Fellowships

Xiao Hua, Lancaster University

Atomic structure study of energy materials via in-house X-ray total scattering

Many energy materials exhibit atomic imperfections like distortion and disorder, which are key to their functionality. Pair distribution function (PDF) analysis via X-ray total scattering experiment is a powerful technique for resolving atomic complexity but typically requires large user facilities. This Fellowship aims to innovate in-house PDF instrumentation, enabling routine atomic structure characterization of energy materials used in catalysis and batteries, with support from industrial partners.

Dr Andy Chetwynd, University of Liverpool

Urine Proteome and Glycome Analysis in Kidney Disease

The development of LC-MS and CE-MS based proteomic and glycomic analysis for urine in clinical studies offers a great opportunity to help better understand and combat the growing burden of kidney disease.

LC and CE separations are orthogonal separation techniques combining both will allow a more comprehensive coverage of the proteome and glycome and in the case of CE reduce the environmental burden of analysis by eliminating organic solvents and reducing flow rates.

Dr Michael Cotterell, University of Oxford

Kinetics of Photobleaching in Aerosol Particles

Understanding how light interacts with aerosol particles is central to several areas, including in atmospheric chemistry. For example, a large fraction of atmospheric aerosol particles contain molecules that absorb light in the short visible spectrum and undergo photobleaching. The rates of photobleaching for these molecules lack characterisation in aerosols. This project will use laser-based spectroscopy to quantify bleaching rates in single aerosol particles levitated using electrical fields. Our measurements will explore the role of viscosity, water content, and particle size on the rates of photobleaching.

Mohamed Sharafeldin, University College Cork

Diagnostic Applications of CRISPR-Cas Technology

The precise programmability of CRISPR-Cas systems offer a valuable tool to produce innovative biosensors for healthcare applications. My current project explores CRISPR-Cas technology for rapid, highly specific disease diagnostics, integrating addressable electrochemical signal transduction probes within engineered carriers. This approach enables low-cost, point-of-care testing, improving early detection and patient outcomes while advancing precision medicine and decentralized healthcare solutions.

Ian McPherson, Loughborough University

New Approaches to Product Detection in Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy (SECCM)

SECCM can provide unprecedented insight into the spatially varying activity of the electrode materials required for the net zero transition, important for their optimisation. Currently SECCM only reports on total reaction rate, not on product identity, complicating analysis of significant multi-product reactions such as CO2 or N2 reduction. This fellowship will focus on developing new strategies to add chemical specificity into SECCM.

Dr James Coverdale, University of Birmingham

Single Cell ICP-MS: New Analytical Tools For Trace Metal Analysis in Biochemistry and Drug Discovery

Analytical methods to quantify trace elements in cells have fallen behind advances in other -omics techniques, where single-cell approaches are routinely used to explore the genome, proteome, and transcriptome of individual cells. New methods for single cell ICP-MS are needed to

advance bioanalytical chemistry and will be applicable to a wide range of researchers, from oncology to environmental research.

 Lingcong Meng, The University of Edinburgh

Understanding Protein Aggregation through Single Entity Electrochemistry

This research aims to develop a biosensor for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer by investigating tumour protein 53 (TP53) aggregation. Utilizing single-particle collision electrochemistry, the project will optimise the system using carbon microelectrodes and study TP53 aggregation at various stages. The clinical potential promises to advance cancer screening and benefit other diseases with associated protein aggregations.