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Research interests

My research interests are centred around materials used for renewable energy generation (e.g. solar cells) and storage (e.g. reusable batteries). I use atomistic simulations techniques to predict the properties of materials and link the macroscopic observables (such as open circuit voltage or thermodynamic stability) with microscopic processes (such as electron capture or electron-phonon coupling). Our atomic scale models can be used to rationalise existing experimental observations, or guide future investigations. For example, it can explain why heat travels slowly through some materials or predict new materials for high-performance solar cells.

I use a range of simulation techniques including Density Functional Theory, Lattice Dynamics, Molecular Dynamics and Machine-Learned Interatomic Potentials. I have a particular interest in structural phase transitions, thermodynamics and defect physics. My research has mostly focused on halide and chalcogenide perovskite materials.

I am interested in how we can improve research practice in the computational sciences, with a particular interest in how we can work in an open and interdisciplinary way, and how we can best share and publish research software. I am a fellow of the Software Sustainability Institute, an Associate Editor at the Journal of Open Source Software, Theme Lead in the Materials Chemistry Consortium and a co-lead in Sonic Intangibles

Many people, particularly those from under-represented groups in STEM, feel uncomfortable in the computational physics community. It doesn't have to be this way. My small contribution towards progress on this front is as co-organiser for the Rising Stars workshops.

Biography

My research uses solid state physics, quantum chemistry and high-perforance computing to investigate why particular materials can efficiently generate energy from sunlight (solar cells), or repeatedly store and release energy (rechargeable batteries). I am an Associate Professor at Northumbria University and a Fellow of the Software Sustainability Institute. I was previously a PhD student and post-doc in the Materials Design Group at Imperial College London, where I was awarded the Thomas Young Centre at Imperial award for my thesis "Defects and distortions in hybrid halide perovskites".

I received my FHEA in 2021 and currently teach computational physics, introductory quantum mechanics and research computing skills at UG and PG level. I am a qualified teacher in post-compulsory education (PGCE, 2012) and previously taught mathematics in schools and prisons. 

Links:

  • For up-to-date information about my research, talks etc please visit my website.
  • To see my contributions to open software please visit my github page.

 

 

Education/Academic qualification

Materials Science, PhD, Defects and Distortions in Hybrid Halide Perovskites, Imperial College London

1 Oct 201530 Sept 2019

Award Date: 1 Jan 2020

Teacher Training, PGCE, Birmingham City University

1 Oct 20111 Jul 2012

Award Date: 1 Jul 2012

Theoretical Physics, MSci / Magnetoresistance in a quasi two-dimensional metal, University of Birmingham

1 Oct 20071 Jul 2011

Award Date: 19 Jul 2011

External positions

Software Sustainability Institute

1 Mar 2019 → …

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  1. SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
    SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy

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