Imperial Materials

In this blog post, our second year undergraduate student Fahmin shares five skills she has developed since joining the Department of Materials, Imperial College London. 

For me, Materials Science is an exciting field that combines discovery, creativity and innovation. Since joining Imperial, I’ve come to appreciate just how impactful materials science can be. It’s more than just understanding how things work it’s about exploring why materials behave the way they do and how they can be enhanced to solve real-world problems. Whether it’s improving materials for electric vehicles or developing sustainable solutions, materials science plays a key role in shaping the future.  

I’m currently in my second year studying Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial College London and I feel I’ve gained key skills to push boundaries and think about science for the future. Here are five key skills I’ve gained:

Solving problems like a pro 

Materials science often feels like solving intricate puzzles. So far, I’ve learned how to break down complex challenges, analyse them, and find innovative solutions  For example, in the materials selection module, I’ve learnt how to evaluate different properties to identify the most suitable material for a given application. This process has taught me to think critically and creatively, giving me confidence in tackling challenges across both my academic and personal life.  

Hands-on experience in labs 

One of the highlights of studying materials science at Imperial is the practical, hands-on experience. Through labs, I’ve worked with advanced tools such as tensile testing and have performed mechanical tests such as four-point bending to explore the strength of materials under stress. These experiments bridge the gap between theory and practice, showing us how materials behave under real-world conditions.

Mastering data and visualisation  

Data plays a critical role in materials science, and the undergraduate course has helped me develop strong analytical skills. I have used Excel to interpret results from techniques like XRD, EDX, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Visualising and analysing data has helped me understand materials’ structure, composition, and surface chemistry. Turning raw data into meaningful insights has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my studies.

Communicating with confidence

Understanding complex material is one thing but explaining it to others is equally important. We’ve worked on interdisciplinary projects, such as our end-of-year design study project at the end of the first year, where I worked with a team of 12 students to design a machine that compresses powders and measures hardness values.

This project combined CAD software, coding and Arduino programming to bring the design to life, which encouraged us to have an effective line of communication in the team. This helped us to ensure we were working efficiently, and that any issues could be addressed quickly and with confidence.

Becoming resilient 

Our projects don’t always work on the first try! While working on our end-of-year design study project, we experimented with multiple approaches and tackled various challenges before arriving at our final design.

At the end of the project, we had to present our final work to two CEOs, our teaching faculty, and the entire cohort. Although this initially felt daunting, the communication and resilience skills that I developed throughout the year-long project gave me the confidence to share our ideas and my contributions to the team.

Overall I’ve found that studying Materials Science at Imperial is not just about understanding metals or ceramics; it’s about developing skills that prepare you to tackle challenges, communicate effectively, and make a meaningful impact on the world.

Read Five skills I’ve developed since joining Imperial in full

Anica Tahsin is a second-year undergraduate student in the Department of Materials. In her first year, Anica applied to The Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme, which aims to enhance sustainable leadership and stimulate sustainable innovation among a new generation of leaders. The programme uniquely funds up to 25 places annually to undergraduate students in Imperial College London each year, supporting a research project and a Leadership in Action experience, with a unique focus on tackling the 17 UN SDGs.

Anica was accepted and completed a six-week paid research project and a fully-funded leadership project abroad. In this blog post, she shares her experiences and offers advice for students interested in applying for the next cohort.

Why did you apply to the Laidlaw Scholars Programme? 

The Laidlaw Scholars Programme sounded almost too good to be true—a six-week, paid research project on any topic that interests me and a fully-funded leadership project abroad? After completing my first year with Laidlaw, I can confidently say it’s exactly that.

I saw this as an opportunity to meet new people, develop my leadership skills, and learn what it means to be an ethical leader. That’s precisely what the Laidlaw Foundation is all about.

What did your project involve? 

I completed a self-proposed project focused on reevaluating flood assessment in vulnerable communities in Bangladesh. While it wasn’t directly related to my degree in Materials Science, it was a topic I was passionate about and knew I wanted to explore further. Many others pursued projects outside their degree fields, so if that’s what’s holding you back from getting involved, there’s no need to worry!

What did you learn?

At the annual Laidlaw Scholars conference, held at Leeds University this year, I challenged myself to present my research. Even though I’m pretty sure my voice was shaking, it was incredibly rewarding when someone came up to me and shared my passion.

