Laura Jones

What inspired you to pursue this project and join the DAMC CDT?  

I’ve always been motivated to pursue a PhD, but I wanted my research to be grounded in real-world challenges. During my time in industry working on robotics and automation systems, I found myself asking whether these systems could be designed to be smarter, more adaptive, and ultimately more impactful. That curiosity inspired me to return to research. The DAMC CDT was particularly appealing because it combines cutting-edge technical training with an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment. It allows me not only to explore a topic I find fascinating but also to connect it with real applications, while working alongside a diverse group of researchers who bring different perspectives.

What is your research project about, and what impact do you hope it will have?     

My project aims to develop a hybrid control architecture ensuring autonomous robotic manipulators avoid collisions in constrained, safety-critical lab environments. This will contribute to enhancing robotic chemist capabilities and safety, contributing to materials discovery through autonomous lab systems.

What has been the most exciting or rewarding part of your PhD journey so far? How does your project benefit from being part of an interdisciplinary CDT like DAMC?  

Being part of DAMC is a big advantage because my project sits at the intersection of [your field] and [related area]. Having access to expertise and training across disciplines has allowed me to approach the problem from different angles. For example, through CDT workshops and collaborations, I’ve gained skills in [X technique / Y method], which I wouldn’t have had in a single-discipline program. This broad perspective not only benefits my project but also prepares me to communicate and collaborate more effectively with researchers from other areas.