• Interfacial phenomena
• Wetting of structured and patterned surfaces
• Computational multiphase fluids
• Software and algorithm design
• Energy landscapes methods

My multiphase fluids research focusses on the understanding of fundamental interfacial and wetting phenomena, and using this to support the innovation and development of novel capabilities, with an emphasis on sustainability. Previously, I have worked with Procter and Gamble to understand the wetting properties of super-liquid-repellent microtextures, then optimise these for target applications. I have also innovated new methods of cleaning in resource constrained environments. With ExxonMobil, I simulated and developed theory to understand capillary rise in rough channels, as part of their development of a liquid-infused carbon capture technology.

Underpinning this, I develop and utilise a range of computational tools, algorithms and software to study equilibria, transitions, and dynamics. This includes my development of phase-field (diffuse-interface) models to study multiphase wetting on complex geometries, and the computationally efficient Binary Image Transition State Search algorithm (BITSS). I use, and have contributed to, the Lattice Boltzmann algorithm for fluid dynamics, and energy landscapes software for finding energy minima, transition states, and minimum energy pathways.

As well as fluid and wetting phenomena, many of these algorithms have applicability across soft matter. For instance, I also have interest in elastic buckling phenomena and bio-elasticity, as well as colloidal and particle organisation.

I graduated from Durham University in 2015, with an MSci in Physics and Chemistry within the Natural Sciences Degree Program (1^st Class). I undertook my PhD in Physics at Durham University, entitled, “Exploring Stability Landscapes for Optimal Material Design: Application to Wetting of Structured Surfaces,” awarded in 2020. Since then I have been a PDRA at Durham and Cambridge University, before joining UEA as a Lecturer in Fluid Dynamics in 2022.

The Thermofluids research laboratory is managed by Dr Stefano Landini and Dr Jack Panter. The principal mission is the joint experimental and computational investigation of phase-change phenomena in heating and cooling, thermal management of electronics/batteries, and thermal energy storage applications. Example projects include: exploring and optimising systems which are thermally regulated by solid-liquid phase change materials, development of novel composites and hybrid phase change materials, and microstructure design and optimisation for liquid-vapour cooling. Our facilities also support a broad range of adjacent projects, from thermal characterisation, electrochemical batteries thermo-electric testing,  to the investigation of capillary phenomena.

Our experimental equipment includes:

• Climatic chamber BINDER MKF-115
• Arbitrary Power Supply for battery testing - EA-PSB 9080-120 80V 120A 2.5kW
• Thermal Baths Grant LTC4
• National Instruments DAQ systems (cDAQ) including multiple thermocouples, universal-input, relay, voltage modules
• Edwards High-Vacuum T-Station 300D Dry ISO100
• AVE Acrylic Vacuum Chamber ACB64-PT combined with Edwards XDD1 Mk2
• Thermal Conductivity Meter – TA Instruments FOX50
• Thermal Conductivity Meter - Linseis Transient Hot Bridge (THB)
• Resin 3D printing for microstructure fabrication.
• Custom capillary force sensing rig.
• Contact angle tensiometer
• Laboratory Fume Hoods
• Access to UEA Faculty of Science facilities including TA Instruments DSC, TGA, DSC/TGA (SDT), Raman Spectroscopy, SME, XDS