While I initially approached this programme wanting to make as many connections as possible. It was those smaller interactions—finding people with the same drive for change—that truly connected me with others who care about the things I do.

My biggest lesson was that no matter how overwhelming or unfamiliar an environment may feel, there will always be people around who want change. Realising that there are others to support you lightens the fear and burden of taking the first step.

How will this help you in future? 

I chose Materials Science because I believe it’s where I can make the most impact. Whether it’s in climate, sustainability, or everyday life, materials play such an essential role that by working in this field, I feel I can help improve lives, even in small, indirect ways.

It’s a huge plus that my department is so supportive of students stepping out and exploring new possibilities. Next year, I hope to establish a small organisation in my local community in Bangladesh to support women who don’t have access to these same opportunities. I’m currently interviewing young women and girls in schools to understand the obstacles they face and explore ways I might help. It won’t be easy, but I’ll have support when I need it.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of applying to the Laidlaw Scholars Programme?

I would, without a doubt—one million percent—recommend applying. If you’re driven to make a change, this is the perfect opportunity to do. Even if you’re unsure what you want to research or how you can make an impact, just pick something that interests you and run with it. The Laidlaw coordinators are incredibly flexible, so you can always adjust your topic along the way.

If you’re worried about someone constantly looming over your shoulder, pushing you to work, don’t be. This project is highly independent—you set your own hours and manage your own pace.

Applications for the next cohort of LaidLaw scholars opens on Monday 25 November 2024. Find out more about The Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme.

Read Laidlaw Scholars Spotlight: Anica shares more about her project and experience in full

Dr Siyang Wang is an Imperial College Research Fellow in the Department of Materials. His research investigates how and why materials used in energy applications fall apart. This research includes materials used in nuclear power and batteries and could help avoid catastrophic accidents, like those at Chornobyl and Fukushima, and extend the life of everyday items, such as lithium-ion batteries. In this new blog post, he shares more about his research, why it’s important and how this research could make an impact.

What inspired you to become a Materials Scientist?

I enjoyed Physics at school, so when it came to choosing a university course, I wondered how I could continue studying what I was interested in, while also having the opportunity to work on something directly useful in daily life. Materials science became the answer.

How would you explain your research to someone outside the field?

I mainly work to understand why and how materials used in energy applications (such as nuclear power and batteries) fall apart, so we can prevent them from failing. This research could help avoid catastrophic accidents, like those at Chornobyl and Fukushima, and extend the life of everyday items, such as lithium-ion batteries.

Why did you study this area and why is it important?

Preventing materials from failing is crucial for safety and cost savings. My undergraduate university, Xi’an Jiaotong University, has a strong tradition in materials mechanics research in China. This influenced my decision to specialise in this field. Imperial also has strong expertise in this area, so I continued to work in this area in the Department of Materials.

How could this research make an impact?

My current research aims to contribute to achieving net zero emissions. By proving that the materials used in nuclear power plants are durable and safe, we can promote the development of nuclear energy and reduce CO₂ emissions from electricity generation. Similarly, if batteries last longer by reducing internal mechanical degradation, it would lower living costs and enhance their effectiveness for renewable energy storage and grid stabilisation.

Who do you collaborate with at Imperial and beyond?

I work mainly on the micrometre scale (1/1,000 of a millimetre), which is useful but sometimes not detailed enough. Therefore, I collaborate with experts who can examine individual atoms, such as Dr. Catriona McGilvery, Research Facility Manager and Di Wang, Research Postgraduate and soon to be Dr!

Beyond Imperial, I have worked with collaborators in the UK (Oxford and KCL), Germany (Max Planck Institute for Iron Research), Sweden (Linköping University), and Switzerland (Empa). You can read our collaborative work with Dr Aaron Leblanc from King’s College London on the fine-scale structure and chemistry of Komodo dragon teeth in Nature Ecology and Evolution.

If you are dealing with a mechanical degradation issue in materials and want to understand and resolve it, why not get in touch?

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

As an experimentalist, I enjoy the mix of daily lab work, which involves a lot of technological considerations to ensure scientific rigor, and data analysis which tests your ability to apply and expand existing knowledge. I also enjoy learning new techniques, training students, and writing and reviewing papers. These varied activities make it hard to get bored.

