London, England, United Kingdom
🔬 Driving breakthrough research through advanced X-ray CT at UCL As Experimental Manager at UCL-EIL, I help researchers unlock the secrets hidden inside materials - from next-gen batteries to complex geological samples. My work spans multi-scale characterisation projects that push the boundaries of what's possible with CT imaging. What I share here: 📰 XCT Mastery Monthly - Deep-dive insights into CT theory and practice 🔍 The X-ray Files - Critical safety lessons from X-ray incidents 🧪 XCT Weekly Insights - facility operations and breakthrough research As a board member of NXCT, I'm at the forefront of expanding CT scanning capabilities across the UK research community. My dual expertise in materials science and commodity analysis (focusing on gallium, tin, boron, and semiconductor supply chains with Project Blue) gives me unique insights into both the technical and strategic aspects of advanced materials research. Let's connect if you're: - Pushing the boundaries of materials research - Interested in advanced CT imaging techniques - Looking for insights on critical raw materials - Building the future of characterisation science 📧 Ready to discuss your next CT project? Drop me a message!
I'm a Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at UCL, working on critical materials and carbon capture and storage, two sides of the same problem: how we get the energy transition to actually work at the scale it needs to. On the critical materials side, my research looks at the elements the transition depends on, how we find them, process them, and use them more efficiently. CCS is the other half of the picture: the infrastructure and materials that let us deal with emissions we can't yet avoid. My background is in geochemistry and geosciences (PhD), and I tend to approach both problems from the rock up, using X-ray Computed Tomography and other analytical techniques to see what's happening inside materials and systems that are otherwise opaque. Before this role, I spent several years at UCL running the X-ray CT facility, which is where a lot of my methods and collaborations come from. I also collaborated with Project Blue on critical materials markets, which keeps the research connected to where the industry is actually moving. I share a lot of the X-ray CT work openly on Tomosphere, a platform I built for the community around the technique. Open to conversations with academic collaborators, industry partners working on critical materials or CCS, and students interested in joining the group. Get in touch.
During my appointment at the Chemical Engineering department, my contributions are evidenced by co-authorship of over 70 papers, predominantly focusing on the mineralogical and chemical aspects, as well as the interpretation of X-ray CT data. This extensive publication record underscores my commitment to advancing knowledge in the field. My expertise in X-ray Computed Tomography culminated in a significant role as a Co-Investigator (Co-I) for a £10 million grant, spearheaded by Manchester University, to establish the National Research Facility for lab-based X-ray Computed Tomography (NXCT). This endeavour, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) under grants EP/T02593X/1 and EP/V035932/1, underscores the recognition of my capabilities in the field. Notably, my involvement extends beyond the Co-I role; I actively participate in the NXCT Facility's Operation Board, engaging in strategic discussions and decision-making processes. This responsibility reflects not only my technical proficiency but also my capacity to contribute strategically to the direction and success of a substantial research initiative.
The project deals with the research and development in the area of correlative imaging using X-ray, electron and ion beam microscopy. The main focus will be on the ZEISS Xradia 810 Ultra maintenance and user's support, as well as the evaluation and review of system performance and Phase Contrast capabilities. A broad range of material will be scanned to highlight their internal structure by the way of micro and nano-computed tomography. Segmentation techniques will be employed, porosity and permeability calculation as well as tortuosity factor will be analysed.
NXCT is the UK’s National Research Facility for lab-based X-ray Computed Tomography. With funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), our objective is to grant access and expert assistance to both academic and industrial communities, catering to individuals new to the field and seasoned researchers. This encompasses the facilitation of cutting-edge 3D and 3D time-lapse imaging experiments. Launched in November 2020, NXCT is actively investing in expanding CT scanning capabilities. This initiative builds upon the existing resources and expertise drawn from the Universities of Manchester, Southampton, Warwick, University College London (UCL), and Diamond Light Source. The overarching aim is to deliver unparalleled 3D imaging capabilities within the United Kingdom. My role is to lead operations at the UCL EIL site in Central London, sitting at the Operation Board table, helping make strategic and logistic decisions
My research focuses on the analysis of the gallium, Germanium, Tin, Indium, Boron and REEs supply chains. I carry on primary and secondary research: this involves preparing detailed reports and interfacing with clients
I manage the world-leading X-ray facility in UCL’s Electrochemical Innovation Lab. Alongside delivering my own research programme, specifically focused on the application of X-ray imaging, I have successfully managed the facility. I am also Co-Investigator and a member of the Operation Board Committee for a £10M EPSRC fund led by the University of Manchester, in the framework of the National X-ray Computed Tomography Research Facility (NXCT, https://nxct.ac.uk/, EPSRC Grant EP/T02593X/1 and Capital award grant EPSRC Grant EP/V035932/1). In October 2025, as Co-Investigator, we secured an additional £6.5M in EPSRC funding to continue support for the NXCT facility (UKRI3067).
Evaluation of the Institute of Rock Structure and Mechanics of the CAS (IRSM). Chair of the committee, in charge of managing the portfolio, assigning outputs to Commission members, organising online meetings and scheduling and organising the onsite visit