Dr Adam Woodward 04/2017 - 12/2021, 03/2022 - present
Adam studied his MChem at University of East Anglia, Norwich, and developed an interest for laser spectroscopy whilst working with Dr Stephen Ashworth on the thermal lensing of phthalocyanine compounds. After this, Adam voyaged across the Atlantic to do a PhD at University of Central Florida, Orlando as part of Prof Kevin Belfield’s research group, looking at absorption, emission, and two-photon absorption of novel organic fluorophores and lanthanide complexes. It was also during this time that Adam added DFT calculations to his roster of skills. When not in the lab, Adam can be found tending a small vegetable patch in his garden, and drinking tea to a schedule you can set a clock by. Adam moved on to work with Alice Bowen for a little while but he's now back with us. |
Dr Naji Bassil 09/2020 - 09/2021
Naji completed a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biology at the University of Balamand, and worked as a research assistant at the American University of Beirut, studying the role of plant extracts in cancer cell apoptosis. He completed his PhD in Manchester studying cellulose- and isosaccharinate-degrading alkaliphilic microbes that may be present in/around a cementitious geological disposal facility for radioactive waste. He then took up a PDRA position in the Manchester Geomicrobiology group looking at the role of microbes in arsenic release to groundwater in South East Asia. Recently, Naji joined Natrajan group to study microbially-mediated U precipitation using state of the art imaging techniques.
When not in the lab, Naji plays rugby league, goes swimming, or goes for a stroll on his inline skates.
Naji completed a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biology at the University of Balamand, and worked as a research assistant at the American University of Beirut, studying the role of plant extracts in cancer cell apoptosis. He completed his PhD in Manchester studying cellulose- and isosaccharinate-degrading alkaliphilic microbes that may be present in/around a cementitious geological disposal facility for radioactive waste. He then took up a PDRA position in the Manchester Geomicrobiology group looking at the role of microbes in arsenic release to groundwater in South East Asia. Recently, Naji joined Natrajan group to study microbially-mediated U precipitation using state of the art imaging techniques.
When not in the lab, Naji plays rugby league, goes swimming, or goes for a stroll on his inline skates.
Dr Gina Kuippers 06/2019 - 06/2020
Having grown up in Germany, Gina did her undergrad at the RWTH Aachen, followed by an MSc at the University of Bremen, before she came over the Channel to take up a PhD in Geomicrobiology at the University of Manchester. For this work she studied microbial degradation and the impact on radionuclide transport relevant to the disposal of nuclear waste. After a short post-doc aligned with her PhD she became part of the Natrajan group to study mechanisms involved in microbial uranium reduction for which she is using two-photon laser absorption spectroscopy in combination with emission lifetime mapping techniques. When not in the lab, she can be found releasing her energy rock climbing, running marathons or beer races, playing ultimate Frisbee, camping, cycling…after this reading a book or baking seem like great ways to enjoy the rest of the day. |
Dr Alistair Holdsworth 02/2019 - 02/2020
Alistair graduated with an MChem from Manchester in 2010, moved around a bit, doing a PhD in pyromania (developing new fire retardants) at the University of Bolton. This was followed with several postdocs at UCL, UCLan, and Liverpool, making nanoparticles using really hot water, ion exchange materials for cleaning up radioactive waste, and inks for 3D printing respectively. He ended up back where he started in 2018 working for Prof Melissa Denecke, developing thin film simulants of spent nuclear fuel and studying the effects of radiation on their structure and other characteristics. After his boss was headhunted by the IAEA, Louise inhereted Alistair and has been tolerating his presence ever since! In his spare time, Alistair enjoys running around a field with a sword (medieval reenactor), deafening himself and others (going to gigs), beer, food, and the finer things in life! |
Dr Richard 'Clywedog' Grindell 11/2017 - 04/2019
Welshman, and devoted Gooner, Rich completed his MChem degree in Chemistry with Nanotechnology at The University of Hull in June 2013, completing a dissertation under the supervision of Prof Carl Redshaw. This gave him his first taste of main group synthetic organometallic chemistry. Rich then began a PhD candidate position at the University of Manchester in September 2013 with Prof Richard Layfield. It was here he discovered a passion for synthetic f-block chemistry, making rare-earth metallocene compounds with soft donor ligands to study their magnetic properties and reactivity. Upon completion of his thesis he took up a PDRA position in the Natrajan group in November 2017, working on synthesis and photophysics of lanthanide and uranium complexes. On the outside, Rich enjoys travelling, reading, supporting his beloved Arsenal and learning Nordic languages. Skål! |
