Francesca Patel-Burrows
Francesca obtained her MChem degree at the University of Sheffield in 2021, undertaking a research project focused on thermoresponsive diblock copolymers for use in biomedical applications under the Armes research group in her final year. After graduating, Francesca worked in Cambridgeshire for a DNA sequencing biotech company in a cross-site collaborative R&D role, innovating the surface chemistry on platform consumables which support sequencing by synthesis (SBS) and expanding the company IP portfolio via 4 invention disclosures leading to 3 patent applications. Following 2 years in the field, Francesca has returned to academia. Co-supervised by Dr. Parry and Dr. Lee Fielding, she will explore the fabrication of nature-inspired, thermoresponsive colour-shifting materials made from hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and diblock copolymer hybrids for stimuli responsive sensor applications.