SYNTHESIS • CATALYSIS • MECHANISM
Group Leader
Mark Greenhalgh
Mark is originally from North Yorkshire, and completed his Undergraduate degree at the University of Sheffield, including a final year project with Dr Simon Jones. During his Undergraduate, Mark spent an enjoyable year studying in Australia at the University of Wollongong. Mark moved to the University of Bristol in 2010 to join the Bristol Chemical Synthesis CDT, before starting a PhD with Dr Steve Thomas on the iron-catalysed hydrofunctionalisation of alkenes and alkynes. In September 2012, Mark moved with Steve to the University of Edinburgh to complete his PhD.
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Mark then moved to the University of St Andrews to conduct postdoctoral work with Prof. Andrew Smith on the development and mechanistic understanding of organocatalytic enantioselective methodologies.
In April 2020 Mark moved to The University of Warwick as an Assistant Professor to start his independent research group.
PhD Students
Henry Stone (3rd year Phd)
I am originally from Oxfordshire and I obtained my integrated MChem degree from the University of Warwick in 2022. During my degree I attempted to carry out a summer research project which was interrupted by the covid-19 pandemic.
I completed my masters Research project under the supervision of Dr Stefan Roesner and Prof. Mike Shipman on improving the synthesis of cyclic hydrazino acids. Currently, I am working on my PhD in the Greenhalgh group, on a project sponsored by GoldenKeys High-Tech Materials Co. Ltd.
In my free time, I enjoy reading and playing video and social deduction games.
Jason Westwood (2nd year PhD)
Originally from Shropshire, I earned my BSc in Chemistry from the University of Warwick in 2022 and continued on with an MRes at the same university in 2023, where I had the chance to work with Mark. Currently, I'm pursuing my PhD in the same group, and my research is about developing chalcogen bonding catalysts.
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Outside of my lab work, I like baking, cooking, and playing the piano and violin.
Fiona Gibson (2nd year PhD)
I am originally from the South Lakes and graduated with an integrated Masters Degree from Lancaster University. I undertook my Masters Research in 2023 under Dr Michael Peach in computational and quantum chemistry. I am currently in the first year of my PhD looking at developing a deeper understanding of chalcogen bonding, in the context of catalysis. As part of the EUTOPIA scheme, I am co-superised by Mercedes Alonso and Frank De Proft at Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB), where I will spend the second year of my PhD utilising computational methods to aid in my research.
In my free time I enjoy playing the flute, reading, and playing netball.
Caitlin Williams (1st year PhD)
I am originally from rural Leicestershire and obtained my MChem degree in Chemistry from the University of Warwick. In 2022, I carried out a summer placement funded by the Royal Society of Chemistry under the supervision of Dr Mark Greenhalgh and Dr Matthew Jenner. During this time, I worked on the synthesis of diazirines for biological target identification and developed a passion for chemical biology. My Master’s research project similarly brought together these two disciplines as I looked at zinc transfer and metalloproteins under the supervision of Prof. Claudia Blindauer.
For my PhD, I have returned to the Jenner and Greenhalgh groups and am working on synthesising diazirine probes for the study of natural product biosynthesis and their mechanisms of action.
Outside of the lab I enjoy painting, gardening, and spending time in nature.
Vincent Lau (1st year PhD)
My roots stems from the far east. Originally, from China but raised in Merseyside specifically the Wirral. I did my MChem at the University of Edinburgh and during my final year, I did my master in industry with Sunamp Ltd under the supervision Dr Gylen Odling, Dr Kate Fischer and Professor Colin Pulham regarding material and surface chemistry. Now my research involves the design, synthesis and application of solid supported chalcogen bonding catalysts, on a project sponsored by GoldenKeys High-Tech Materials Co. Ltd.
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When I’m free, I enjoy meeting up with friends for a chat or occasionally basketball and golf nowadays. If none of these, it would be me chilling and sleeping.
Abbe Lowe (MIBTP rotation)
I am originally from Berkshire and gained my BSc in Chemistry at the University of Warwick in 2023. I worked towards a MSc by Research as part of both the Greenhalgh and Jenner Groups and I am now doing a PhD in these groups, funded by the Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership (MIBTP DTP). My project will combine protein biochemistry and chemical synthesis to explore domain communication and substrate scope in fungal hybrid polyketide synthases.
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In my free time, I follow the Formula 1 season and enjoy long walks and socialising with friends.
Masters Students
Muna Afrah (MRes)
Originally from London, I earned my BSc in Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Warwick in 2024. I'm currently pursuing my MSc by Research at the same university as part of the Greenhalgh group, where I’m gaining an understanding of chalcogen bonding catalysis.
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Outside of academia, I enjoy all things skincare and nature, as well as baking
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Qi Xu (MSc)
I come from China. I completed my undergraduate studies in Chemistry Education. Currently, I am pursuing my master’s degree in Analytical Science and Instrumentation at the University of Warwick. And now I'm doing research as part of Greenhalgh group.
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In my free time, I enjoy listening to music and playing video games, which help me relax.