Polymer composites researcher
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As a material scientist and engineer with over 15 years of experience, I have expertise in polymers, composites, sustainability, materials processing, and abrasive materials development. I have extensive research capabilities from fundamental materials research to factory-scale engineering with a proven track record of delivering research outcomes. Skilled in project development, supervision, equipment development, and H&S coordination.
I am an experienced presenter, published author, and teacher able to disseminate research findings to a wide range of audiences.
Syensqo - Senior customer engineer - Thermosetting Prepregs Sep. 2023 – Present
My responsibilities include supporting customers with technical enquiries, developing new products, and understanding the interactions between products and processes for automotive applications. The major areas I look after are developments in sustainability, composite tooling systems and North American customer support. Sustainability work has involved a widespread approach from fundamental R&D, supporting composite recycling processes, legislation interpretation, certification and external communication.
Tooling has been focused on portfolio maintenance and development whilst North American support has predominantly focused on in-depth materials qualifications and process demonstrations.
3M Automotive Aftermarket – Senior Product Developer Mar. 2021 – Sep. 2023
This role involved developing new abrasives systems, specialising in coated mesh abrasives. Product development encompassed ideation, lab development, pilot coating, customer testing, test method development, factory experimentation and product scale-up. During this work, I supported the production scale-up and launch of the 3M Blue and Cubitron II net abrasive.
I took on many types of roles from project management to site technical lead for three projects. I also took on the role of AAD’s sustainability chair, leading and managing the division stance and sustainability activities whilst managing the sustainable abrasive product development ideation process.
Warwick University WMG – Research Fellow Nov. 2015 – Mar. 2021
As a research fellow in the sustainable materials and manufacturing group (SMMG) I focused on sustainable composites, materials analysis, polymer composite production and project coordination. Work involved process development of recycled carbon fibre via compression moulding, resin infusion, extrusion and injection moulding for automotive applications.
Testing included: electrical, thermal, impact performance, damping and static mechanical performance, of recycled and hybrid materials. Within this role, I was an academic advisor for PhD students and supervised student projects. Furthermore, I have developed research laboratories and coordinated health and safety within SMMG.
Catapult representative - WMG representative Mar.2019–Mar. 2021
Principal investigator, optimising the shredder and sieve operation of carbon fibre laminate waste prior to recycling and reprocessing.
The University of Sheffield - Post-doctoral Research Associate Nov. 2014 – Nov. 2015
The research project involved the investigation of low-temperature microcracking in carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates for lighter-than-air aerospace structures funded by Innovate UK. Experimental work primarily focused on the development of an experimental setup for the assessment of low-temperature microcracking via digital image correlation (DIC).
Research consultation work, Uni of Sheffield: Oct. 2010 – July. 2015
Interfacing with prospective students giving an overview of research and course details within the department of Material science and Engineering.
NetComposites, Chesterfield, Derbyshire Aug. – Sept. 2008, Apr. – Sept. 2009
Two placements as a research assistant. Conducted research for the Combine project (Bio-derived composites) and Futureplas project (self-reinforcing polymers).
PhD Fibre evanescent wave spectroscopy of epoxy resin composites Dec. 2015
The goal was to produce a high refractive index silicate glass fibre, capable of evanescent wave spectroscopy to enable cure monitoring of epoxy resins within polymer matrix composites (PMC). The PhD was split into two parts: materials development (optical/thermal analysis and fibre drawing) and evanescent wave cure monitoring of epoxy resins using bespoke equipment.
MEng Material Science and Engineering - 2:1 (Average 68.7%) Jun. 2010
Encompassed a wide variety of modules including mechanical, optical, magnetic, electrical and thermal properties and their respective analytical techniques.
