#FaradayPathways Mark Buckwell

Mark’s #FaradayPathway explores his career journey from a bachelor’s in medical physics, via being a research fellow exploring the science of battery safety on the SafeBatt project, to his current role as Lab Manager of UCL’s Advanced Propulsion Laboratory at UCL East. His story demonstrates that scientists can explore diverse research fields regardless of their original area of expertise, that careers are often not linear, and that being comfortable with uncertainty is something that should be valued.

Early career and education

Mark’s path to battery research was not a straight line, with childhood dreams gradually evolving into an interest in science.

“I recently found an old primary school yearbook where I wrote that I wanted to be a rally driver! As I got older, I wanted to become a famous musician, and then became fascinated by the interfaces between people and machines.”

Undergraduate years

Mark’s interest in the interactions between people and technology prompted him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in medical physics at UCL. However, he found the experience challenging.

“I enjoyed the university lifestyle more than the course itself. I struggled with some of the abstract ideas we’d learn in maths; they weren’t tangible so I found it difficult work with them, even when I felt like they made sense in lectures. It was only in the final year, when I could apply my knowledge to real-world scenarios that things started to click. I became much more excited.”

This shift in perspective caused a deeper engagement with his studies, underscoring the importance of understanding the purpose and practical application of academic work.

Postgraduate journey

After completing his bachelor’s degree, Mark entered the pharmaceutical industry, applying his medical physics background as a research technician at Hammersmith Medicines Research Ltd. However, the role didn’t fully satisfy his curiosity. During this period, Mark’s interest in nanotechnology began to bloom.

“I became fascinated by space exploration. I realised that my chances of going to space were practically zero, so I decided to explore the nanoscale. It’s like another universe, except you can visit it much more easily: with a microscope instead of a rocket.”

This newfound interest led Mark to pursue a master’s in nanotechnology at UCL, where his research focused on the potential use of nanodiamonds for healthcare.

“My project involved modifying the surfaces of nanodiamonds, which are very inert, to attach signalling and drug molecules. The original idea was to load them with growth-promoting molecules to encourage nerve re-growth following nerve damage.”

A shift to materials science

Despite enjoying his work with nanodiamonds, chance and a lack of funding caused Mark to transition to materials science and electronic devices for his PhD.

“My master’s supervisor, Richard Jackman, connected me with another professor, Tony Kenyon, who had a materials science PhD opportunity. I was hesitant because it felt like a big shift from nerve-related nanotech work. When he described the project, however, it piqued my interest.”

The PhD project focused on neuromorphic silicon devices – systems that mimic the way nerves behave in the brain.

“Neuromorphic systems have the potential to reduce computing power consumption by behaving more like nerves in the brain than conventional on/off transistors computer processors. We saw some fascinating things while working on them: myself, Luca Montesi and Richard Chater were the first people to see conclusive evidence that these silicon devices ‘breathed’ oxygen during operation.”

The SafeBatt project

After completing his PhD, Mark stayed as a research associate with his PhD group for over two years before becoming involved with the Faraday Institution’s SafeBatt project, which is seeking to better understand and further improve the safety of lithium-ion batteries.

“The funding for my research on neuromorphic systems ran out. I’d always been very interested in technologies that mitigate climate change and knew that batteries played a large part in storage of renewable energy. I reached out to Paul Shearing, who I’d met via a conference a few years before, who was working on a Faraday Institution Industry Sprint that evolved into SafeBatt. He took me on despite my lack of experience in batteries. It was good to try something new.”

Mark’s research with SafeBatt aimed to uncover how different battery designs and materials affect their degradation and safety, particularly under stress.

“Although battery failure is rare, it can lead to explosions and fires, which are particularly concerning for aerospace applications. We’ve developed better testing methods for battery failure and gathered data on how structural components impact safety, understanding the factors that affect the severity of thermal runaway. It’s really important work and it’s a lot of fun.”

Professional growth with the Faraday Institution

Mark has undertaken several training programmes using his Faraday Institution training budget, including electric vehicle safety courses and qualifications on local exhaust ventilation, accredited by the British Occupational Hygiene Society. The latter enabled him to improve the safety of battery testing systems by developing better ways of handling airflow through the test equipment.

He also highlights the benefits of being part of a supportive network.

“The Faraday Institution is such a collaborative environment where we can learn from each other. I’ve also had the opportunity to present at Expert Panel Review Meetings. Getting to present to and meet people there who are so knowledgeable was fantastic.”

The importance of mentorship

Reflecting on his journey, Mark attributes much of his success to the mentors who guided him.

“My dad worked in the neuro-otology group at UCL and Imperial as a technician. I went to work with him a couple of times, watching how they used equipment to measure patients’ responses, and found it fascinating. It sparked an interest in neuroscience, leading me to medical physics.

“He also pointed out that choices such as pursuing a PhD in an area different to what I was used to wouldn’t necessarily define my career; it was just another step. You never know where you’re going to end up, and he was instrumental in making me feel comfortable with uncertainty.”

Mark was also heavily influenced by academic mentors.

“Paul Shearing taught me how to convey complex ideas more engagingly, which has really helped me to communicate the value of research to varied audiences. Julia Weaving, the SafeBatt project leader, has also been a huge support and influence for me. She seems to know everything!”

In his current role as Manager of the Advanced Propulsion Laboratory at UCL East, Mark mentors and facilitates the research of many early career researchers, and has embraced teaching roles.

“The opportunity came up to take on a role in professional services, setting up a new lab from scratch, and it was too interesting to pass up. I was keen to build an environment that researchers would enjoy coming to do great science in.”

This position has allowed Mark to focus on some of the areas he finds most rewarding, such as teaching and training, providing technical support and advice, and helping with experimental design and setup. He has also been able to build a team to help run the lab.

“I was initially worried about losing my engagement with research, but if anything I’ve been involved in a wider diversity of projects since starting. The focus areas of my current role also fit my strengths very well. In particular, I find teaching and mentoring to be one of the most rewarding aspects of being in academia – helping people learn and seeing them grow and succeed is wonderful.”

Looking ahead and advice for early career researchers

As Mark looks to the future, he aspires to continue to help develop successful researchers, and hopes to see the new lab at UCL East thrive.

“Some people aspire to publish a lot or receive awards. For me it’s about seeing others thrive and knowing I played a part in that.”

Mark has developed a fulfilling and impactful career by following his passions and remaining open to new opportunities and connections.

“Studying something which excites you is the best approach. It’s so much easier to stay motivated.”

Read more:

• Discover the Faraday Institution’s training opportunities.
• Read more about the SafeBatt project.
• Read more about other non-traditional career trajectories in the Faraday Institution career portfolio.
• Read Mark’s paper on a novel technique for mapping of thermal runaway propagation rates in lithium-ion cells.
• Read Mark’s paper on failure and hazard characterisation of high-power lithium-ion cells.
• Discover UCL’s Advanced Propulsion Lab and master’s opportunities.

Faraday Pathway written by Rebecca Dawes, Science Communications Intern, and published September 2024.