Meet the group

Kelly is a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the University of Surrey. She obtained her PhD (2016) from the University of Patras, Greece before undertaking research positions in both academia and industry. Her research focuses on the nanoengineering of catalytic materials for greenhouse gas conversion, CO₂ utilisation, hydrogen production, and clean energy applications, with expertise in advanced catalytic systems for low-carbon technologies. Alongside her research, Kelly is actively engaged in science communication and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives, and has been recognised for her contributions to widening participation and supporting women in STEM. Outside work she loves exercising, fashion but more importantly exploring life with her toddler and partner.

Shailza is a Postdoctoral Researcher in Chemical Engineering at the University of Surrey, where she designs and studies advanced oxide materials for heterogeneous catalysis. Her work centres on exsolved catalysts that can convert CO₂ to useful fuels and chemicals, contributing to more sustainable carbon utilisation technologies. She is an expert in techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, and operando spectroscopies, building structure–property relationships that guide smarter catalyst design. Beyond the lab, she is passionate about supporting students and actively engaging with the broader scientific and industrial community through international conference presentations and public outreach on climate solutions. Outside of work, she prioritises fitness and enjoys exploring new places and books, that broaden her horizons.

Xiaoling is a Research Fellow in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University of Surrey, working within the UK-HyRES project, led by Prof Qiong Cai. She obtained her PhD in Power Engineering and Engineering Thermophysics from Shandong University in China. Her current research focuses on catalyst design for ammonia-related energy and environmental applications, particularly NOx reduction, ammonia decomposition, and selective ammonia oxidation. Outside work, she enjoys exploring different cities and cultures.

Angelos holds an MEng in Chemical Engineering from the University of Surrey and an MSc in Global Management of Natural Resources from University College London. Alongside industry experience in oil refining and the wider energy sector, his background combines hands-on industrial experience with expertise in engineering, energy systems, and sustainable resource management. He is currently in the third year of his PhD, with his research focusing on the synthesis of exsolved materials for CO₂ utilisation. Specifically, he works with Nickel- and Gallium-based systems that selectively promote the conversion of CO₂ to methanol at atmospheric pressure. Outside of his academic work, he enjoys competing in league basketball and broadening his perspective through travel and new cultural experiences.

Michael graduated Durham University in 2021 (MCHEM) with his Masters project in top-down synthesis of few-layer graphene. He then worked for four years as a development chemist within the lithium salt industry before joining the University of Surrey as a PhD researcher in 2026. His doctoral work focuses on development and application of exsolved Cu/metal oxide compounds for selective catalysis of CO₂ hydrogenation to methanol. Outside of research, Michael enjoys light DIY, particularly 3D printing and sports.