We pride ourselves on the materials experts and scientists working at Lucideon - as well as being highly qualified, they also have the hands-on practical experience that makes them renowned professionals in their own field. Find out more about some of our experts below.
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Featured Experts
- Leadership Team
Dr Giles Blundred
Expertise: Materials characterization
X-Ray Diffraction Scientist
Giles joined Lucideon in May 2007 and is a specialist in XRD and the primary characterisation of material properties.
He holds an honours degree in Chemistry/Geology, and a PhD in solid state chemistry and has been in the XRD industry since 1998, applying his wealth of over 25 years of knowledge to his day-to-day role.
Giles spent 2 years in Postdoctoral research at Liverpool University on the metal hydride reduction of mixed metal oxides. He has vast experience in crystallographic structure and quantitative diffraction analysis with particular expertise in materials such as traditional aluminosilicate-based ceramics, novel oxide-based materials, doped-calcium phosphates, plastics and electro-ceramics.
His daily responsibilities include the running of the Bruker D8 Advance X-ray Diffractometer for the testing services provided by Lucideon.
Julius Bonini, P.E.
Expertise: Additive manufacturing, metallurgy, SEM, EDS, organic materials analysis methodologies
Principal Consultant, Metallurgy
Julius is the Principal Consultant for Metallurgy at Lucideon M+P in Schenectady, NY. He joined Lucideon in early 2010 when he merged his Chicago-based metallurgical consulting firm, MPSI, with our international materials testing and consulting laboratory based in upstate New York.
Julius holds a bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Loyola University of Chicago. He is a licensed Professional Engineer and holds multiple patents.
He is primarily responsible for providing metallurgical consulting services and failure investigations on a wide range of materials for a diverse roster of clients, working both in the laboratory and at clients’ sites and is currently focused on aerospace and healthcare applications, including emerging space applications, high temperature and cryogenic temperature material applications, medical implants, medical devices, surgical and dental instruments, as well as material and issues associated with hydrogen usage.
Julius has extensive experience in failure analysis and has attained a body of knowledge in a variety of metal systems including titanium alloys, stainless steels, alloy steels, tool steels, aluminium alloys, copper alloys, nickel alloys, precious metals, soldering alloys, as well as specialty electronic and magnet materials. He also has significant experience in corrosion, wear, fatigue, heat treatment, castings, metal coating and surface treatment, powder metallurgy, welding, MIM, component design, and the analysis of contamination. In recent years, he has also established substantial experience with additive manufacturing (AM) and has become an expert in powder bed, directed energy deposition, binder jetting and other emerging additive manufacturing technologies. In these capacities, he is working with various ASTM and ISO committees as well as the FDA to help establish the appropriate standards for these AM technologies.
Julius’s experience dates back over 40 years as he worked on the original porous coated medical implants working with Dr. William Rostokor and Dr. Jorge Galante at the University of Illinois and Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s hospital in Chicago in the 70’s and 80’s. He later worked as a metallurgical engineer in the Materials and Process Department at McDonnell Douglas Aerospace Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri.
Julius has contributed papers for a variety of symposia and publications for MPIF, APMI, AIME, SAMPE, TMS, AMPM and other technical organisations. He has recently published several papers on the effects of Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIPing) on the fatigue performance of titanium alloys manufactured by AM methods. He has taught mathematics courses at the Purdue University in Indiana and the Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois.
Joanne Booth
Expertise: Structural testing
Business Manager - Construction
Joanne joined Lucideon as a Business Manager in Construction, specialising in structural testing. She has a degree in Construction Management from Wolverhampton University and is responsible for all structural testing at Lucideon.
The testing covers a wide range of products, from reinforced concrete, roofing (aluminium or steel) and wall ties, to straps, hangers and masonry for standards compliance, certification purposes and product development.
Joanne’s expertise lies in large scale roof testing and system build testing. Utilising these skills, Joanne has worked with many manufacturers and accredited bodies to develop new large-scale industry accepted testing methods.
