Current Group Members
Post-Doctoral Research Associates (PDRAs)
After receiving a BSc in Chemistry from the University of South Wales, Jack moved down the road to Cardiff to complete an MSc in Catalysis. This included a summer research project with Dr Ben Ward applying aluminium complexes to isocyanate trimerisation.
Upon graduation, Jack was accepted onto the CDT in Catalysis and chose a PhD with the Jones Group, looking at metal initiators for the polymerisation and depolymerisation of biopolymers. He has gone on to a PDRA position focusing on the selective degradation of polymers with zinc catalysts.
Outside of the lab, Jack enjoys playing folk music with various stringed instruments.
PhD Students
Dom Savage
Dom completed his undergraduate studies at Keele University in 2019 with a BSc in Chemistry. He then moved downstream to Nottingham Trent for his MRes, where he studied the design of carnosine derivatives as a treatment for diabetes with Dr Chris Garner in 2021.
Following this adventure in medicinal organic chemistry, he began his PhD with Prof Matthew Davidson and Prof Matthew Jones, exploring the design and chemical recycling of furan-based polymers, a class of biobased polymers. Since embarking on his PhD, Dom has optimised the chemical recycling of polyethylene furanoate (PEF), a sustainable alternative to PET, and designed a range of highly flexible furan-based copolymers.
When not tethered to his fume hood, Dom enjoys gaming, documentaries, and visiting zoos.
Matthew Cullen
Matthew graduated from Clemson University in the United States in 2017 with a BSc in Chemistry and a double minor in Physics and Engineering. He then completed an MSc in Green Chemistry and Sustainable Industrial Technology at the University of York, graduating in 2022 with a first. His research project was with Dr Tom Farmer studying the synthesis and properties of novel, bio-based, polyester ionomers for applications in the packaging industry. Matthew then spent six months as a Teaching Laboratory Facilitator in the University of York’s chemistry teaching labs.
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His current research explores the chemical recycling of mixed plastic feedstocks and deriving value from plastic waste.
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Outside of work, Matthew is an avid footballer who also loves to spend time bouldering, reading fantasy novels, gaming, and petting cats he finds on the street.
Edmund Dadge
Edmund graduated from the University of Bath in 2024 with a first-class Master’s in Chemistry. As part of his degree, he completed research projects with Dr Ruth Webster and Prof Antoine Buchard exploring catalyst design and novel sugar-derived polymers, respectively. Aside from studying, he completed a year-long industrial placement in 2021 at TE Connectivity using polymeric materials to prevent wildlife-induced electrical outages.
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His current research focuses on the synthesis of Lewis acidic catalysts for a range of sustainable
chemical transformations.
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In his spare time, Edmund enjoys finding new hiking routes around Bath, attempting to relearn badminton, and drinking lots of tea. On occasion, he judges intervarsity debating competitions.
Previous Group Members
PhD Students
Dr Jack Stewart (2022)
Dr Sandeep Kaler (2022)
Dr Jack Stewart (2021)
Dr Oliver Driscoll (2021)
Dr James Beament (2019)
Dr Helena Quilter (2018)
Dr Sarah Kirk (2017)
Dr Paul McKeown (2017)
Dr Heather Parker (2015)
Dr Tom Forder (2014)
Dr Rhodri Owen (2014)
Dr Christopher Ready (2013)
Dr Stuart Hancock (2013)
Dr Carlo Di Iulio (2012)
Dr Christine Cooper (2012)
Dr Emma Whitelaw (2011)
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Co-supervised PhDs
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Dr Strachan McCormick (2020)
Dr Kathryn Wills (2014)
Dr Glyn Griffiths (2014)
Dr Daniel Minnett (2013)​​
Previous PDRAs
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Dr Paul McKeown (2016-2020)
Dr Tomos Clarke (2016-2018)
Dr Massi Vezzoli (2013-2014)
​Dr Marek Lewandowski (2013-2014)
Dr Justin O’Byrne (2012-2015)​​
Visiting Students
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Daniel Ditz (RWTH Aachen University, 2018)
Pascal Schäfer (RWTH Aachen University, 2014, 2017)
Angela Metz (RWTH Aachen University, 2017)
Simoní da Ros (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 2015-2016)
Fernando S. Peleias Junior (University of São Paulo, 2014-2015)​