Our people

Matthias is Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University of York. His research focuses on dynamic modelling of natural resource use, industrial and infrastructure systems analysis, and environmental economics and policy.

Professor Ian Graham’s research focuses on how different compounds are produced in plants and how to improve production of valuable compounds in new or existing crops. Ian’s current projects range from the development of novel oil crops such as Jatropha curcas to the production of new varieties of Artemisia annua that deliver higher yields of the antimalarial compound artemisinin.

Helen Sneddon read Natural Sciences at Christ’s College, Cambridge University, and stayed at Cambridge to complete her PhD in organic chemistry, on beta-keto-dithianes and their application to the synthesis of natural products, with Professor Steven V. Ley.  After postdoctoral work on the asymmetric catalytic chemistry of Palladium (II) with Professor Larry Overman at the University of California, Irvine, she joined GlaxoSmithKline at Stevenage, UK in 2007 as a medicinal chemist, working on respiratory medicines.  In late 2011 Helen founded GSK’s Green Chemistry Performance Unit, looking at improving the environmental sustainability of research and development, and the routes arising from it.

Helen has particular interests in solvent and reagent selection and the development of more efficient transformations. Helen has been involved in numerous academic industry collaborations, including as GSK lead for the tripartite GSK-University of Nottingham-University of Strathclyde Accelerated Discovery and Development of New Medicines: Prosperity Partnership for a Healthier Nation. She has been on the Editorial Board of the journal Green Chemistry since 2015, and on the Editorial Advisory Board of ACS Sus. Chem. Eng. since 2017. Helen joined the University of York in April 2022, as Director, Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, and Professor of Sustainable Chemistry.

Neil Bruce is the Director of the Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) and Professor of Biotechnology at the University of York. His research focuses on plant and microbial metabolism of xenobiotic compounds and characterisation of the enzymes mediating these metabolic processes. In other research he explores the biodegradation of lignocellulose in marine and terrestrial environments – particularly in the context of discovering enzymes for biorefining of lignocellulosic biomass for the production of biofuels and chemicals. His group have discovered a diverse range of enzymes that have environmental and biotechnological applications. He has recently become the Director of the BBSRC-sponsored Biorenewables Biorefinery Network in Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy (BBNet).

Neil carried out his PhD at the University of Kent before undertaking a postdoctoral position at the University of Cambridge and a Junior Research Fellowship at Wolfson College. He was subsequently appointed to a Lectureship in Biotechnology and awarded a Fellowship at Trinity Hall before being promoted to Reader. He then moved to the University of York in 2002 to join CNAP.

Mark is the Director of the Biorenewables Development Centre. Leading our strategic direction Mark engages with public and private sector organisations to drive the delivery of our grant and commercially funded programmes as well as leading our engagement with the University of York, the BioYorkshire initiative and other key stakeholders.

Mark has a wealth of experience; delivering strategic research and innovation projects and partnerships, having spent over 20 years’ working in academia and industry. His previous roles include working at the National Horizons Centre at Teesside University, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, BIOCATNET (the Phase I BBSRC NIBB for Biocatalyst Discovery, Development and Scale-up) and the University of Manchester.

Get in touch with Mark mark.w.corbett@york.ac.uk

Mark is the Director of the Biorenewables Development Centre. Leading our strategic direction Mark engages with public and private sector organisations to drive the delivery of our grant and commercially funded programmes as well as leading our engagement with the University of York, the BioYorkshire initiative and other key stakeholders.

Mark has a wealth of experience; delivering strategic research and innovation projects and partnerships, having spent over 20 years’ working in academia and industry. His previous roles include working at the National Horizons Centre at Teesside University, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, BIOCATNET (the Phase I BBSRC NIBB for Biocatalyst Discovery, Development and Scale-up) and the University of Manchester.

Get in touch with Mark mark.w.corbett@york.ac.uk or via

Mark’s PA, Yvette Groombridge yvette.groombridge@york.ac.uk or call 01904 328040

Mark leads the Process Development Unit, managing the team and all the process equipment involved in the wide array of projects. Mark did his PhD, investigating cleaner routes to drug molecules with GSK at the University of York. Whether dealing with anaerobic digestate or generating high-value flavour and fragrances from exotic plants Mark has been involved in a project doing it. 

