#FaradayPathways Sean Scott
Interest during his Master’s project on e-waste recycling cemented Sean’s career trajectory. Five years later, after completing his PhD at University of Leicester, he continues to contribute to the Faraday Institution’s ReLiB project as a Faraday Institution Research Fellow based in the same group.
In his #FaradayPathway he shares how his roles in review panels and the ECR Committee benefited him, underscoring the importance of seizing professional and personal development opportunities wherever they arise.
A pathway to a PhD in battery recycling
Sean’s interest in science began at an early age when he learned about pH levels through maintaining his fish tank! This early fascination with chemistry, combined with a love for science fiction, influenced his decision to pursue a career in science.
“Although I do not have scientists in my family, my uncle is an engineer and he greatly influenced me with his practical approach to problem-solving and deep understanding of how things work.”
He thoroughly enjoyed his undergraduate years but did need to be resilient.
Sean in a lab.
“Academically, my experience was mixed. I had to work hard to succeed, as it didn’t come naturally to me. Initially, I struggled with the regimented lab work. It wasn’t until my Master’s project, where I had more freedom to explore and manage my own research, that I truly engaged with the science.”
During that project he realised that he had a genuine passion for research and could see himself pursuing it as a career.
“Initially, I thought a PhD was not in my wheelhouse. However, my interest in research grew during my Masters, particularly through a project on e-waste recycling. This project introduced me to the complexities of recycling and sparked my curiosity about solving such challenging problems.”
Sean’s PhD years
Sean seized an opportunity that arose to do a PhD in battery recycling in the same group as his Master’s project – a decision that solidified his career path. Sean completed his PhD at the University of Leicester as part of the ReLiB project. His thesis explored new binder systems for lithium-ion batteries to simplify end-of-life disassembly.
The valuable guidance provided by Sean’s PhD supervisors, Professors Andrew Abbott and Karl Ryder, complemented each other, while greatly influencing Sean’s approach to science. Andrew provided a broad perspective on where his work fitted into the larger context and project, while Karl’s influence focused Sean on maximising the potential of his research.
Sean was part of Faraday Institution’s second cohort of PhD researchers.
Sean and Cohort 2 PhD researchers
“Being part of a cohort of peers at the same stage as me was incredibly supportive. My passion for public speaking was nurtured through presentation training, allowing me to engage in events like Pint of Science and communicating research to diverse audiences. The sense of community and ongoing support from this network was highly beneficial – and still is.”
He also found time management training invaluable, noting it not only benefited him but also enabled him to assist others in his group in helping them develop those same skills.
What advice would Sean give to aspiring or current PhD researchers in battery research?
“Perseverance is key. The journey can be challenging, and imposter syndrome is common. Taking breaks is essential for maintaining perspective. Regularly stepping back to assess your progress and understanding how your work fits into the broader picture is crucial. Balancing work and life are also important to sustain long-term productivity and well-being.”
The importance of seizing professional and personal development opportunities
At the end of the first year of his PhD, Sean won the University of Leicester’s 3-Minute Thesis Competition with his presentation on using seaweed to recycle batteries. This earned him a spot at the national competition, where he reached the quarter-finals – all in the midst of COVID-19.
“The challenge of condensing nine months of work into a single slide and a three-minute presentation was intense. It forced me to focus on the key messages of my research, a skill that has proven valuable in project meetings.”
Towards the end of his PhD, Sean was asked to be the PhD voice at a review panel for the Faraday Institution community awards – an opportunity he jumped at.
“Joining a review panel was a fantastic experience. Reviewing applications, rather than just academic papers, provided a new perspective on assessing merit and criteria – insight I have since used in my applications.”
This experience led to his involvement in the Early Career Research (ECR) Committee.
“At the review panel meeting, I asked if there were other similar opportunities I could get involved with. The ECR committee was mentioned, and I applied on the same day.”
Sean and the ECR committee.
Sean and the ECR committee at the ECR Conference and Training Event 2024. Sean found his involvement in the ECR Committee to be highly enriching. He contributed to organising the ECR Conference and Training Event, selecting keynote speakers, promoting the event, and managing logistics. Additionally, he judged the poster presentations.
“One of the highlights was chairing a session for the first time, allowing me to lead discussions and manage presentations in a supportive Faraday Institution community environment.”
Is being part of the review panel and the ECR Committee something Sean would recommend?
“Absolutely. These experiences, though time-consuming, are incredibly rewarding. They provide skills beyond the immediate scope of scientific research, such as evaluation, management, and event organisation. These higher-level skills are invaluable for future career development.”
Sean’s journey with the ReLiB project
Sean has been part of ReLiB for five years since the start of his PhD. His current research as a Research Associate at the University of Leicester focuses on designing battery chemistries for simplified recycling and conducting life cycle analysis.
Sean at the University of Birmingham.
“The ReLiB project team brings diverse perspectives and expertise to the table. There are colleagues working on the biological aspects of recycling, which is an area I initially knew little about but find very interesting. We also have cutting-edge diagnostic work at Newcastle and significant contributions from Birmingham and Leicester on battery disassembly and treatment. Seeing how all these different pieces fit together is truly fascinating.”
Sean and fellow ReLiB researcher Evangelos Kallitsis recently visited the USA after winning an ECR Collaboration Award. Together, they collaborated with researchers at the ReCell Center to gather essential data for comprehensive battery life cycle analysis. They also visited the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Argonne National Laboratory.
Sean and Evangelos at NREL.
“The meetings highlighted many overlapping areas between our projects and established new collaborations. We are already seeing joint efforts in research papers and ongoing projects. This collaboration is set to continue, fostering new work streams and strengthening the partnership between our institutions. It’s exciting to be part of something that has the potential to significantly impact the field of battery recycling and sustainability.”
Advice to other ECRs
When asked whether he had any career advice he could offer to other early career researchers, Sean reflected on the importance of seizing opportunities.
“I wish I had understood the importance of getting involved in panels and committees earlier. Initially, I felt too busy, but those experiences turned out to be incredibly beneficial.”
He also shared his tips for growing a professional network.
Sean networking with his peers.
“I’ve grown my network by actively reaching out to new people at project meetings and conferences. Connections through friends and colleagues have also been invaluable. The Faraday training cohort has been particularly helpful for introductions to experts and resources. It’s a mix of being proactive and leveraging existing relationships.”
Additionally, he recommends seeking training in communication, time management, and general management. These skills help in planning work efficiently and understanding the perspective of supervisors, which is viewed as crucial for running future projects.
What is the most exciting thing about working in the battery sector for Sean?
“The rapid pace of change is both exciting and challenging. New companies and innovative ideas are constantly emerging, making the field dynamic and attractive.”
And what is Sean most proud of?
“I’m most proud of finishing my PhD and still wanting to continue in the field! I am excited to keep pushing forward. I’m proud that the past me, made the right choices.”
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Written by Digital and Social Media Coordinator Petra Gudelj, and published June 2024.