Meet The Team
Research Fellow
Huan Doan
Huan Doan, a distinguished scholar, brings an impressive academic repertoire to the table. His credentials encompass a BSc and an MSc in Chemical Engineering, earned in 2009 and 2012 respectively, from the Hanoi University of Mining and Geology in Vietnam. Furthering his studies in the UK, he completed an MRes in Sustainable Chemical Technologies at the University of Bath in 2015 and went on to secure a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bristol in 2019.
Huan's research is centred on the development of sustainable synthesis and innovative manufacturing strategies, targeting the production of effective and cost-efficient catalysts for environmental remediation. His primary focus is on the application of nanoporous materials such as metal-organic frameworks, zeolites and functional silicas.
Committed to outreach, Huan has showcased his work through various platforms, such as reaching the semi-finals of the 3-Minute Thesis competition in 2017 at the University of Bristol and presenting his research to MPs at the esteemed STEM for BRITAIN event in 2019. In recognition of his impactful research and contributions to the wider community, Huan received the Inspirational Bristol Scientist Award in 2019 and was given an Honourable Mention at the nationwide Doctoral Researcher Award competition in 2020.
Beyond his professional and academic commitments, Huan has a passion for travel and photography, exploring the world through the lens of his camera.
Senior Research Associate
Lui Terry
Lui Terry is an esteemed scholar holding both an MSci (2012) and a PhD (2017) from the School of Chemistry at the University of Bristol. As part of his academic journey, Lui completed a productive year in the innovation department at Reckitt Benckiser (2010), gaining valuable industry experience. Following his studies, he served as an editor for the online scientific publisher, SelectScience, in 2018.
In 2019, Lui brought his skills and passion to the Ting group, joining us as a Research Associate to delve into the study of hydrogen storage materials. His research gravitates towards nanoporous hydrogen storage materials, exploring these as a viable, scalable alternative to access high-density phases of hydrogen and facilitate superconductivity.
In 2020, he was honoured with the prestigious Cavendish Gold Medal for physics at the STEM for Britain event held at the Houses of Parliament. This accolade acknowledged his ability to effectively communicate the implications of his research to MPs and various learned societies. Further affirming his research prowess, Lui was granted a small fund from the Engineering department to propel his research ideas forward. Join us in exploring Lui's ongoing research journey.
PhD Student
Charlie Brewster
Meet Charlie Brewster, an accomplished chemist who started his academic journey at the University of Brighton, where he earned a BSc in Chemistry (2018). His final year dissertation, an ingenious exploration into the design, development, and fabrication of a unique 3D-printed device for conducting equilibrium dialysis within UV-Vis Spectrophotometers, was acknowledged with the RSC Downlands Section prize for the best undergraduate research project.
Post-graduation, Charlie transitioned into the industry as a quality control chemist based in Essex. His academic callings brought him back to the University of Bristol in 2019 when he joined the ACCIS CDT. A year later, Charlie became a valuable member of the Ting Research group. Currently, his PhD research is centered around the formation and testing of superconductive composite materials. Join us as we follow Charlie's explorations into the world of superconductive composites.
PhD Student
Anna (Dankun) Yang
Meet Anna, an ambitious researcher with a strong foundation in both engineering and physics, nurtured through her undergraduate and master's degrees at the University of Bristol. In 2019, Anna embarked on her PhD journey to delve deeper into the topic she was introduced to during her MSc - the fascinating world of hydrogen isotopes.
From her initial encounters with hydrogen isotopes, Anna was completely drawn in, propelling her to select this as her primary research project. However, a single year of study couldn't quench her thirst for knowledge, prompting her to commit to an in-depth investigation as a part of her PhD work at the University of Bristol.
Her PhD research is focused on exploring feasible mechanisms for separating hydrogen isotopes using the adsorptive properties of innovative porous materials, such as porous organic cages.
Outside of her research, Anna finds joy in the culinary arts and travel, immersing herself in the wonders of music, appreciating the intricate beauty of painting, and staying active with a game of badminton. Join us as we follow Anna's pursuit of knowledge and her adventures beyond the lab.
PhD Student
Gianni Comandini
Introducing Gianni, a Civil Engineer hailing from Italy, whose research focus lies in the innovative realm of lightweight composite metamaterials tailored for sound applications. His PhD work delves into the application of advanced modelling and manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing, aimed at achieving precise noise manipulation with subwavelength materials.
Gianni's academic background is as varied as it is impressive. He attained a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, concentrating on Hydraulic Engineering, from Bologna University, Italy. His pursuit of knowledge further led him to a Master of Science in Engineering of Buildings Processes and Systems, with a specialization in Historic Buildings Rehabilitation.
His quest for global learning took him to Tongji University in China, where he secured a Master of Science in Architectural and Civil Engineering, deepening his expertise in Structural Mechanics.
Away from the world of engineering and research, Gianni enjoys immersing himself in nature, be it through hiking or fishing. He also appreciates the finer aspects of life, such as savouring excellent red wine. Join us in celebrating Gianni's multidimensional life, both as a researcher and a connoisseur of the great outdoors.