Dr Jennifer Jones 10/2014 - 06/2017
Jenn completed her MChem and PhD at Cardiff University. Her final year undergraduate project and doctoral thesis were completed under the supervision of Dr Simon Pope, with the latter focussing on the development of novel chromophores for d- and f- metal ion luminescent systems. She then moved to Emerald Isle and joined Prof Thorri Gunnlaugsson's research group at Trinity College Dublin, continuing her interest in lanthanide luminescence, and combining it with chirality and self-assembly. In 2013 Jenn moved to the University of Manchester to join Prof Jonathan Clayden's research group where she investigated the interaction of synthetic foldamers with lipid membranes and the development of novel CD probes. 2014 sees Jenn joining Team Natrajan where she will be investigating the use of lanthanide complexes for molecular upconversion. In her spare time Jenn enjoys gin, baking, long walks on the beach and has a penchant for all things zombie. |
Dr Kathryn George 10/2013 - 04/2017
Bristol lass Kathryn George completed her undergraduate degree at The University of Southampton. She stayed there to do her PhD with Prof. Gill Reid and Prof. Bill Levason, investigating using coordination complexes of Group 13 metal halides with chalcogenoether ligands as single source precursors for chemical vapour deposition. She is now working on stabilisation of unusal oxidation states of uranium mono-oxo compounds, funded by The Leverhulme Trust. In her spare time she enjoys playing rugby and going to the gym. Also, to ensure she doesn't waste away from this excessive amount of exercise she also bakes. |
Dr Michael Andrews 10/2012 - 12/2016
Dr Michael Andrews completed his undergraduate degree at Cardiff University and then carried on at at Cardiff to do his PhD there; working under Dr Pope studying lanthanide ratiometric sensors. Afterwards he went to George Washington University in the states for something completely different, focusing on uranyl(VI) hybrid materials under Prof. Cahill. He returned to the UK in 2012 to start work for Louise looking at the emission properties of various lanthanide and actinide complexes, as well as investigating the quality of beer at most pubs in central Manchester. This work is funded by the EPSRC. In his spare time he enjoys drinking, pretending to be mannequins and stepping in for tattybogle off Wizadora. Mike left the group at the end of 2016, and is now working for the RSC as a Deputy Editor. |
Dr Fabrizio Ortu 02/2015 - 01/2016
Fabs completed his undergrad in Italy before moving to Nottingham for his PhD with Dr Debbie Kays where he worked on investigating s-block organometallic chemistry. He moved to Manchester in February 2014 to work with Dr David Mills to investigate terminal unsupported lanthanide-element multiple bonds. He moved groups (but not labs) and joined Team Natrajan to synthesise and study the physical properties of uranium-oxo species stabilised with sterically demanding amides. When not in the lab or buried in Lego Fabs enjoys playing football, watching TV series and reenacting old school horror movies (to the terror of the rest of the group). Fabs is still at Manchester but now working again with Dr David Mills. |
Dr Peter Harvey 01/2013 - 07/2015
Pete completed his MChem and then his PhD at Durham University under the supervision of Prof. David Parker. He primarily studied paramagnetic 19F NMR spectra and was also interested in lanthanide luminescence. He moved to Manchester to start work on a PhD+ under the supervision of Dr Louise Natrajan to investigate the synthesis and applications of upconversion lanthanide nanoparticles. Upon completion of his PhD+ he continued as a PDRA in group on the nanoparticle project. Known to his close friends as Pedro or Laserbeard, Pete enjoys baking lemon meringue pies and climbing mountains. He also set the trend for supporting Blackpool Rovers in the group?!? Pete left the group in July 2015 and is now working at MIT with Alan Jasanoff on the development of MRI contrast agents for neuroimaging applications. |
Dr Adam Swinburne 09/2010 - 12/2014
Dr Adam Swinburne received his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from the University of Durham. He spent his PhD working for Prof. Steed and Prof. Beeby studying anion recognition with organic compounds by fluorescence spectroscopy. Adam's research interests were based around the optical spectroscopy of actinides and funded by The Leverhulme Trust. In his spare time Adam enjoys shopping at B&Q, learning foreign languages and complaining. Adam is now a Radiation Protection Advisor for Tracerco in Billingham. |