Previously Mark worked for YorkTest Laboratories as their Technical Manager prior to returning to the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence at the University of York to work on microwave-related projects. 

Contact Mark to discuss using our process equipment or any project ideas mark.gronnow@york.ac.uk or 01904 321847.

Debs leads the Bioscience Innovation team in delivering projects in the biorenewables sector, ranging from plant breeding and genetic analysis, to microbial biotechnology, waste valorisation and anaerobic digestion. Debs has a BSc in microbiology (Cardiff University) and a PhD in microbial genetics (University of Birmingham). Before joining the BDC, Debs worked at leading institutions including the University of Cambridge and CNAP, developing uses for novel enzymes as components in biocatalysis, bioremediation and biosensor applications.

Get in touch with Debs to help identify novel resources, add value to waste or help improve existing microbial and plant feedstocks deborah.rathbone@york.ac.uk or 01904 328054.

Jane’s work is focused on the preparation and submission of various BDC grant claims, liaising with key stakeholders as well as ensuring their timely submission as well as our conformance with project requirements and responding to audits. Jane line manages the Business Operations team and is responsible for delivering administrative, IT and facilities support to the wider BDC. Jane has worked at the University for over twenty years, within the Finance Department, other research centres and HR.

Contact Jane for the Business Operations team enquiries jane.mcneil@york.ac.uk 01904 32 8044.

Sarah’s focus is facilities management, including liaising with contractors, managing the BDC’s buildings and ensuring the BDC complies with all relevant health and safety standards. Sarah also supports companies who are interested in relocating to the BDC. Sarah’s previous roles include contract management for the Learning and Skills Council, European Social Funding Contract management and working in an advisory capacity for the National Apprenticeship Service.

Contact Sarah about hiring our lab, office or conference space as well as relocation support sarah.dudley@york.ac.uk 01904 328058.

Prior to joining the BDC Tracy worked in the legal profession for many years, more specifically in Intellectual Property both in Industry and in a private practice as a Patent Paralegal working with clients from a variety of industries. Tracy has extensive IP and administrative experience. Tracy’s duties at the BDC are to provide administrative support to colleagues, manage, monitor and process invoices and orders as well as organising travel and accommodation, deal with incoming emails and telephone enquiries, manage room bookings and make catering arrangements. 

Contact Tracy tracy.camsell@york.ac.uk or phone 01904 328040.

Alex manages our IT requirements and has worked on projects such as the Virtual THYME Region and the Hydrogen BECCS Innovation Programme. Alex’s work involves gathering and working with data to help make better decisions related to the bioeconomy. Alex graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Computing from Leeds Beckett University. Before joining the BDC Alex worked as a junior software developer.

Contact Alex alex.wood@york.ac.uk or 01904 328968.

Anna is a microbiologist by training. She holds an MSc degree in Biotechnology from the University of Lodz in Poland and a PhD from the University of East Anglia. Anna currently manages and supports the delivery of the £1.2M ADCEY programme, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, aiming to improve the deployment of anaerobic digestion technologies across Yorkshire by supporting local SMEs. Anna is also a fellow of the Future Observatory Design Ecosystem programme which will map a circular ecosystem for the personal care industry in Yorkshire, focusing on a product design which not only affects the physical entity of the product but also the system in which the product sits.

Contact Anna to find out more about the ADCEY or the Future Observatory Design Ecosystem programme anna.alessi@york.ac.uk or phone 07885 377335.

Helen connects the business needs of our clients with the pilot-scale expertise and services of the BDC, University of York and our other business support partners. Prior to this Helen sold commercial waste contracts to M&S and Boots stores as well as selling recycling and composting to residential homes. Moving up to Yorkshire Helen joined the Earth Centre to help with funding and external partnerships. This was followed by six years in consultancy and communications in sustainability and another six years in business development for low-carbon and renewable innovations in various industrial sectors. 

Contact Helen to discuss how your business and the BDC can work together helen.shiels@york.ac.uk or 07880182863.