PhD Student
James Griffith
James is an experienced materials scientist with a multidisciplinary research and managerial background. After receiving his MChem from Cardiff University in 2010, James honed his skills within startup ventures, working on novel technologies such as boron-doped diamond water purification and microfluidic vanadium redox flow batteries.
Moving into research infrastructure management in 2016, James spent his time shaping high-performing materials characterisation research platforms at Monash University and the University of Melbourne around customer experience, continuous growth and innovation, and research excellence. This resulted in receiving Monash University's Vice-Provost (Research and Research Infrastructure) Award for Excellence in 2019.
On returning to the UK and with a strong desire to help develop advanced materials for a net-zero future, James began his PhD in 2021. His research is centered on developing crack-resistant polymer composite matrices for cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage, as part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Composites Science, Engineering and Manufacturing at the University of Bristol.
PhD Student
John Worth
John is a promising scholar, having graduated with a first-class degree in chemistry from the University of Leeds. His interest in materials science was piqued during his undergraduate studies, leading him to join the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Composites Science, Engineering, and Manufacturing (CoSEM) at the University of Bristol in 2020. His final year project involved the use of continuous flow processing, offering him valuable experience in the field.
Now, under the supervision of Professors Charl F. J. Faul and Valeska P. Ting, John is undertaking a doctoral research project aimed at developing functional nanocomposites for hydrogen storage applications. His research leverages the properties of conjugated microporous polymers, reflecting his deep commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions.
PhD Student
Meiran Abdo
Meet Meiran, a seasoned system engineer turned advanced composites researcher. Graduating from the University of Kent, Meiran brings his wealth of knowledge in designing and maintaining intricate systems into the scientific field.
His transition into the world of advanced composites was sparked by the unique properties of carbon fibre materials. As of 2020, Meiran is pursuing a PhD centred on the recycling of Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) waste from wind blades into concrete. Not confined to research alone, Meiran extends his expertise to industry projects, providing valuable micro-consulting services.
Visiting Research Fellow
Parimal Chandra Bhomick
Meet Parimal Bhomick, a dedicated scholar with an outstanding academic journey. In 2013, he earned his MSc from Nagaland University, India, and continued his educational pursuit to successfully obtain a PhD in Chemistry from the same institution in 2020, working under the esteemed guidance of Prof. Dipak Sinha. Following his academic accomplishments, Parimal assumed the role of an Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemistry, St. Joseph University in Chumoukedima, Nagaland, India. Currently, Parimal serves as a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Bristol, supported by the SIRE-Fellowship provided by the Science and Engineering Research Board, India.
Parimal's research endeavours are centred on the development of efficient and economically feasible porous materials for sustainable applications. His primary area of expertise involves the utilization of bio-based porous carbon materials for environmental remediations. He is currently working on the development, characterization, and testing of nanoporous materials, particularly metal-organic frameworks, for purposes such as hydrogen storage and agrochemical delivery.
With a history of academic excellence, Parimal is the recipient of gold medals in both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Notably, he was granted the prestigious INSPIRE-Fellowship by the Department of Science and Technology, India, which supported his doctoral studies from 2015 to 2020. In 2021, Parimal was honoured with the esteemed STE Young Researcher Award by the Save The Environment Society, recognizing his significant research contributions.
Beyond the confines of academia, Parimal discovers tranquillity in his passion for travel and love for music and poetry.
Group activities
Alumni
Graduated Students:
Dr Chiara Petrillo (PhD – primary supervisor, 2018-2022, University of Bristol)
Dr Bingqing Yao (PhD - secondary supervisor, 2016-2020, NUS, Singapore)
Dr Huan Doan (PhD – primary supervisor, 2015-2019, University of Bristol)
Dr Jemma Rowlandson (PhD - primary supervisor, 2013-2018, University of Bristol)
Dr Caterina Palange (EngD - secondary supervisor, 2017-2020, University of Bristol)
Dr Manu Mulakkal (PhD - secondary supervisor, 2013-2018, University of Bristol)
Dr Laura Beckett (PhD - secondary supervisor, 2013-2018, University of Bristol)
Dr Peter Duckworth (PhD - secondary supervisor, 2012-2017, University of Bristol)
Dr Jonathan Wagner (PhD - primary supervisor, 2012-2016, University of Bath)
Dr Antonio Noguera (PhD - secondary supervisor, 2012-2016, University of Bath)
Dr Jessica Bristow (PhD - secondary supervisor, 2013-2016, University of Bath)
Postdocs:
Dr Prasanth Karikkethu Prabhakaran (2018-2021, University of Bristol)
Dr Jemma Rowlandson (2019-2020, University of Bristol)
Dr Harina Amer Hamzah (2018-2020, University of Bristol)
Dr Kris LeVay (2017, University of Bristol)
Dr Mi Tian (2015-2017, University of Bath)
Dr Rhodri Jenkins (2015, University of Bath)
Dr Dominic Wales (2014-2015, University of Bath)