What do you enjoy outside of research?

I travel a fair bit (when I’m allowed to). I went to Qatar and the UAE earlier this year, and it was interesting to find out the similarities in local food, markets and lifestyle to Xi’an, the place I grew up in China. Discovering these connections, likely due to historical links via the Silk Road, was fascinating.

What’s something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m actually allergic to chicken and eggs!

Read Fellow Spotlight: Dr Siyang Wang on improving energy materials for a net zero future in full

Anne-Sophie Korotov recently completed her MEng Materials Science and Engineering degree in June 2024. MEng Materials Science and Engineering is a four-year degree in the Department of Materials at Imperial College London, which involves a thesis project in the final year.

In this blog post, she shares her insights and offers advice for future students. Anne-Sophie is now completing a PhD at the University of Oxford.

My Master’s project was one of my first long-term scientific projects during this degree, which I had to navigate by myself. Here are five things that helped me with completing my MEng project:

1. Agree on a clear project structure with your supervisor

Doing a project by yourself for six months can seem like a daunting task. Breaking it down into smaller parts can help you focus on one thing at a time and organise your time better. For example, my project had two main parts: the structural and morphological characterisation of the thin films that I synthesised, and the fabrication and characterisation of memristive devices. I decided to focus on the first part of my project during the first term and the second part during the second term. Other students did the bulk of their lab work in the first term and focused on data analysis in the second, as they had more lectures during the second term, or vice versa.

2. Catch up with your group and supervisor frequently

Your supervisor is there to support you and to help you with understanding your results. Frequent catch-ups can prevent you from going down the wrong path and having to re-do a lot of experiments. You can also send them drafts of your literature review and thesis for feedback. Moreover, input from the group can be very helpful, so attending and presenting at group meetings is a great way to progress in your research. Often other members of the group know about helpful papers or tips on how to improve your experimental technique. Plus, it is a great way to practice presenting your results in a clear and structured manner!

3. Document everything

During undergraduate labs, you are always told to keep a lab book, but sticking to it can be difficult, especially when there is so much to do in the lab. However, documenting every step you take during your project and making sure you document what happens to every sample you produce in detail can be very helpful when doing your data analysis. Often tiny changes in the experimental procedure can lead to big differences in your data. When writing your thesis it will be easier to understand where differences between similar samples stem from when you can look up the experimental procedures you followed for each sample. This will also help you stay consistent between experiments and choose the same experimental set-up every time, even when weeks pass between experiments.

4. Organise your samples and data properly

Following up on documenting everything, organisation of your data and samples is key. Have a clear naming convention for each of your samples, and keep a document where you log when each sample was produced (and potentially if there was any deviation from the standard conditions). After you have collected your data, make sure to organise it in folders and with dates, so you can look up what you did on what day in your lab book. Make separate folders for data that you would like to include in your reports and presentations so that you don’t spend hours looking for it the night before your thesis is due!

5. Practice your presentation (a lot!)

Since your final presentation will be in front of a panel of lecturers, who may not be an expert in your field, it is important that you can explain your project in terms simple enough for everyone to understand. It is often difficult to judge what is and what is not considered general knowledge, especially when you have dedicated the majority of your time to a single project over the past six months.

I found that practising your presentation with your research group will ensure that all your data is sensible and that what you say is factually correct. They will also be able to ask you challenging questions to prepare for the discussion after your presentation. However, your research group likely knows a lot about your topic and will not have difficulty understanding the content of your presentation. So practising with your friends from your course will give you a better understanding of whether your content is accessible to the panel.

Lastly, if you want to make sure that everyone understands what you are talking about, practice in front of family or friends with a non-material science background! Often they will ask great questions that can help you gauge your understanding of the topic as well!

Read Five things I’ve learned navigating my MEng Thesis in full

Francesca Manyonyi is in her third year at Imperial College London, studying in the Department of Materials. In this blog post, she shares her advice to our new first-year students, including five things she wishes she had known in her first year.

I’m now in my third year in the Department of Materials. Looking back, there are five things I would have told myself when I first joined if I had the chance – so I’m sharing these to let you have a head-start!

