PhD student-staff committee
Chemical Engineering PhD student-staff committee
Who We Are
The PhD student-staff committee includes the departmental PhD representative, who chairs the committee, representatives of the various research areas, as well as the Postgraduate Tutor, the Director of Postgraduate Studies and the Postgraduate Office Manager.
We are here to voice needs and concerns to the administration and organise events for PhD students. Please feel free to approach us with any concerns or suggestions you might have for the department.
2019-2020 PhD Rep Elections - The Candidates
Departmental PhD Representative
The Departmental PhD Representative is the link between the Department and the Student Union and a representative to all the PhD students in the Department. The ideal candidate should have some experience with Student Union societies and an interest in the postgraduate community throughout the College. The Departmental PhD Representative normally chairs the PhD student-staff committee meetings.
Oskar Lange
Hi, I’m Oskar, a new addition to the department after joining earlier this year from the Department of Life Sciences and a 3rd year PhD student in Karen Polizzi’s lab. I am standing in the elections as I have had reasonable success as a Life Science’s departmental representative and hope to leverage this experience of public service to the role of “Departmental PhD Representative” here in Chemical Engineering. Having attended PhD socials in both departments I have a fairly good handle on the important issues which matter to PhD students most. I’ll start by making sure the coffee in the DCR does not run out prior to your arrival.
Nadin Moustafa
Hi all, I've just started the second year of my PhD. I was the energy and environmental representative. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being on the committee; I’ve worked on providing social events, but also focused on increasing outreach, equality & motivation in the department. It was also important to promote equality and diversity, and I'm working for an EDI seed fund to tackle this. I am also part of the Equality, Diversity & Culture Committee (EDCC) within the department. I genuinely care about all of the causes we are working on and my rep. colleagues last year said I'd make an excellent departmental representative. I hope last year showed that I’m very approachable and I’d love to listen to anyone that has any issues.
Biomedical engineering and industrial biotechnology representative
The Biomedical engineering and industrial biotechnology representative represents PhD students from the following academic research groups: DDr Francesca Ceroni, Dr Rongjun Chen, Professor Jason Hallett, Dr Jerry Heng, Professor Klaus Hellgardt, Professor Sergei Kazarian, Dr Cleo Kontoravdi, Dr J Krishnan, Professor Andrew Livingston, Dr Karen Polizzi, Professor Nilay Shah, Professor Daryl Williams, Professor Yun Xu, Dr Ali Yetisen
No nominations received
Energy and environmental engineering representative
The Energy and environmental engineering representative represents PhD students from the following academic research groups: PProfessor João Cabral, Dr Benoit Chachuat, Professor Paul Fennell, Professor Jason Hallett, Dr Adam Hawkes, Professor Klaus Hellgardt, Professor George Jackson, Professor Sergei Kazarian, Professor Paul Luckham, Professor Sandro Macchietto, Professor Geoff Maitland, Professor Christos Markides, Dr Marcos Millan-Agorio, Dr Camille Petit, Dr Ronny Pini, Dr Roberto Rinaldi, Professor Nilay Shah, Dr Qilei Song, Professor Nina Thornhill, Dr Chris Tighe, Professor Magda Titirici, Professor Martin Trusler
Richard Lobo
I joined Imperial in March 2019 as a first year PhD student in Prof. Magda Titirici’s group. Our group focuses on sustainable energy materials, and inside that I study carbon nanodots, one of the few nanoparticles that are non-toxic, scalable, can be made from cheap and abundant precursors and have promising optoelectronic properties for application in fields such as bioimaging and photocatalysis. Before starting my PhD I worked as an engineer designing and installing scientific instruments and before that did my undergrad at Oxford, with my Masters project on the passivation of silicon solar cells.
I would like to develop alternative social events in the Department, such as board / card games. I have run chess and board game clubs and competitions from primary school through to my undergrad. Please let me know if you have any other suggestions and don’t hesitate if you want to get in contact.