Penny has twenty five years of experience working in higher education with senior management to deliver innovative strategic projects. Penny has extensive experience in programme management, innovation and enterprise, commercialisation and the establishment of new enterprises across international multi-partners working across several universities. As the Project Manager of the Worldwide Universities Network, Penny was responsible for the establishment of the global network. Penny has also recently managed the THYME Research England Connecting Capability Fund project to grow and mobilise the bioeconomy in Yorkshire, the Tees Valley and the Humber. Penny has successfully bid and applied for international, European, industry and Governmental funding. Penny has extensive experience working collaboratively and delivering multi-partner projects.

Contact Penny penny.cunningham@york.ac.uk or 07384238990.

Chris develops and supports a range of enterprise projects and activities as well as offering practical help to entrepreneurs who need assistance, from early stage design to introducing new products, processes or markets to existing businesses. Prior to this Chris has founded his own business, worked as a secondary school teacher and most recently worked in the Careers and Placements office at the University of York, working with students who wish to start-up and run their own business.

Contact Chris chris.hiscocks@york.ac.uk or 01904 323358.

Sara has nearly twenty years of experience working within the waste management sector and holds an MSc in Environmental Pollution Control from the University of Leeds and a BSc in Environmental & Resource Geology from the University of Manchester. At the BDC she has worked on projects including mapping biobased wastes for use as feedstock and supply chain scoping and development for biobased feedstocks. 

Contact Sara to discuss what support we offer, waste management and feedstocks, sara.goodhead@york.ac.uk or tel (01904) 328944.

Debs leads the Bioscience Innovation team in delivering projects in the biorenewables sector, ranging from plant breeding and genetic analysis, to microbial biotechnology, waste valorisation and anaerobic digestion. Debs has a BSc in microbiology (Cardiff University) and a PhD in microbial genetics (University of Birmingham). Before joining the BDC, Debs worked at leading institutions including the University of Cambridge and CNAP, developing uses for novel enzymes as components in biocatalysis, bioremediation and biosensor applications. 

Get in touch with Debs to help identify novel resources, add value to waste or help improve existing microbial and plant feedstocks deborah.rathbone@york.ac.uk or 01904 328054.

Rosie specialises in microbial biotechnology and working on projects involving the conversion of low-value waste streams into high-value chemicals and proteins using fermentation. Rosie is an experienced microbiologist, previously having spent over ten years working for some of the leading companies in the pharmaceutical and food industries. At the BDC she has delivered a number of projects within this area working alongside clients to either develop novel applications or guiding them in process optimisation. Traditional microbiology is also part of her role having worked on a wide range of projects involving antimicrobial testing, microbial identification, microbial quality/contamination issues and product development.

Get in touch with Rosie to discuss any microbial biotechnology or microbiological opportunities rosie.nolan@york.ac.uk or 01904 328053.

Alex focuses on projects for making the most out of waste, using fermentation and anaerobic digestion. Alex brings analytical expertise to the team, characterising feedstocks, products and residues. Before joining the BDC, Alex established her own business, to explore uses for chemicals found in crop and food waste, initially focusing on waste tomato leaves. Alex holds a degree in Biomedical Science from Sheffield Hallam University and is interested in finding holistic approaches for current processes that minimise waste and maximise sustainability.

Get in touch with Alex to discuss investigating the potential uses of waste streams and feedstocks alexandra.jukes@york.ac.uk or 01904 328053.

Chris is experienced in plant growth trials, microbiology, fermentation at up to 30L scale, anaerobic digestion and to a lesser extent in electronics, engineering and freeze drying. Chris holds a degree in Biology from the University of York.

Get in touch with Chris to discuss biochemical methane potential, gas analysis, plant biology, fermentation, ecology and microbiology chris.hunt@york.ac.uk or call 01904 328054.

Lauren holds a BSc in microbiology and a PhD in molecular microbiology. Lauren's expertise includes microbiology, fermentation, genetic analysis, anaerobic digestion and plant growth trials.