1. Make a plan and attend in-person classes

Studying can be fast-paced, so I’d recommend making a plan and an approach to studying. I’d recommend prioritising attending in-person lectures and being present at all workshops. Yes, lecture recordings are available online, but attending a lecture in person is invaluable as you can interact with the professor and your fellow students. Workshops are also a good opportunity to clarify any points of misunderstanding in a low-pressure environment. In my experience, they make the biggest difference in performance.

As for revision, each person can benefit from different strategies, and part of the purpose of the first year is discovering what works for you. My study methods have greatly evolved since the first term. The key is to remain consistent. Whatever your study method, make sure to maintain your efforts, and be quick to get back on track whenever you take a break from your routine.

2. Make use of the wide range of resources available 

While revision at university is self-driven, there are many resources available to help with studying.

There is academic support in the form of office hours with lecturers, and tutorial sessions with Professors and GTAs. Our Department also organises ‘Materials families’ – which are networks between first years and the year above, where academic support is exchanged.

There are about 120 students per year in the Department of Materials, therefore the informal infrastructure for academic support is very useful. I can’t count the number of times I’ve reached out to a GTA or someone in an upper year for guidance, and these interactions have been instrumental in securing my academic success.

We also have our own Student Wellbeing Advisor, Olly Swanton, who is available to support your mental health. Olly is also our Departmental Disability Officer and can support you if you need help or advice in this area.

3. Believe in yourself

A degree at Imperial College London is an accomplishment. That’s part of what makes it so valuable. But it’s important to remember that while you may have inevitable challenges, you are capable.

4. Don’t Be Afraid

It’s normal to feel intimidated when in a new environment, but never let that intimidation discourage you from doing what you enjoy and taking advantage of the opportunities available to you.

Being in your first year is a time to acclimatise at your pace and find your footing, but that can coexist with putting yourself out there. I’ve always been a reserved person but I applied to be a member of the Equality, Diversity and Culture Committee, and I was selected. I also applied to be a student ambassador, and I was selected. I ran for office in the Materials Society – and I was selected! In fact, the 2023-24 president of the Materials Society ran and won in his first year as well.

Do not be afraid to explore. Join any society that slightly interests you; run for any position you would enjoy, even if it feels unattainable. Reach for as many opportunities as you can. The ones that don’t work out, you won’t remember – let alone anyone else – and the ones that do will be so worth it.

5. Have Fun!

STEM courses, especially engineering degrees, are often very demanding and can seem all-consuming. However, the university is not just about academics – the best thing I’ve gained from my time at Imperial is the memories. I’ve made some of the best friendships of my life, and I’ve had the chance to enjoy so many once-in-a-lifetime experiences living independently in London.

A degree is meant to be pursued alongside other enjoyments of life, and university not only teaches academics but also the invaluable skill of balancing career pursuits with a rich and full life. Your time at Imperial will be memorable and I wish you all the best!

Read Just started your first-year? Here’s five things you need to know in full

Dr Cindy Tseng is a Research Associate in the Department of Materials. Her research investigates new materials that could produce green hydrogen cheaply and more efficiently for renewable energy applications. In this new blog post, she shares more about her research, how it could make an impact and what she enjoys outside of research.

What inspired you to become a Materials Scientist?

I wanted to make a meaningful impact by working towards sustainable research. My PhD was very focused on fundamental studies, which helped me develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills. However, for my next academic chapter, I wanted to be more involved in renewable energy applications. A major challenge in this field is gaining a better understanding of catalyst materials so we can design alternatives that are easier to scale up. 

How would you explain your research to someone outside the field?

I am investigating new materials that can produce green hydrogen cheaply and, ideally, more efficiently for renewable energy applications.

Why did you study this area, and why is it important?

Materials are crucial because many green hydrogen technologies depend on precious metals as active materials. Unfortunately, the limited availability and high cost of these metals pose significant challenges to scaling up these technologies to meet global energy demands. And therefore, there is a pressing need to develop methods to reduce the reliance on these precious metals. I chose to stay in this field not only because of its importance but also because you can study a lot of interesting and fun (shiny) materials like gold, platinum, and iridium. 

How could this research make an impact?

Success in my research means discovering and designing new catalyst materials that can lead the way in producing green hydrogen, the future fuel for electricity and other energy needs. This progress will significantly advance our efforts to fight global warming and achieve net-zero emissions by around 2050.

Who do you collaborate with at Imperial and beyond?