During her twenty-five-year career in the construction industry Joanne has written and presented numerous papers on a variety of topics, including masonry, timber, and concrete.
Dr Jean-Claude Canry
Expertise: Surface analysis
Senior Scientist
Jean-Claude joined the Centre for Surface and Materials Analysis (CSMA) in 1997 under a special university scheme, becoming a full time CSMA employee in September 1999. CSMA was acquired by Lucideon in 2002 and eventually evolved into the Surface Science group, which is where he continued his 30 year+ career in surface analysis.
Jean-Claude holds a PhD in chemistry, with a focus on the field of surface science, from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST). In his analyst role, has over 20 years’ experience in the use of the SIMS and XPS techniques for characterising the surface of materials and solving industrial problems and product failures. The range of industrial areas he has served is wide and includes medical devices, pharmaceuticals, packaging, polymers, coatings, electronic & semiconductor devices, automotive & aeronautical components, personal hygiene & household products, and lubricants.
He is also a LC-MS field service engineer and has a keen interest in genealogy.
Dr Mark Cresswell
Expertise: Controlled-release technology, sol-gel methods, formulation science
Business Manager - Formulations
Mark joined Lucideon in October 2012 and is a Chartered Chemist with a PhD. He specialises in synthetic chemistry, materials chemistry, sol-gel chemistry, formulation science and controlled release technologies and has been in the field for over 13 years.
Mark's typical day is split between supporting the Formulations team with managing their active projects and supporting the commercial team with scoping new projects and helping to write statements of work along with appropriate budgeting and resource allocation
As well as contributing to the development of Lucideon's iCRT technology platform (controlled release of actives and ingredients) and research programmes, Mark uses his materials chemistry expertise to lead on a range of client projects focused on materials synthesis, controlled release applications and formulation science across the pharmaceutical, consumer health, agrichemical, and advanced ceramic sectors.
Dr Robert Crookes
Expertise: Materials research and development, materials characterization, impact and high strain rate testing
Head of Advanced Materials
Robert joined Lucideon as our Advanced Ceramics Technical Consultant with a specialism in materials research and development, materials characterisation and impact & high strain rate testing. Robert holds a PhD in the Development of Armour Materials and a degree in Design with Engineering Materials from Loughborough University
Robert is responsible for both consultancy and R&D projects on advanced ceramics including ceramic composites, ultra-high temperature ceramics, thermal barrier coatings, additive manufacturing, ceramic electrode materials and more. He works closely with businesses in the aerospace, defence, and energy sectors to deliver high performance materials solutions.
He has a broad knowledge base in materials science, spanning the three major sectors of metals, polymers, and ceramics. He has expertise in the development of materials for vehicle armour, most notably nanocomposite ceramics and impact sensitive polymer composites. Accordingly, he has experience in ballistic, impact, and high strain rate testing. In metallurgy, Robert has performed failure analysis route cause investigations on high strength fasteners, rolling and sliding bearings, castings, welds, and case-hardened components.
Craig Donald
Expertise: Organic chemistry; drug discovery; sterilization & cleaning validation; project management
Head of Analysis & Evaluation
Craig joined Lucideon in August 2015, specialising in Organic Chemistry & Pharmaceuticals and holds a first-class BSc (Hons) Degree in Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Glasgow. He is also Lean Sigma Blackbelt accredited.
Prior to joining Lucideon Craig spent 19 years with AstraZeneca where he worked primarily in Oncology and Cardiovascular research. More recently Craig has worked as an Associate Principal Scientist working on drug discovery projects and managing PhD level scientists from internal and external research teams.
Craig’s role predominantly involves leading the Lucideon UK Analysis & Evaluation department, a team of 60+ scientists, technicians, and support staff, as well as being responsible for operational matters and business performance.
Craig is the author of over 20 publications, including patents, papers and book chapters and looks to utilise his 27+ years of technical understanding with people development and process improvement to ensure that Lucideon continues to deliver to a high quality.
