGs:
- Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
- Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
- Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Callum Sinclair-Wright – Originally from the Lincolnshire coast I graduated with my Mchem from the University of Nottingham in 2023. Under the guidance of Mattia Silvi, my final year research project focused on the design, construction, and characterisation of a small scale laboratory photoreactor for catalytic photoredox reactions. My research project looks at the use of CO2, as a usable feedstock for electrochemical conversion into more complex molecules. In my free time I play ice hockey, scuba dive, and play ttrpgs.
My project aligns with the following SDGs
- Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Responsible consumption and production
- Climate action
Rebecca Still – Raised in Kettering, I earned my undergraduate degree in Veterinary Science and a Master’s in Microbiology from University of Lincoln. I’ve worked as a R&D Chemist at Bridge Farm Bioscience for over three years, where my interest in chemistry intensified. I have been proudly sponsored by Bridge Farm Bioscience to undertake my PhD in Chemical & Environmental Engineering. My academic supervisors are Dr. Parimala Shivaprasad and Dr. Samantha Bryan and industrial supervisor Professor Ray Marriott. My research focuses on exploring horticultural and agricultural waste as a sustainable feedstock for producing aromatics and other valuable bioactive compounds, using supercritical CO2 extraction and solid-state fermentation. Outside of work, I’m a passionate gardener and enjoy drawing, playing music and knitting.
Mathew Wheatley – Originally from Worcestershire, I completed an MEng Chemical with Environmental Engineering degree in 2025. During my fourth-year project we took the incinerator bottoms ash from Nottingham’s incinerator and extracted various elements, leaving an aggregate to be utilised as a river flood defense. From this I have a keen desire for more environmentally conscious processes in the future and hope to achieve this in the CDT where I am looking to improve the circular economy by extracting metals from mine-tailings and automotive waste. In my free time I like; reading, writing, video games and hiking
My project aligns most with the following sustainable development goals;
- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Responsibility consumption & production
- Life on Land
Luke Williams – I was born in Sheffield and lived there until I moved to Nottingham for my bachelor degree at Nottingham Trent University. As part of my chemistry degree, I spent a year in Liverpool at a UKAS accredited analytical lab. My research project at the CDT focuses on innovative reactor design combing developments in flow chemistry and electrochemistry to enhance the scalability and effectiveness of CO2 feedstock utilisation.
My project is aligned with the following sustainable development goals:
- Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialisation
- Ensure sustainable production patterns
- Action to combat climate change
Chun Yin Kwok – Originally from Hong Kong. I received a distinction in MSc Chemical Research at University College London. My Master’s project was supervised by Dr. Roopender Kumar, where I designed and synthesized novel N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) for asymmetric catalysis. Previously, I worked as an undergraduate researcher for Prof. David Lee Phillips at the University of Hong Kong, where I synthesized two-photon activated photoremovable protecting groups, which are compounds that release small molecules when irradiated. Also, I have worked as a Junior Research Assistant for Prof. Hairong Lyu at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where I designed new organoboron reagents and developed new reactions for selective carbon-boron bond formation to synthesize specific organoboron moieties, which can be used for functionalization of complex drug molecules. My experience in organic chemical research has sparked an awareness of sustainability in chemical synthesis. My CDT project involves using Non-thermal plasma for chemical synthesis, and I aim to use my expertise to incorporate this physical tool into organic synthesis.
My project aligns with the SDGs below:
- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Climate Action
2024-25 Cohort
Jessica Sellar
Originally from Kent, I graduated from the University of Oxford with an MChem in Chemistry in 2023. I completed my 4th-year MChem project under the supervision of Professor Véronique Gouverneur, where I focused on developing a novel scaffold for nucleophilic asymmetric fluorination under the hydrogen bonding phase transfer catalysis manifold. Through this work, I developed a keen interest in sustainable synthesis, inspiring me to pursue further study in the CDT, where I am working on sustainable phosphorus methodology. Outside of the lab, I enjoy running, swimming, travelling, and walking my dog.
James Brett
I was raised in South Lincolnshire and earned my MChem from Nottingham Trent University in 2024. Under the guidance of Gareth Cave, my final year research project concentrated on the synthesis of MOFs for irreversible CO2 capture. At the CDT, I aspire to advance thermochromic paints and analytical techniques to boost the efficiency of the aerospace industry. In my leisure time, I am passionate about playing the piano and chess, as well as hiking and snowboarding.
My project aligns with the following SDGs:
- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Climate Action
Sophie Shearlaw
Originally from Glasgow, I carried out my MChem at the University of Strathclyde. As part of my degree, I had the opportunity to carry out a year in industry. I undertook my placement year at Sika Technology AG in Zürich, Switzerland – this sparked my interest in the chemistry of concrete and the issues surrounding the construction industry in terms of CO₂ emissions. I carried out my master’s project on exploring the potential uses of machine learning within chemistry, which I hope to incorporate into my PhD research which is developing concrete additives to minimise CO₂ emissions via carbon capture and storage.
In my free time I enjoy playing handball, cooking, exploring new places and socialising with friends and family.
My project is aligned with the following SDG goals:
- Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
- Sustainable cities & communites
- Climate action
Ronan Ozdural
Originally from Hertfordshire in the south of England, I graduated from Nottingham Trent University with 1st class honours in chemistry. My thesis involved looking at Metal Organic Frameworks and how they interact with various drug molecules, I developed a passion and fondness to the world of computational chemistry. This is also thanks to my third-year supervisor Matthew Addicoat. My research project looks at the use of Machine Learning and applying it to polymers to generate data so we can look at the structure and properties in different formats. This will give us a faster way to look at structures and see how they can be optimized for various use. I have a passion for exercising and athletics so you will probably find me at the gym or the track.
My Project is aligned to the following goals:
- Responsible consumption and production
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Decent work and economic growth