Materials representative
The Materials representative represents PhD students from the following academic research groups: Professor João Cabral, Dr Rongjun Chen, Professor Paul Fennell, Dr Jerry Heng, Professor Sergei Kazarian, Professor Paul Luckham, Professor Kang Li, Professor Andrew Livingston, Professor Paul Luckham, Dr Camille Petit, Dr Qilei Song, Dr Christopher Tighe, Professor Daryl Williams
Sean McIntyre
Now this is the story all about how,
My life got flipped-turned upside down,
And If you'd like to take a minute, read right here,
I'll tell you what I did for you as a PhD rep last year.
I helped turn the breakfast into a brunch,
Got you scones, with jam and cream,
Sent you so many e-mails you probably want to scream,
But I gave you more gin,
And I think that’s a win.
I also gave you BBQ at the cost of my eyes,
Who knew sitting by so much smoke was not very wise?
let’s get real, I’ve helped out in so many things, so please vote for me guys.
Multiphase transport processes representative
The Multiphase transport processes representative represents PhD students from the following academic research groups: Professor Klaus Hellgardt, Professor Serafim Kalliadasis, Professor Sandro Macchietto, Dr Christos Markides, Professor Omar Matar, Dr Ronny Pini, Professor Yun Xu
No nominations received
Multi-scale computational chemical engineering representative
The Multi-scale computational chemical engineering representative represents PhD students from the following academic research groups: Professor Claire Adjiman, Dr Benoit Chachuat, Professor Paul Fennell, Professor Amparo Galindo, Dr Adam Hawkes, Professor George Jackson, Professor Serafim Kalliadasis, Dr Cleo Kontoravdi, Dr J Krishnan, Professor Sandro Macchietto, Professor Christos Markides, Professor Omar Matar, Professor Erich Müller, Professor Costas Pantelides, Professor Nilay Shah, Professor Nina Thornhill, Professor Yun Xu
Tom Kavanagh
Currently, I am in my first year of studies towards a PhD, investigating process control within biopharmaceutical processes at the Centre of Process System Engineering. Outside of my PhD I enjoy learning about food science, and of course putting this theory to practice much to my flatmates and group members delight. I also enjoy running, but that doesn't sound quite as interesting - sometimes it isn't.
Personally, I am sociable, and committed to making improvements to make your time at Imperial as enjoyable as possible. I will listen to your problems ensuring these are discussed at a higher committee level in the department, and faculty of engineering. Further, I am well equipped to stand as representative due to over 4 years experience within multiple professional institutes' committees including the IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) and the EI (Energy Institute). At one time, I multi-tasked roles standing as a member within four different committees. Now I focus my efforts between two roles as Chair of the IChemE National Young Members Committee, and committee member of the IChemE Early Careers Research Forum improving opportunities. Overall, I believe my experience, and energy warrants my nomination to stand as the Multi-Scale Computation Chemical Engineering Representative.
Multi-scale thermodynamics and molecular systems representative
The Multi-scale thermodynamics and molecular systems representative represents PhD students from the following academic research groups: Professor Claire Adjiman, Professor Amparo Galindo, Professor George Jackson, Professor Serafim Kalliadasis, Professor Geoff Maitland, Professor Christos Markides, Professor Omar Matar, Professor Erich Müller, Professor Martin Trusler
No nominations received
Reaction engineering and applied catalysis representative
The Reaction engineering and applied catalysis representative represents PhD students from the following academic research groups: Professor David Chadwick, Professor Klaus Hellgardt, Professor Jason Hallett, Professor Geoff Kelsall, Professor Kang Li, Dr Marcos Millan-Agorio, Dr Camille Petit, Dr Roberto Rinaldi, Dr Christopher Tighe, Professor Magda Titirici
No nominations received
Separations representative
The Separations representative represents PhD students from the following academic research groups: Dr Benoit Chachuat, Professor Jason Hallett, Professor Kang Li, Professor Andrew Livingston, Dr Ronny Pini, Dr Camille Petit, Dr Qilei Song
No nominations received
Soft matter engineering representative
The Soft matter engineering representative represents PhD students from the following academic research groups: Professor João Cabral, Dr Rongjun Chen, Professor George Jackson, Professor Serafim Kalliadasis, Professor Sergei Kazarian, Professor Andrew Livingston, Professor Paul Luckham, Professor Geoff Maitland, Professor Omar Matar, Professor Erich Müller, Dr Karen Polizzi, Dr Qilei Song, Professor Daryl Williams, Dr Ali Yetisen
No nominations received
The 2018-2019 PhD Representatives
Departmental PhD Representative
The Departmental PhD Representative is the link between the Department and the Student Union and a representative to all the PhD students in the Department. The ideal candidate should have some experience with Student Union societies and an interest in the postgraduate community throughout the College. The Departmental PhD Representative normally chairs the PhD student-staff committee meetings.