In his spare time Craig is a big rugby enthusiast and a fan of Scotland and Glasgow Warriors and is the lead singer in a rock covers band
Mark Dudson
Expertise: Manufacturing, R&D
Chief Operating Officer - Advanced Materials
Mark joined Lucideon in Autumn 2019 and holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Warwick Business School. Mark’s first degree was in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, and in between he completed a diploma in Ceramic Technology.
Prior to joining Lucideon Mark has held Technical, R&D and Operations Director roles in the UK ceramic tableware manufacturing sector. During this time Mark has been involved in a wide range of projects and initiatives; from installing ERP systems, gaining ISO9001 and 14001 accreditations, designing and implementing new factory layouts as well as process automation projects.
Mark also managed the integration of a European ceramics operation acquisition into a UK business. During his time in industry Mark played an active role on various Technology Advisory Boards to help progress industry innovations and was responsible for the installation of the world’s only working installation of the ‘Flexible Flatware’ system – a concept initially proved by CERAM Research (now Lucideon).
A typical day will involve team catch-ups and key project updates as well as coordinating the growth of Lucideon’s global ceramic consulting capability.
In his spare time Mark enjoys sailing as well as home projects, which more recently included dabbling in home based IOT projects using various microcontrollers. Getting to see the Space Shuttle launch was a major box tick, next up is to see a Space X Falcon Heavy and hopefully Starship, and maybe one day a rocket launch from UK soil!
Dr Geoff Edgell
Expertise: Construction
Director & Principal Consultant
Geoff joined Lucideon in August 1976 with a specialism in construction, and more specifically, masonry construction. He began his career with us as a research worker in the masonry field and became a consultant during his lengthy career.
He holds both a BSc and PhD and alongside being a member of the Lucideon Limited Board, he also is a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, is a chairman of the BSI committee responsible for standards for bricks, blocks, natural stone, mortar, ancillary components, is a member of the BSI committee responsible for codes of practice for design of masonry, is a leader of the UK delegation to CEN TC 125, the committee responsible for European Standards for masonry products, is a leader of the UK delegation to CEN TC 250 SC6 the committee responsible for The European Code of Practice for Masonry Design and is a member and former Chairman of TC 125 WG4, the working group responsible for the development of test methods for masonry products.
Geoff spends his time delivering projects which are often related to trade literature, which companies wish to ensure is consistent with latest regulations and assists in generating work programmes for customers to enable claims to be made and CE or UKCA marks to be used. He somehow also finds the time to partake in his hobby of swimming!
Dr Carolyn Grimley
Expertise: Ceramics processing and characterization
Manager, US Advanced Materials
Carolyn joined Lucideon as a Commercial Engineer in Ceramics, specialising in ceramics processing and characterisation. Carolyn holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Virginia and a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from North Carolina State University.
Carolyn extends Lucideon's expertise in ceramics to the US, providing technical support in the processing and characterisation of ceramic materials. In addition, she forms the US arm of the Field Enhanced Sintering (FES) team, developing both a practical understanding and the commercialisation of FES. Her particular interests lie in novel sintering techniques and microstructural optimisation in technical ceramics.
Leah Guenther
Expertise: Medical device testing, orthopaedics
Manager, Applications Engineering. Technology Leader, Orthopedics
Leah joined Lucideon in February 2018 with a specialism in Tribology, Biomechanics, Orthopaedics, Test and Process Development, Implant Retrieval Analysis and Surface Evaluation. She has been in this field since 2011 and holds a BSc in Biosystems Engineering and an MSc in Mechanical Engineering.
Leah manages a small team of engineers who run a variety of wear tests at our Greenville, SC facility in the USA. She also functions as a Program Manager for multi-disciplinary testing and evaluation programs within our Healthcare sector. The role spans from client-facing activities to consulting, technical leadership and operations management, also providing support to our commercial, finance, marketing, quality, and administration teams. No two days are the same and it’s the collaboration and learning aspects of this role that is what she looks forward to each day.