Contact Lauren about her specialisms lauren.boak@york.ac.uk

Mark leads the Process Development Unit, managing the team and all the process equipment involved in the wide array of projects. Mark did his PhD, investigating cleaner routes to drug molecules with GSK at the University of York. Whether dealing with anaerobic digestate or generating high-value flavour and fragrances from exotic plants Mark has been involved in a project doing it. 

Previously Mark worked for YorkTest Laboratories as their Technical Manager prior to returning to the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence at the University of York to work on microwave-related projects. 

Contact Mark to discuss using our process equipment or any project ideas mark.gronnow@york.ac.uk or 01904 321847.

Raymond is responsible for our technical process development work and analytical support, Raymond is also our Health and Safety Officer. Raymond is an experienced biochemist, with research and process development within the pharmaceutical industry.  Previously working in the pharmaceutical industry, Raymond was involved with establishing operational quality systems for biodiesel production, supporting process research and development and managing analytical and research capability. Later Raymond joined D1 Oils plc, establishing operational quality systems for biodiesel production, supporting process research and development, and managing analytical and research capability. Raymond holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the Queen’s University of Belfast. Raymonds main area of research interest is downstream processing and conversion of natural materials including analytical method development (e.g. HPLC & GC linked mass spectrometry).

Contact Raymond to discuss process and analytical development opportunities raymond.sloan@york.ac.uk or 01904 321849.

Charlotte supports projects by carrying out techniques such as GC-FID, GC-MS, HS-GC, pyrolysis, HPLC, as well as various chemistry techniques such as pH, moisture content and accelerated oxidation. Before joining the BDC Charlotte worked in various companies and laboratories such as Sciantec Analytical, Reckitt Benckiser and Public Health England where she gained experience in animal feed, pharmaceuticals and public health. Charlotte graduated from the Medical Research Council National Institute of Medical Research with a PhD in Developmental Biology.

Contact Charlotte charlotte.a.milne@york.ac.uk or 01904 326863.

Peter works closely with companies to identify ways of adding value to their product waste streams. Peter also looks after our pre-processing equipment. Peter has a PhD from the University of York on the effect of biofuels on automotive lubricant degradation. As part of this work Peter has a developed excellent knowledge of formulation and in particular the interaction of components within that formulation.

Contact Peter to discuss your pre-processing needs peter.hurst@york.ac.uk or 01904 326354.

Darren works closely with companies to identify components of value in their waste streams and establish methodologies for converting these into usable products. Darren has an analytical background and a wealth of experience in techniques such as ICP-MS, UPLC-MS, HPLC, GC and NMR. After graduating from the University of York, Darren worked in numerous research and analytical roles in the renewable energy, FMCG, medical device and pharmaceutical sectors.

Contact Darren to learn more about what’s in your materials and how it could be used Darren.phillips@york.ac.uk or 01904 32 1848.

After his education in Scotland, Andrew worked in the United States at the Centre for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis, part of the University of Kansas. There Andrew delivered fundamental research projects for companies such as Procter and Gamble, Archer Daniels Midland and Exxon Mobil.

Contact Andrew to discuss fats and oils, lignin and ozone, as well as in performing high-pressure reactions in dense phase carbon dioxide andrew.danby@york.ac.uk or 01904 328055.

Philip works as a technician on our H2020-funded Porous4app project. As part of the project Philip is supporting the development of a pilot-plant capable of producing up to 20kg per day of material for industrial testing.

Philip graduated in 2014 with a MEng in Chemical engineering from the University of Manchester. After graduating Philip worked as a researcher for a company developing products for the construction industry

Contact Philip: Philip.lawless@york.ac.uk or 01904 32 1848.

Liam graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a BSc degree in Biomedical Science. Liam works as a technician with both our technical teams supporting them on various client projects and laboratory improvements. Before joining the BDC Liam worked in the NHS for more than six years, working in clinical microbiology, biochemisty and the haematology labs. 

Contact Liam: liam.clarke@york.ac.uk or 01904 321847.

Aaron holds an MChem degree in Chemistry from the University of York and is an experienced science technician. He supports the work of the Process Development Unit on various projects and is also a skilled science writer.

Get in touch with Aaron, aaron.white@york.ac.uk or 01904 322748.