Shaurya

Project: Polarised rheo-microscopy and dynamic coarse-grained modelling of hydrogels 

Supervisors: Esther Garcia-Tunon Blanca, Aaron Finney, Will Sharratt

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

I completed my Master’s in Chemistry from IIT Indore, where I worked on hydrogel systems. This project made me curious about how these materials behave at a fundamental level and how they can be applied in practical applications. While I enjoyed working in the lab, I realized that to really understand and design materials effectively, computational tools are essential, which I haven’t formally studied. The DAMC CDT attracted me because it combines hands-on experimental work with training in computational and automated methods, giving me the chance to fill that gap. I am also drawn to its friendly, collaborative environment and the focus on working across disciplines, where students with different backgrounds learn from each other and solve problems together. Being part of this community would allow me to bring my experimental experience while learning new computational skills and advanced experimental techniques, helping me contribute to meaningful projects. I see the CDT as the perfect place to grow as a researcher and explore my interest in creating materials that are both well-understood and practically useful.

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

My research focuses on Polarised rheo-microscopy and dynamic coarse-grained modelling of hydrogels. By bringing together experiments and simulations, I aim to link bulk and microscopic dynamic behaviours of Lyotropic liquid crystals. This project contributes to fundamental concept of yielding and has the potential to advance material processing and additive manufacturing techniques.

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

The most rewarding part of my PhD has been working in such an interdisciplinary environment. I have three supervisors, each with expertise in experimental, computational work, and their own approaches and methodologies, and learning from their experience has been invaluable. Being part of the DAMC CDT community, where everyone is approachable and eager to help, provides constant support and new perspectives. Collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds enriches my project and makes the research experience both inspiring and enjoyable.