Leah is a member of ASTM F04.22 (Arthroplasty Subcommittee); ISO/TC 150/SC 4/WG 3; Greenville Operations Management Group and is a published author in various technical journals and college-level textbooks.
Leah is a mother to an active and mischievous kiddo who keeps her on her toes. She is also an avid baker and maker, dabbling in a variety of mediums ranging from textiles to clay/ceramics. Her family is heavily involved within their church community, where they volunteer with the setup and A/V crew, and walk alongside middle and high school students as they explore their faith.
Dr Phil Jackson
Expertise: Powders; novel shaping, medical devices, consumer products, pharmaceuticals
Principal Consultant
Phil joined Lucideon in November 1986 when it was still known as British Ceramic Research Limited. He specialises in the characterisation of powders in the dry and powder suspension state, which helps clients optimise products fabricated from said powders.
He holds a BSc and PhD in Chemistry, both from the University of Leicester. His whole career has been within the chemistry industry but has developed into more of a focused healthcare and consumer products specific role over the last 10-15 years.
Phil is a consultant, whose day-to-day role focuses on supporting sales to win consultancy jobs, mentoring staff in terms of delivery and solving technical challenges, and writing high quality quotes and reports based on their findings.
Phil sits on the Particle Characterisation Interest Group (PCIG) committee, which is a sub-group of the Royal Society of Chemistry and is an ardent long-distance walker, bass guitar player and birdwatcher.
Rosie Jones
Expertise: Pharmaceutical Microbiology
Microbiology Delivery Manager
Rosie joined Lucideon in March 2019 as a Pharmaceutical Microbiologist. She quickly established herself within this role and rose through the ranks to her current position as Microbiology Delivery Manager.
She holds Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology/Biology Sciences and has been in industry for over 7 years.
Rosie has a keen interest in conservation and previously volunteered at the N/a'an ku se Foundation, which contributed to her interest in animal conservation, and the importance of human intervention to protect many species.
Gary W. Kagel
Expertise: Analytical chemistry laboratory operations
Senior Chemist - Analytical Chemistry
Gary joined Lucideon in November 2006 and has a specialist interest in Analytical Chemistry. He holds an MS in Chemistry, with over 30 years’ experience in regulated environments (FDA, EPA, ISO, Nuclear, Aerospace). His day-to-day role involves electron microprobe analyses and being the technical lead for chemistry at both our Greenville and Schenectady sites.
He is a member of ASM International – Materials Information Society, American Chemical Society & Microanalysis Society, Microscopy Society of America and is an executive committee member for local ASM chapter.
When not working Gary enjoys the outdoors and will hunt and fish as time, family commitments and dog ownership permit!
Dr Robert F. Kraus
Expertise: Mechanical testing, materials characterisation
Manager, Physical Testing
Bob joined the Lucideon Limited team as Mechanical Testing Technical Leader in 2018, specialising in Corrosion & Physical test operations. He spent over three decades in his chosen field and holds a PhD in mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY USA.
His role as Technical Manager of Physical Testing in Schenectady, NY USA involves administering the SCC Corrosion Lab & keeping the Creep Testing Lab functional.
He also has an extensive background as an electrical power generator design engineer for General Electric, Schenectady, NY, working there between 2005 and 2018 and is currently in a second term with Lucideon Limited, having worked with us previously, from 1988 to 2005 in the Mechanical test group located, at that time, in Schenectady, NY USA.
Stuart Maclachlan
Expertise: R&D, metallurgy
Director of R&D
Stuart joined Lucideon in January 1999 with a specialism in collaborative R&D project development and management, focused around materials strategy development, and more specifically, our MIDAR technology. Stuart holds a BSc (Hons) in Materials Science and Technology, an MSc in Physical Metallurgy (Oxidation of Austenitic Stainless Steels) and an MBA.
His daily activities are varied but all have an innovation focus. For example, looking at emerging themes in ceramic technology to help develop AMRICC activities. Stuart develops and writes proposals for collaborative R&D projects, which are often funded through government agencies such as UK Research and Innovation, Innovate UK and the EC Horizon programme and manages the delivery of these projects. Stuart also assists in developing our exploitation strategies for new and emerging technologies, applying his many years’ experience of battery and component development, and processes and cell design for high energy density power systems.
