The Team

Laura obtained her Masters in Chemistry from Heriot-Watt University (2013-2018), working on the synthesis of hyper-closo carboranes under the supervision of Prof. Alan Welch during her final year project. She then obtained an MRes in Sustainable Chemical Technologies and a Ph.D in Chemistry as part of a CDT at the University of Bath (2018-2023), working on catalytic transformations at phosphorus, supervised by Dr David Liptrot. Laura was selected as one of the delegates from the UK to attend the 'Second Commonwealth Chemistry Congress' in 2023. She joined the Jupp Group in June 2023 to investigate the synthesis and uses of novel functionalised photoswitches, and small-molecule activation. Outside of the lab Laura enjoys baking, hiking (Pokémon™ hunting) and playing board games.

Emma gained a First class BSc (Honours) in Natural Sciences (Chemistry) from the Open University in 2019, for which she was also awarded two Haynes Prizes. She was awarded a distinction for her MSc in Pharmaceutical Science and Medicinal Chemistry at Loughborough University, and also received the Chemistry MSc Prize for achieving the highest degree mark across the Chemistry MSc courses. She joined the Jupp group in September 2020 at the University of Birmingham where she has performed extensive work on the areas of azophosphines and coordination chemistry. 

Ethan joined the group as a PhD student in September 2021 after a successful MSci project in the group in the year before. During his MSci degree at the University of Birmingham, he won the Jeremy Fullbrook Prize for his excellent performance in organic chemistry at the University of Birmingham, and spent his third year abroad at the University of Helsinki, Finland, in 2019-20. During the Dalton Young Members conference in 2023 Ethan received a commendation for his talk on fluorescent phosphines for metal sensing. Outside of chemistry, he is a long-suffering Everton fan and a keen tennis player. 

Alastair, originally from Sheffield, obtained his MSci degree at the University of Birmingham. His MSci project (2022) was joint between the Jupp and Barendt groups, where he studied the encounter complex in frustrated Lewis pair chemistry; he returned to the Jupp group as a Royal Society-funded PhD student to further his research into the properties of frustrated Lewis pairs and small-molecule activation. Alastair won the Bright SCIdea competition 2024 run by the Society of Chemical Industry, in addition to being awarded Postgraduate Teaching Assistant of the year 2024 as chosen by his fellow lab demonstrators and academics. Outside the lab, Alastair’s other interests have led him to regularly volunteer for both St John Ambulance and the Ffestiniog Railway. Alongside these, he also enjoys hiking, bouldering, and good coffee.

Cathal completed his undergraduate degree in Chemistry with Environmental and Sustainable Chemistry (2020-2024), in University College Dublin. He completed his final year research project "Synthesis of Novel Coinage Metal Pre-catalysts supported by α,α-Diimine Ligands" under the supervision of Andrew D. Phillips. Joining the Jupp Group in September 2024, Cathal's PhD project focuses on the design of azophosphines ligands. Outside of the lab Cathal enjoys hiking and illustration. 

Lewis obtained his MSci degree in 2024 from the University of Birmingham after completing his final year research project in the Jupp group. His research project was in collaboration with Dr Natalie Fey at the University of Bristol and focused on exploring the ligand properties of azophosphines. Returning to the Jupp group to complete his PhD, his research involves probing and predicting the interactions of frustrated Lewis pairs in silico in collaboration with Dr Anya Gryn'ova. Outside of chemistry, he enjoys football and a good pub quiz.

Jess started her degree in Chemistry at the University of Birmingham in 2021. She joins the group in 2024 for her MSci final year project where she will be conducting investigations into  the encounter complex in FLP chemistry. She has a keen interest in the natural world leading her to win the UoB run Environmental Prize for Sustainability (2021). Outside the world of chemistry she enjoys art and illustration, reptile keeping, and looking after a jungle of houseplants.