As Lucy Cavendish College prepares to welcome new students and faculty for the upcoming academic year, we are thrilled to introduce Jonathan, our new College Assistant Professor in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.
Jonny, can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and how you found your way to Cambridge?
Of course! I’m originally from Carlisle, in the very northwest of England. My journey to Cambridge started back in 2010 when I came here for my undergraduate studies. I initially planned to study Physics but found myself drawn more to Chemistry in the first year, especially the hands-on experimental work. Once I got here, Cambridge kind of became home. I did my undergrad, then my PhD, and eventually a postdoc. It wasn’t my plan to stay so long, but opportunities just kept coming up at the right time. So, here I am, still in Cambridge, and now excited to join Lucy Cavendish!
What specifically drew you to Chemistry over Physics?
I’ve always enjoyed making things, experimenting, and seeing how different chemicals interact. When I started, I thought I’d go into Physics, but I found that Chemistry allowed me to be more creative in the lab. There is something really satisfying about making weird colours, seeing reactions happen in real-time, and just the overall process of discovery!
Your PhD research sounds quite unique—can you tell us more about it?
Yes, my PhD was definitely a bit unconventional! I was investigating why refrigerated shipping containers were exploding! It turned out that the issue was caused by a chemical reaction between the refrigerants and the metal components of the containers. This created highly sensitive compounds that could spontaneously combust. My work involved figuring out what was causing these explosions and how to prevent them. It was a challenging but incredibly interesting project, and it taught me a lot about the importance of applied chemistry in solving real-world problems.
After your PhD, you moved into postdoctoral research. What was your focus during that time?
After my PhD, I shifted gears and started working on lithium-ion batteries, particularly in improving their lifespan and performance. I was part of a group that focused on synthesising new materials for these batteries, such as electrolytes and electrode coatings. It was a significant change from my PhD work, so I had to spend a lot of time learning about electrochemistry and battery technology. But I enjoyed the challenge of diving into something new and contributing to a field that has such a critical impact on energy sustainability.
That sounds like quite a transition. How did you manage moving from one research area to another?
It was definitely a challenge. Moving from working on chemical reactions in shipping containers to studying battery materials required a steep learning curve. I had to read a lot, attend talks, and basically immerse myself in a whole new area of science. But that’s one of the things I love about research—you’re always learning. Plus, bringing my previous experience into a new field helped me approach problems from a different perspective. It wasn’t easy, but it was incredibly rewarding.
Teaching seems to be a significant part of your passion. What do you enjoy most about it?
Teaching is something I’m really passionate about. During my postdoc, I had the chance to supervise PhD students and lead lab sessions, and I found it incredibly fulfilling. I love helping students work through problems, watching them develop their skills, and seeing them have those ‘Aha!’ moments in the lab. That’s partly why I’m so excited about my new role at Lucy Cavendish—there’s a strong emphasis on teaching and mentoring here, which aligns perfectly with what I enjoy most.
Can you tell us more about your new role at Lucy Cavendish and what you’re looking forward to?
Starting in September, I’ll be a College Assistant Professor in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. I’ll be the Director of Studies for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering students, which means I’ll be doing a lot of supervisions, mentoring, and possibly some outreach work as well. I’m really looking forward to meeting the students, getting to know them, and helping them navigate their undergraduate studies. One of the things I’m most excited about is the close-knit community at Lucy Cavendish. It’s a smaller college, which means there’s a real opportunity to build strong connections with students and colleagues.
What advice would you give to students who are just starting their academic journey, particularly those considering Chemistry?
My main piece of advice would be to focus on what you enjoy. It’s easy to get caught up in worrying about what your choices now will mean for your future career, but I’ve found that if you follow what interests you, everything else tends to fall into place. Chemistry can be tough, but if you’re passionate about it, that passion will carry you through the challenging times. And don’t be afraid to try new things or switch directions—sometimes the most rewarding paths are the ones you didn’t initially plan to take.
We’re thrilled to have you here. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us. Welcome to Lucy Cavendish!