In his spare time Stuart has continued his “lock-down” hobby of learning Spanish online, progressing from beginner to intermediate level, and now planning trips to test his ability in real life.
Karen Nash
Expertise: Microbiology, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, medical devices, GMP
Development Microbiologist
Karen joined Lucideon in March 2021 with a specialism in microbiology. Before joining Lucideon, she amassed over 29 years of experience working as the General Manager at a Pharmaceutical Microbiology Contract Laboratory, where she managed all aspects of the site covering the overall activity of microbiological testing and QA & site safety requirements. Prior to this post, Karen also worked for a Contract Research Organization, in both food and pharmaceutical sectors, in laboratory management, and in research for the HSE and the University of Manchester.
She holds a BSc in Microbiology from the University of Sheffield and an MSc in Medical Mycology from the University of Manchester. Her role at Lucideon is Development Microbiologist and her main focus is driving and implementing client microbiology projects. These also include cleaning and sterilisation projects, which also involves some chemical analysis including TOC and protein analysis. Karen also supports the work of the Microbiologists in the Pharmaceutical Division with any Quality and Microbiology general enquiries.
Karen is an active member of the Royal Society of Biology (MRSB) and is also a keen dancer, regularly taking part in dance shows for a local dance school. She also enjoys yoga and bird watching and is a member of the RSPB.
Dr Alan J Paul
Expertise: Analytical chemistry, secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) & x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS or ESCA)
Director of Operations, Surface Science
Dr Alan Paul joined Lucideon in 2002, after part of the surface science group at UMIST was spun out as a private company, providing commercial analytical and consultancy services, was acquired by Lucideon. He currently works in the Surface Science Group as Operations Manager and Surface Analyst. He has a PhD in X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and has considerable expertise in other surface analysis techniques such as Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToFSIMS).
He is an analytical chemist specialising in the surface characterisation of materials and has spent the last 35 years working for clients worldwide in a diverse range of industry sectors such as Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, Automotive, Aerospace, Packaging/Printing. His day-to-day role regularly includes product testing, quality control, problem-solving, failure analysis, new product development and consultancy.
Dr David Pearmain
Expertise: Materials for energy
Business Manager - Technology Engagement & Partnerships
David has over 10 years' experience of technology development and commercialisation of Flash Sintering (FS) technology. David holds an MSc in physics and a PhD in nanophysics, both from the University of Birmingham, and a diploma in Applied Business Management from Warwick Business School.
David worked on structural analysis of nanomaterials during his PhD at the University of Birmingham, where he used aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy to characterise the structure of nanoparticles for catalytic application within the automotive industry. Through technological discoveries within FS David has sought to target specific sector applications, striving for technology adoption within manufacturing in the shortest timescales possible.
David has led the FS team at Lucideon since its infancy, and has experience in managing public-funded projects, both through InnovateUK, Strength in Places, and the Regional Growth Fund, and in overseeing academic collaborations and working directly with commercial clients and consortiums, working alongside many different clients within a diverse range of industries that manufacture and use both advanced and traditional ceramics.
David also represents the technical lead for Lucideon in the MICG and is assisting in the setting up and outputs of the advanced ceramic pilot line, part of the SIPF work. When not working David can mostly found in the hills trying to go bouldering.
Dr Sara Randall
Expertise: Characterization of superalloys, metals processing and manufacturing methods
Technology Lead - Materials Science
Sara joined Lucideon in October 2010 with a specialism in Materials Science and Engineering. She holds a BSc from Virginia Tech and a PhD from the University of Florida. Her dissertation investigated the Metastable Liquid Immiscibility of Fe-Cu Alloys using Electromagnetic Levitation
Sara manages the Metallurgical and Mechanical Teams and leads the Greenville Operations Team. She also represents the Greenville Operations on the GOE and provides technical leadership, training, and guidance to the engineers on the teams. Sara works closely with our Commercial Team to design work scope for a wide variety of clients on a wide variety of projects, whilst working with QA to ensure procedures and training are compliant with auditing bodies and provide our clients with exceptional results.