Oliver Watson
Hi everyone, I’m Oliver – or, as most of you might know me, the guy who sends the emails with the gifs. During the last year, I’ve been the carrier pigeon for the department, run my first marathon, and presented work at my first conference, so I clearly have a taste for the finer (read: potentially gruelling, unquestionably frustrating, and eventually rewarding) things in life. And what could be finer than Departmental Representative?
This is now my sixth year studying Chem Eng at Imperial, three of which I’ve been a student rep for this department. Over this last year, a lot has been done for student welfare, with strategies being put in place to tackle (and hopefully harmonise) incongruous student-supervisor expectations, as well as bullying in the workplace. As departmental rep, I would continue to work with the other reps and academics to further these plans, helping to make our department something that everyone can enjoy* being a part of.
Now, where would a manifesto be without a mention of socials? Last year, I went a little over the top with my pledges in this area (although the Christmas party is still going ahead!), so I’ll keep it short – monthly breakfasts and social nights are a must, and other themed events will be great! I look forward to working, chatting, eating and drinking with you all!
*no promises can be made about how much you may or may not enjoy reading literature, or your work in general.
Biomedical engineering and industrial biotechnology representative
The Biomedical engineering and industrial biotechnology representative represents PhD students from the following academic research groups: Dr Rongjun Chen, Dr Peter DiMaggio, Dr Valeria Garbin, Professor Jason Hallett, Dr Jerry Heng, Professor Klaus Hellgardt, Professor Sergei Kazarian, Dr Cleo Kontoravdi, Dr J Krishnan, Professor Andrew Livingston, Professor Sakis Mantalaris, Dr Karen Polizzi, Professor Nilay Shah, Dr Daryl Williams, Professor Yun Xu
Frederik Link
My name is Frederik Link and I am a first year PhD student focusing on biocrystallisation-strategies within the research group of Dr. Jerry Heng. Besides my studies, I really enjoy hanging out with friends, participating in various sports exercises, and exploring all the fun things London has to offer. As a very openminded, warm-hearted person who values people’s opinions very highly, I would be an ideal representative within department to ensure student academic, social, and personal wellbeing.
Energy and environmental engineering representative
The Energy and environmental engineering representative represents PhD students from the following academic research groups: Professor João Cabral, Dr Benoit Chachuat, Professor Paul Fennell, Dr Gonzalo Guillén-Gosálbez, Professor Jason Hallett, Dr Adam Hawkes, Professor Klaus Hellgardt, Professor George Jackson, Professor Sergei Kazarian, Professor Geoff Kelsall, Dr Bradley Ladewig, Professor Paul Luckham, Professor Sandro Macchietto, Professor Geoff Maitland, Professor Christos Markides, Dr Marcos Millan-Agorio, Dr Camille Petit, Dr Ronny Pini, Dr Roberto Rinaldi, Professor Nilay Shah, Dr Qilei Song, Professor Nina Thornhill, Dr Chris Tighe, Professor Martin Trusler
Nadin Moustafa
My name is Nadin Moustafa, I started my PhD this October in Carbon Capture and Storage. My supervisors are Dr Kyra Campbell and Prof. Martin Trusler. I would love to represent us and help out with events, because I have always loved being involved.
“O human race, born to fly upward, wherefore at a little wind dost thou so fall?”How can you not vote for me? When you do, “Remember tonight, for it is the beginning of always”.
