Profile

Photo:

Michael Gillin

    • About Me:

      I’m a Chemistry PhD student at the University of Liverpool who loves finding new ways to make materials more sustainable.

      Outside the lab, I enjoy science outreach, 3D printing, and meeting up with friends and family!

    • Read more

      I’ve always been curious about how things work, especially the materials we use every day. That curiosity led me to study chemistry at university, and now I’m doing a PhD developing more sustainable coatings (the protective layers applied to materials like steel).

      Before my PhD, I studied Digital Chemistry, where I explored how artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics can help scientists work faster and smarter. I’m really interested in how technology can make research more efficient and more sustainable.

      I also spend a lot of time working with schools and talking about science. I love helping students see that science isn’t just about facts and equations; it’s creative, collaborative, and full of problem-solving.

    • My pronouns are:

      He/Him/His

    • How I use Science in my work:

      I use my knowledge of chemistry (the area of science that studies chemicals and reactions) to develop more sustainable coatings for steel. Every day, I use problem-solving and analytical skills in the laboratory to do research.

    • My Work:

      I develop more sustainable coatings for steel through chemistry.

    • Read more

      At the moment, steel coatings (such as paint and protective layers) are derived from fossil fuels, such as oil, and require lots of energy to cure and harden. I am trying to develop a coating that that be created from plant material and can be cured using UV light (just like with acrylic nails).

    • My Typical Day:

      I wake up at 7:30 and have a shower. After getting dressed in smart-casual clothing and eating golden syrup porridge, I arrive at the Department of Chemistry building at the University of Liverpool at 9:00.

      From there, I plan what experiments and reading I will do for the day, making sure to consider safe working. I mix chemicals, operate robots, and analyse data all day, with a break in the middle for some hot lunch. I finish work at 5:00 and go home!

    • Read more

      In the office, I read about what other scientists have done and work out how to do what they did. I also send emails, arrange meetings, and help students if they are struggling with their work.

      In the laboratory, I piece together glassware and metalware like a very scientific jigsaw puzzle, use machines that operate at high temperatures and high speeds, and sometimes programme a robot to do the work for me!

    • What I'd do with the prize money:

      There are not many scientists who bridge the gap between chemistry and robots. I would love to be able to tell other people about what I do and even get them to have hands-on experience with the sorts of robots and equipment I work with.

    CV

    • Education:

      The Blue Coat School, Liverpool

      University of Liverpool

    • Qualifications:

      GCSEs – 11 GCSEs, Grades 9-6

      A-Levels – Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, Extended Project Qualification

      Degree – Chemistry BSc (Hons)

      Master’s – Digital Chemistry: AI, Machine Learning, Robotics, and Automation

    • Work History:

      Science Presenter – Imagine That! Science and Discovery Centre

    • Current Job:

      Chemistry PhD Student

    • Employer:

      University of Liverpool

    • My Interview

      • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        Scouse chemistry nerd

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        A chemist!

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        Nope

        If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?

        Zoologist!

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        Alan Walker

        What's your favourite food?

        Fajitas

        If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!

        1) I'd wish to successfully develop genuinely sustainable materials that actually get used in industry. 2) I'd wish for the confidence to always back myself, especially in rooms where I feel like the least experienced person. 3) I'd wish for a healthy, balanced life where I can build a career I care about, keep learning new things, and still have time for the people who matter most to me.

        Tell us a joke.

        Don't forget to say "mucho" to your Spanish friends. It means a lot to them.