Biography and previous work

I obtained my MEng in materials science and engineering in 2020 from the university of Sheffield. During my undergraduate studies I completed projects involving the characterisation of magnetic thin films, modelling erbium doping in perovskite structures, calibration and testing of a new X-ray diffractometer, evaluation of silk gland preservation techniques, Fukushima corium surrogate synthesis, and echidna quill characterisation.

Current work

My Current PhD research follows on from my previous echidna spine characterisation to encompass porcupine and hedgehog quills. I am investigating the structure of these quills using optical and electron microscopy and analysing the chemistry with techniques including FTIR to determine the type/types of keratin that make up these structures. I am also testing the materials properties of these quills to gain a fuller understanding that combines their form and function.

Personal interest

I am a fan of boardgames, RPG’s, rock climbing, and my dog Squire.