Meet Our Scientific Minds
Dr Giuseppe Bagnato
Giuseppe is a prominent figure in the field of Chemical Engineering, renowned for his pioneering work in sustainable energy and catalytic conversion technologies. As a Lecturer at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom, Giuseppe focuses on advancing scientific knowledge and addressing global challenges
through research and education. With a background rooted in Italy, Giuseppe’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, followed by a Master’s degree specializing in catalysis and reaction engineering. He furthered his studies with a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University, where his research centered on biomass conversion and renewable energy technologies.
Giuseppe’s research interests encompass a wide array of topics, including catalytic processes for biomass valorisation, hydrogen production, carbon capture and utilization, and renewable fuels synthesis. His work embodies a commitment to green chemistry principles and the development of sustainable energy solutions.
Beyond his scholarly pursuits, Giuseppe is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of engineers through education and mentorship. He brings a blend of academic rigor and practical relevance to his teaching, inspiring students to tackle complex engineering challenges.
In addition to his academic role, Giuseppe actively collaborates with industry partners and research institutions worldwide. Through these collaborations, he strives to translate scientific discoveries into tangible solutions that address societal needs and promote a more sustainable future.
Dillon Openshaw
Dillon is a dynamic and accomplished Chemical Engineering graduate from Lancaster University. Armed with a Meng degree, Dillon’s academic journey has been marked by a fervent passion for problem-solving and a keen interest in research and development.
During his academic tenure, Dillon excelled in various domains, including process unit design, material design, thermodynamics, and heat and mass transfer. His dedication and proficiency were evident in his ability to tackle complex engineering challenges and deliver innovative solutions.
In a notable summer internship at Lancaster University and Carbonbit Ltd, Dillon immersed himself in the realm of electrochemical carbon capture. Here, he developed a deep understanding of potentiostatic electrochemical tests and cell assembly, further solidifying his practical skills and research acumen.
Dillon is renowned for his exceptional communication skills, adept at conveying complex technical concepts with clarity and precision. His written proficiency is demonstrated through co-authoring peer-reviewed journal publications and reports, showcasing his ability to translate research findings into impactful insights.
Outside academia, Dillon enjoys pursuing diverse interests such as rock climbing, painting, and playing bass guitar. These hobbies underscore his adaptability and versatility, traits that complement his technical expertise and interpersonal skills.
With a solid foundation in Chemical Engineering and a wealth of practical experience, Dillon Openshaw is well-equipped to embark on a promising career path, where he seeks to continue making meaningful contributions to the field.
Samane Gholami
Samane is a dedicated and accomplished PhD student in Chemical Engineering at Lancaster University, with a strong enthusiasm for research and innovation in catalysis, reaction engineering, and green chemistry.
She embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, where she developed a strong foundation in reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and process design. Her passion for catalysis and sustainable energy led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering (Thermokinetics and Catalysis) at IUST. Her MSc research focused on nickel-based catalysts for CO₂ conversion into valuable products, particularly the methanation process. This work involved extensive experimental and analytical studies, leading to the publication of three research papers.
Samane’s research interests span heterogeneous catalysis, porous materials, renewable and bio-based energy, natural gas catalytic conversion, hydrogen production and storage, and CO₂ utilization. In her PhD, she is exploring hydrogen storage using bio-based compounds and developing novel catalysts for (de)hydrogenation reactions, emphasizing the advantages of liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) for sustainable energy storage.
Beyond academia, Samane gained hands-on industrial experience as a Catalyst Research and Development Supervisor. In this role, she worked on the production and optimization of industrial methanation catalysts, hydrodesulfurization (HDS) and hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) catalysts, as well as porous materials like boehmite and pseudo-boehmite. This experience sharpened her problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills while bridging the gap between academic research and industrial applications.
Drawing on her strong background in chemical engineering and her dedication to sustainable energy, Samane strives to develop cutting-edge solutions in catalysis and hydrogen storage. Her work is driven by a vision to enhance clean energy technologies, optimize industrial processes, and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
Alumni
- Mr Peter Akroyd
- Mr Muzaffar Bandarkar
- Mr Thomas Beech
- Mr Conor Brown
- Mr Adam Bucknall
- Ms Rachel Cotes
- Mr Matthew Hawkins
- Mr Christopher Hindley
- Mr Kamil Klimczak
- Mr Andy Lin
- Mr Sulaiman Mehta
- Mr Daniel Mills
- Mr Shaun O’Halloran
- Mr Farouq Md Saifudin
- Mr Matthew Somerville
- Mr Hashim Rabani
- Mr Oliver Randall
- Ms Michelle Thompson
Knowledge Optimisation for Renewable Energy Group 