Materials representative
The Materials representative represents PhD students from the following academic research groups: Professor João Cabral, Dr Rongjun Chen, Professor Paul Fennell, Dr Jerry Heng, Professor Sergei Kazarian, Professor Geoff Kelsall, Dr Bradley Ladewig, Professor Paul Luckham, Professor Kang Li, Professor Andrew Livingston, Professor Paul Luckham, Dr Camille Petit, Dr Qilei Song, Dr Chris Tighe, Professor Daryl Williams
Sean McIntyre
Hi all,
I’m from the Surfaces and Particle Engineering Laboratory, applying for materials PhD rep.
Rhyme time:
I’m a first year PhD,
My master’s degree was in chemistry,
I’ll listen to your problems wait and see,
And sort you out with alcohol,
So vote for me.
if you want,
there’s no pressure.
It’d be nice, you know?
Multiphase transport processes representative
The Multiphase transport processes representative represents PhD students from the following academic research groups: Dr Valeria Garbin, Professor Klaus Hellgardt, Professor Serafim Kalliadasis, Professor Sandro Macchietto, Dr Christos Markides, Professor Omar Matar, Dr Ronny Pini, Professor Yun Xu
Junyoung Hwang
My name is Jun, and I am a third year PhD student in Ronny Pini's group. I did my undergraduate at Georgia Tech and moved to the UK to do my PhD two years ago, and I would like to be more involved in the department by being part of the PhD committee. I was an executive board member of the Student Advisory Board for two years in university, in which I organised social events to bring faculty and students together, and addressed student concerns to the academic board. I would like to bring that experience to the Chem Eng department here at Imperial, and I look forward to getting to know everyone.
Multi-scale computational chemical engineering representative
The Multi-scale computational chemical engineering representative represents PhD students from the following academic research groups: Professor Claire Adjiman, Dr Benoit Chachuat, Dr Peter DiMaggio, Professor Paul Fennell, Professor Amparo Galindo, Dr Gonzalo Guillén-Gosálbez, Dr Adam Hawkes, Professor George Jackson, Professor Serafim Kalliadasis, Dr Cleo Kontoravdi, Dr J Krishnan, Professor Sandro Macchietto, Professor Sakis Mantalaris, Professor Christos Markides, Professor Omar Matar, Professor Erich Müller, Professor Costas Pantelides, Professor Nilay Shah, Professor Nina Thornhill, Professor Yun Xu
Thomas Upcraft
Hello,
My name is Thomas Upcraft and I am currently working on modelling and simulating biomass conversion processes within Miao Guo’s group. My favorite movie “The brothers Grimsby” pretty much sums up the wonderful life in my idyllic hometown (Grimsby) and gives an impression of what I am normally up to in daily life.
I am 23 years old and still a baby in terms of PhD experience (1st year). That doesn’t mean, however, that I am not fully convinced of being the exact right person to vote for. As a member of the windsurfing society, I am very experienced in organizing barbecues, weekend trips and diverse other social activities. Furthermore, my interpersonal skills would be a great benefit for the PhD community in order to make your studies even more fun and interesting.
Through me your voice will be heard and I will do my best to give you the chance to shape the future of the department.
Cheers,
Tom
Multi-scale thermodynamics and molecular systems representative
The Multi-scale thermodynamics and molecular systems representative represents PhD students from the following academic research groups: Professor Claire Adjiman, Professor Amparo Galindo, Dr Gonzalo Guillén-Gosálbez, Professor George Jackson, Professor Serafim Kalliadasis, Professor Geoff Maitland, Professor Christos Markides, Professor Omar Matar, Professor Erich Müller, Professor Martin Trusler
David Bowskill
Hi, I'm David, a second year PhD student in the Molecular Systems Engineering group. I was also an undergraduate in this department.