My research is collaborative and involves a large team of many people. Some include but are not limited to, Lucas Garcia-Verga, Alice Meng, Guangmeimei Yang, Caiwu Liang, Reshma Rao, Daniele Benetti, and Hanzhi Ye. Beyond Imperial, I collaborate with the University of Manchester, the University of Cambridge, BP, Diamond Light Source, and Teer Coatings.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

The people. Imperial is one of the leading universities equipped with cutting-edge instruments that allow me to push the boundaries of my research. But what I value most is working with my colleagues and bosses. You can find smart people at any good university, but here, I’m surrounded by incredibly helpful, understanding, and fun colleagues who have become some of my closest friends. They make going to work enjoyable and help brighten gloomy (figuratively and literally) days when things don’t work, which is all the time. At work, I feel safe to ask questions and learn. Besides having the tools to excel as a researcher, I’m also growing in essential soft skills like clear communication, empathy for others, and data organisation.

What do you enjoy outside of research?

I enjoy exploring new bakeries—I am on a mission to find the best carrot cake and Japanese cheesecake. To relieve stress, I enjoy taking high-intensity workout classes and watching horror movies (although that adds stress to most people!).

What’s something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?

I was cast for a Burger King Whoppers commercial in Los Angeles when I did my PhD there.

Read Postdoc spotlight: Dr Cindy Tseng on new catalyst materials for energy futures in full

Dr Sam Rogers is a Research Associate in the Department of Materials, having first joined the department as an undergraduate student in 2013. His research focuses on alloys for aerospace and nuclear applications. In this new blog post, he shares more about his research, why it’s important and how this research could make an impact.

What inspired you to become a Materials Scientist?

I’ve always enjoyed figuring out how things work, and then problem-solving off the back of that, and Materials Science is all about that! Whilst the length scale we look at is typically very small, they can have profound effects. For example, if we add some chromium and nickel to steel, we make stainless steel, which won’t rust. These are the kinds of problems I’ve always enjoyed figuring out and which I now enjoy working on!

How would you explain your research to someone outside the field?

The fundamental question which my work is based is ‘how can I make the best alloy (metallic mixture) for a specific application?’ Typically I research materials for aerospace and nuclear applications, but the process is the same for any application, which makes it very versatile, and it’s nice a simple: it’s a bit like baking a cake! Alloy development is figuring out what ingredients (elements) we need for the right flavour (whatever properties we’re interested in!), whilst process development is figuring out the instructions we need to make our cake (alloy!). Another way to think about it is the modern equivalent to blacksmithing!

Why did you study this area and why is it important?

When I began studying materials science, I most enjoyed the modules related to metals and alloys, and I love the fact that simple concepts can be brought together in interesting and new ways to make new materials. As we continue to come up with new ideas for technology and machines, we need materials which will be suitable for these applications, in addition to improving the existing materials we use. In addition, we want to be able to recycle more materials than we have in the past, but first we need to figure out the technology and processes that will enable us to do this.

How could this research make an impact?

The outcome of my present work is focused on further improving safety in nuclear systems by reducing our use of cobalt alloys. Given the increased reliance on nuclear power in Europe and beyond, it’s important that we do all we can to ensure safety in and around nuclear systems under any circumstance.

Another portion of my work is to improve the materials we use in jet engines, primarily to improve component lifetimes. By improving component lifetimes, we need to manufacture less of a given component, which can help reduce energy consumption. When scaled up to all flights used, this can make a big saving in total!

Who do you collaborate with at Imperial and beyond?

My chief industrial collaborators are Rolls-Royce, and I also work with various universities in the UK and across Australia.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I particularly enjoy the problem-solving part of my job, coming up with solutions to problems that others haven’t yet been able to solve!

What do you enjoy outside of research?

Outside of research I really enjoy music – both playing and listening to it, and also playing video games! I’m also really involved in my church and love getting stuck in there!

What’s something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?

I can ride a unicycle!

Read Postdoc Spotlight: Dr Sam Rogers on alloys for aerospace and nuclear in full

Name: Benjamin Nicholas

Degree: MEng Materials Science and Engineering in the Department of Materials

Graduation Year: 2019

Current role: Manufacturing Development Engineer

What is your current job?

