Inspirational Bristol Scientists 2023

The 2023 celebrants with their certificates and Dean of Science, Jens Marklof, in front of the Inspirational Bristol Scientists board.

 

Stefania Akromah 

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Stefania is a multidisciplinary scientist working on mycelium-based composites. She is passionate about developing materials of great utility to developing countries, and is a strong advocate for women and particularly Black people in STEM subjects. 

 

Lara Lalemi 

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Lara is celebrated for her incredible leadership in BAME advocacy within STEM, for which she has won multiple prizes and is now CEO of Creative Tuition an education empowerment organisation. She is currently a PhD student in aerosol science investigating the effect of surfactants on droplet surface tension.

 

Sbu Mbatha 

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Sbu pioneered the development of multiple Diels-Alderases during her PhD, for which she was honoured with several prizes from the Royal Society of Chemistry. She also took a leading role in outreach, delivering activities across the country to inspire a new generation of scientists. 

 

Jerry Mintah 

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Jerry is a rising star in the research field of porous functional nanomaterials used to convert CO2 into useful fuels. He has also been a strong advocate for helping younger generations of scientists, through his roles as a peer mentor and BME success advocate. 

 

Rafael Moreno Tortolero 

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Rafael’s PhD studies focussed on fabricating biomimetic silks aimed at tissue engineering applications. He has been extensively involved in outreach and the mentoring of junior students. Rafael was recently awarded a EPSRC doctoral prize fellowship to investigate the role of protein aggregates in health and disease. 

 

Shaun Olok-Jacobs 

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Shaun is an outstanding final year Chemistry student currently working on the spin crossover of Iron-Phosphine complexes. He has also contributed significantly to helping unrepresented minorities at Bristol, as a BME success advocate. 

  

Andre Rowe 

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Andre's research and expert television appearances have enriched our understanding of how dinosaur skulls functioned and how giant carnivores such as T.rex were able to achieve such large, terrifying sizes.  

 

Abdirahman Sheik Hassan 

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Abdirahman is an exceptional Aerospace and Engineering student, having worked on natural fibres in wind turbines and cellulose nanocrystals. He is a strong advocate for Muslim and BAME student entry into University, and served as President of the Student Union's Islamic society.