Reaction engineering and applied catalysis representative
The Reaction engineering and applied catalysis representative represents PhD students from the following academic research groups: Professor David Chadwick, Professor Klaus Hellgardt, Professor Jason Hallett, Professor Geoff Kelsall, Professor Kang Li, Dr Marcos Millan-Agorio, Dr Camille Petit, Dr Roberto Rinaldi, Dr Chris Tighe
Martin Kessler
Hello all,
I’d like to make you an offer you can’t refuse…
My name is Martin Kessler and I come from the rather wonderful Bavarian alps in Germany. I am entering my second year as a PhD student in the Rinaldi group and I focus on Mechanocatalysis of biomass.
My friends describe me as Don Vito Corleone from the Godfather movie, as I always know the correct strings to pull to get things done. BBQs? PhD Breakfasts? Chem Eng Oktoberfest? You name it, I’ll arrange it. I want to help create an atmosphere that puts the FUN back in PhD (PhFUND?). I have very good time-management skills so the extra burden of this position I will be able to balance well.
I’m also a welcoming individual, so people should find no bother in approaching me with any concerns or suggestions they may have, which is an important attribute to have.
Cheers,
Martin
Separations representative
The Separations representative represents PhD students from the following academic research groups: Dr Benoit Chachuat, Dr Peter DiMaggio, Professor Jason Hallett, Dr Bradley Ladewig, Professor Kang Li, Professor Andrew Livingston, Dr Ronny Pini, Dr Camille Petit, Dr Qilei Song
Siyao Li
Hello everyone, I'm Siyao and I am a first year PhD student working at the Barrer Centre, under Prof. Andrew Livingston. I finished my master degree in Chemical Engineering here in September, so I already have some knowledge of the workings of the department and now I am keen to get involved with the PhD committee. I am an energetic and enthusiastic person though you may think I am a little bit shy when you first meet me (Definitely not when you get to know me). In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, watching live music with friends and doing sports like yoga and swimming. I think doing research is just a part of our PhD life, so I like to communicate with other people and take part in a variety of events to make life more colourful.
I present myself as a representative because I would like to form a nice and warm community of PhD students that get on well with each other by many interesting social activities such as having breakfast together, taking part in pub quizzes or having a beer. I think it is important to have a group of people with whom you can take it easy while we work. I had been a minister in Student Union and Young Volunteer Association when I was an undergraduate, so I had a lot of experience of holding different activities such as charity bazaar, sports meeting and New Year dinner. From my master experience here last term, I have gained some experience of proposing a lot of activities that will allow people to meet with each other and escape from the busy research work. Coupling that with my enthusiasm for planning events, you are likely to see and enjoy a plenty of food and drinks in the SCR as well as games, barbecue, afternoon tea, music and movie nights and Christmas Party!) I am passionate to be a representative and work with others to resolve issues that may arise in your PhD life in a fast and effective way.
So please vote for me and I will try my best to contribute to our lovely chemical engineering PhD family. Big Smile!
Soft matter engineering representative
The Soft matter engineering representative represents PhD students from the following academic research groups: Professor João Cabral, Dr Rongjun Chen, Dr Valeria Garbin, Professor George Jackson, Professor Serafim Kalliadasis, Professor Sergei Kazarian, Professor Andrew Livingston, Professor Paul Luckham, Professor Geoff Maitland, Professor Omar Matar, Professor Erich Müller, Dr Qilei Song, Professor Daryl Williams
Adam Oxley
Hey everyone!
For those who haven’t met me yet, I’m Adam.
I’m a first year PhD student in the Livingston group but have also been at Imperial College for the last four years completing a MEng in Chemical Engineering. In that time, I have had a lot of experience with both the department and the student union - from roles in ChemEngSoc, squash, athletics and cross country societies.
The main reason I want to run for PhD rep is because I wish to make everyone’s time here as enjoyable as possible. I know that being a student at Imperial College is time consuming and challenging, however, it is also a great opportunity to make friends and socialise. I will be there to listen to any difficult issues that you may have and I will also be there to organise all of the events and socials. I look forward to meeting all of you and I’m excited for us to work together to improve the PhD experience in the department!
Events
The PhD reps have organised several very successful events, including a summer barbecue, Christmas and Halloween parties and monthly social gatherings. Fortcoming events will be communicated by e-mail.