I am a Manufacturing Development Engineer working within the Manufacturing and Materials Research team at BAE Systems Air.

What do you do in your job?

I develop techniques for applying new and novel materials to production and experimental fast jets, using additive manufacturing, robotics, lasers and more. I also work with our in-house simulation team to devise material specifications and standards for new products, qualify emerging materials for use on operational aircraft and foster relationships with our industrial and academic partners to improve our in-house capabilities, ensuring we remain at the forefront of technology.

Why did you choose a career in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)?

Coming out of university, I wanted to apply what I had learnt in an industry that would allow me to work at the highest levels of technological advancement and play a part in creating a physical product that would make a tangible impact on people’s lives. I have fond memories of going to Air Shows and Expos as a child and seeing all the fantastic examples of engineering on display. Now, I can contribute to the technology of today, and hopefully, in a generation or two, there will be a similar child marvelling at something I have created.

What did you enjoy most about the course at Imperial?

Learning about not only the theory and design of new materials, but their applications in industry and how they affect our day-to-day lives, whether we are aware of it or not. Materials Science is very lightly touched upon at the school level, so the course really opened my eyes to the ways Materials Science has shaped human civilisation and continues to do so today. Materials Science unifies the Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Engineering we learn in school into one multi-disciplinary subject and is therefore, in my opinion, the best way to apply all the knowledge I learnt in school to the fullest extent.

What is the coolest thing you have done in your career so far?

Seeing a Eurofighter Typhoon take off with full afterburners is a good perk!

What is your favourite material (and why)?

Metallic glass has to take the top spot for me. It is a relatively new material but mature enough to have applications outside of the theoretical sphere. I look forward to seeing the potential to create the material in bulk (and additively at that!) and exploit its unique properties.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell myself to make the most of my summer holidays; you don’t get them once you’re working!

Read Alumni Spotlight: Benjamin Nicholas in full

Dr Huw Shiel is a postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Materials. His research investigates improving the performance or lifetime of batteries and other energy storage solutions. In this blog post, he shares more about his research, the potential impact of this work, and what he enjoys outside of research.

What inspired you to become a Materials Scientist?

During my undergraduate in physics, I tried out a few different research topics, but in my final year, I realised that I wanted to work on something that would be useful in the fight against climate change. My Master’s project, researching solar energy materials, was so engaging because I had a tangible output from my work and it felt like we were making something real that could make a real difference.  I also found that splitting my time between the lab and the computer was the right kind of balance for me to get the most out of my work.

How would you explain your research to someone outside the field?

The idea of my project is to perform experiments on materials while they are changing inside a system, which we call operando experiments. For example, one of my main projects is to perform operando x-ray absorption spectroscopy on battery materials to study changes in chemistry and degradation mechanisms without destroying the delicate system by taking the battery apart. My wider project, the InFUSE Partnership, is carrying out similar research on many different energy transition technologies such as carbon capture, cooling in electric vehicles, and hydrogen storage, so I get to be involved with lots of different things.

Why did you study this area and why is it important?

Batteries and other energy storage solutions are critically important right now because, while solar and wind power are becoming very economically viable, they only provide intermittent power, and batteries are needed to level out this supply. The current lithium battery technologies use very unsustainable materials and the best alternatives just don’t have the same performance or lifetime. If we can understand how they degrade, then we can find ways to improve them.

How could this research make an impact?

By developing new, cutting-edge characterisation techniques, we are providing tools for the study of many different systems and technologies. The InFUSE Partnership that I am part of is collaborating to develop these tools for a range of energy transition technologies, from batteries to geological carbon capture to EV coolants and lubricants. The hope is that with these tools, we can accelerate the development of these technologies. Understanding interface evolution is the key to engineering those interfaces to work better, last longer, or change in a certain way.

Who do you collaborate with at Imperial and beyond?

At Imperial, I collaborate across many departments, particularly the carbon capture group in Chemical Engineering, the Fuels and Lubricants group in Mechanical Engineering, the CO₂ storage groups in Earth Sciences, and the Ceramics and Corrosion groups in Materials. Outside of Imperial, we are in a partnership with Diamond Light Source, a particle accelerator in Oxford, and Shell, the energy company. By working with Diamond, we get a lot of expert knowledge on using high-energy x-rays for our science, and by working with Shell, we can target our efforts at real-world problems facing the energy sector’s transition to sustainable energy.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love that I get to be involved with so many different projects and that I have the freedom to lend a hand to any project that comes my way. Working at Imperial, as part of such a big collaboration, also allows me to see and participate in the most advanced research in these areas, which is very exciting.

