Meet The Team

Biao is the head of the Sustainable Physical Metallurgy group at the University of Birmingham. He is an Associate Professor of Metallurgy and Materials. 

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Xiaohui obtained his PhD at the University of Wollongong, followed by a postdoctoral position at the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences. He joined the group in 2023 as a research fellow. His research focusses on in situ methods for micro-mechanics,  such as DIC and synchrotron x-ray diffraction.

Find out more on his Orcid.

Cameron obtained his MEng degree in Materials Science and Engineering, followed by a PhD at the University of Sheffield on processing routes for metal-metal composites with complex microstructures. He joined the group in 2024 as a postdoc as part of a Prosperity Partnership with Cooksongold. His research focusses on additive manufacturing of precious metal

alloys.

Find out more on his Orcid.

Zhizhou obtained his PhD at the University of Manchester. He joined the group in 2024 as a research fellow in Metals Manufacturing and Characterization. His research focuses on the design, synthesis and characterization of copper laser powder bed fusion manufacturing. 

Calvin studied a B.Sc. in Materials Science and an M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from Russia. He joined the group in 2023 as the group’s technician. His role includes providing technical expertise, support and guidance within the group’s laboratories.

Jeneefa is a senior research admin to the group

Hasan studied a B.Sc. in Energy Systems Engineering at Erciyes University, followed by an M.Sc. in Physics and Technology of Nuclear Reactor at the University of Birmingham. He joined the group in 2023 to study a PhD. His research focusses on the additive manufacturing and characterisation of CuCrZr alloys for nuclear fusion applications.

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John studied a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering and B.A. in Physics at the University Virginia. He joined the group in 2022 to study a PhD with the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Topological Design and UK Atomic Energy Authority. His research focusses on characterising the microstructure of tungsten-copper composites and using advanced manufacturing to produce topologically optimised materials.

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Lucy studied an integrated M.Chem. in Chemistry at Bangor University. She joined the group in 2022 to study a PhD in collaboration with the UK Atomic Energy Authority. Her research focusses on the modelling and undertaking of irradiation experiments, and the use of advanced x-rays and neutrons scattering techniques to investigate irradiation damage in nuclear fusion materials.

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Phoebe studied a B.Eng. in Materials at The University of Birmingham. She joined the group in 2023 to study a PhD with the ESPRC Centre for Doctoral training in Topological design and The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). Her research focusses on using in situ approaches to help understand hydrogen embrittlement of engineering alloys at cryogenic temperatures.

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Erin studied a B.Eng. in Mechanical and Materials Engineering at The University of Birmingham. She joined the group in 2022 to study a PhD in collaboration with Cooksongold. Her research focusses on alloying copper to help improve the conductive and mechanical properties at higher temperatures, whilst also improving the printability to ensure dense components can consistently be successfully printed.

Find out more on her LinkedIn.

Tianxiao studied a B.Sc. in Materials at the Shenyang University of Technology, followed by an M.Sc. in Material Engineering at Shenyang University of Technology & Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Science. He joined the group in 2022 to study a PhD in collaboration with Renishaw. His research focusses on.laser powder fusion additive manufacturing of high purity Copper.

Jatinder studied an integrated M.Eng. in Nuclear Engineering at The University of Birmingham. He joined the group in 2022 to study a PhD with the Centre for Doctoral Training in Topological Design and links to the UK Atomic Energy Authority and STFC. His research focusses on studying titanium alloys for nuclear fusion and particle accelerators. 

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Lewis studied a BSc in chemistry then a Masters focusing on Nanoparticle synthesis at Nottingham Trent University. He joined the group in 2024 to study a PhD in collaboration with Cooksongold to synthesise precious metal nanoparticles for use as coatings for titanium implants and rocket catalysts.

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Yufei studied a B.Sc. in Materials Science and Engineering at Central South University, China, followed by an M.Sc. in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Birmingham. He joined the group in 2023 to study a PhD in collaboration with the UK Atomic Energy Authority. His research focusses on understanding the influence of oxide dispersion strengthening on the ductile-brittle transition temperature of ferritic steels.

Yue studied a B.Sc. in Biotechnology at Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, and an M.Eng. in Light Industry Technology and Engineering at Dalian Polytechnic University. He joined the group in 2024 as a PhD candidate focusing on near-net-shape fabrication of metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced by carbon materials.

Find out more on his Orcid.

Shuyi studied a B.Eng. in Materials Science and Engineering at Fuzhou University, followed by an M.Sc. in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Birmingham. She joined the group in 2023 to study a PhD. Her research focusses on the additive manufacturing of multi-scale porous metals with structural control.

Callum studied a Master in Chemistry and Forensics at the University of Lincoln where his master thesis was conducted at the Atomic Weapons Establishment. He joined the SPM group in 2025 to study a PhD. His research focusses on design and additive manufacturing of Cu alloys for high heat flux conditions.

Jack studied a BSc in Aerospace Engineering and a Master in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Birmingham. He joined the SPM group in 2025 to study a PhD on design, additive manufacturing and testing of heat sinks for high heat flux conditions inside fusion reactors.