What do you enjoy outside of research?

Outside of research, I love to play or watch pretty much any kind of sport, particularly climbing and football. Also, being from the countryside of North Wales, I like to get out of the city on my bike whenever the weather allows! 

What’s something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?

Many people don’t realise that I learned most of my formative maths and science through the medium of Welsh. So, when I went to university, I had to learn a lot of scientific language and nomenclature all over again. Even now, I still sometimes come across some obscure terms that I only know in Welsh!

Read Powering the Future: Dr Huw Shiel on improving battery life and energy storage in full

Marta Di Girolamo is a Research Postgraduate in magnetic characterisation. Her research investigates the functional properties of chiral materials and how these materials could make more efficient LEDs or new storage media for the computers of the future.

What inspired you to study for a PhD?

After I finished my Master’s in Applied and Engineering Physics at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), I was not sure about studying for a PhD. I started in the Department of Materials as a Research Assistant in December 2022, and I found the topic so fascinating and the atmosphere in the group so positive that I realised I wanted to stay and challenge myself to do a PhD.

How would you explain your research to someone outside the field?

I characterise the functional properties of chiral materials. Chiral objects exist in pairs with a definite handedness, which are the mirror image of each other; there are such objects across multiple length scales. Macroscopically, a great example is our hands, but most biomolecules are chiral, too: think about the shape of our DNA! I collaborate with Chemistry, where my colleagues synthesize chiral small chiral molecules and I try to understand how to use them for small electronic devices. They could for example help make more efficient LEDs or new storage media for the computers of the future. This kind of electronics is called spin-optoelectronics and is a fascinating field for application of materials that interact with light and/or the electron spin.

Why did you study this area and why is it important?

I have always been interested in the energy sector and completed research placements during my bachelor’s and master’s on organic batteries and solar cells. During the last year of my master’s, I became more interested in the materials science of the active layers in the devices than in the device fabrication, which had been my main interest until then. It fascinated me how you can shape the device, but it felt a bit like skipping a step not knowing well how the materials in it are oriented and interact. Deciding what the right use for a material depends on its structural and functional properties feels more natural to me and can lead us to targeted and informed device fabrication, so that is how I got into characterisation.

How could this research make an impact?

Chiral materials, especially chiral organic semiconductors, are promising for optoelectronics because of the way in which they can absorb and emit circularly polarised light. Their less explored property that my PhD focuses on is their ability to select the electron spin in the presence of a magnetic field. Advances in this field would have a massive impact on spintronics as it could allow the translation of spin information in to charge information, which is much easier to measure in a device and could thus one day help make new type of computers a commercial reality.

Who do you collaborate with at Imperial and beyond?

I work across two departments, mainly Materials and Chemistry. I work in the groups of Dr Jess Wade and Professor Sandrine Heutz in Materials, but I also have Professor Matthew Fuchter as a third supervisor in Chemistry. I also often collaborate with a group in Physics that focuses on magnetism and, beyond Imperial, with a group that works on magnetic thin films at the University of Sheffield.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I really like how interdisciplinary the field is. One day, I might focus on structural characterisation, so materials science; another, I might try to understand the chemistry of the materials I work with. Meanwhile, when I focus more on applications, I always must think about the physics of the processes. It is a constant challenge for me, especially the chemistry bits, but I absolutely love it.

I also enjoy the part of my work that has brought me to meet new people. I have made friends amongst other students and Imperial is full of researchers from everywhere in the world. Every day feels like travelling somewhere new when you ask your colleagues about their background!

What do you enjoy outside of research?

I was born in Sicily in a town on the seaside, so I have always loved swimming. I go twice a week in Ethos and try to go back home every few months to do it in the sea as well. I love reading too: I almost always go through a book a month and since I live in the UK I started reading more of the English literature classics.  Other than that, I am trying to enjoy my time in London and to look for good live music around the city; I also really like to cook: my friends and family say I make great pancakes.

What’s something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?

I am training to swim from Sicily to mainland Italy, hopefully I will make it next summer!

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