Sara worked at AVX where she coordinated the scale-up and managed a multi-shift pilot operation supplying ceramic slip and metal inks for the production of high CV ceramic multilayer capacitors. She also worked on thin film termination systems for low inductance, integrated multi-capacitor devices
Previously, Sara worked for an engineering consulting company, performing a variety of failure analyses and developed testing for slow strain rate, direct tension apparatus to study SCC/H2 embrittlement of high strength steel wire in carbonate/bicarbonate solution, amassing a wealth of knowledge that she regularly applies to her day-to-day role.
Sara taught Science Labs at Elementary School, post-doc’ed at the University of Florida characterising the high temperature oxidation behaviour of Nb-Ti-Al alloys and has several publications and one patent.
She somehow also found the time to have two amazing children after meeting her husband in grad school, where they shared a common interest in Materials Engineering with a specialty in Ceramics and is an Ordained Ruling Elder for PC-USA.
Jan Theron
Expertise: Refractories; petrochemicals
Refractory Specialist
Jan joined Lucideon in January 2008 with a specialism in refractory material/lining design, installation and failure investigation and has been in his chosen field since 1997, drawing experience from his time as a Chemical Engineer at SASOL in South Africa.
His role mostly is born from a client having a problem with their refractory lining; this could be as simple as suggesting test work or as complicated as understanding why the expected performance was not achieved. Jan’s day-to-day will involve understanding the process conditions, the refractory lining design, the material used and the way in which it was installed to help bring successful conclusions by applying standard and bespoke testing to identify and prove the cause of accelerated deterioration. His vast experience in installation takes him out to sites all over the world to ensure and improve installation practices.
Jan is chair for BSi RPI/1 Refractory Products and Materials, serving to improve testing standards for refractory materials and in his spare time enjoys a range of hobbies, from farming milk, cheese making and keeping marine fish to fixing old cars, hiking, and enjoying nature.
Dr Richard White
Expertise: Broad range of ceramics, particularly refractories, medical devices, industrial minerals & fractography
Principal Consultant - Materials
Richard joined Lucideon in November 1989 when it was still known as British Ceramic Research Limited as manager of the microstructure section covering microscopy and XRD. His career developed to head of testing, then to his current role as principal consultant in materials. Throughout Richard’s career he has been interested in understanding how the interplay between materials and processing, impact the structure and performance of ceramics.
He is involved in large commercial contracts from defence and nuclear on novel materials and processes, to working for medical device clients on regulatory submissions to the US FDA for HA coated implants. He also advises on smaller jobs in a broad range of industries and is involved with the Lucideon push into the Japanese market.
Richard currently sits on a range of standardisation bodies for ceramics including medical devices, refractories, technical ceramics, construction materials and tableware. As a Fellow of the IoM3, he also sits on the Ceramic Science Committee and the Defence, Security and Safety Committee.
He occasionally acts as an expert witness on legal jobs and obscurely, once had dinner cooked for him by a Thai princess.
Prof Xiang Zhang
Expertise: High performance materials and medical devices
Principal Consultant, Head of Medical Materials
Xiang joined Lucideon in 2010 with a specialism in Materials Science. He undertook his PhD and postdoctoral research at Cranfield University, where he studied materials physics and nano/micro-mechanics and nano/micro-fracture mechanics of polymeric hybrid (organic and inorganic) materials. After spending a further four years on research for industrial applications, he was awarded an industrial fellowship at the University of Cambridge in 1995, where he carried out research on fundamental nano-mechanics and fracture mechanics, he was the first scientist who completed the study on ductile to brittle transitions, which employed synchrotron SAXS, WAXS (wide angle and small angel X-ray scattering) to study in-situ deformation and fracture down to nanometre scales.
He has over 40 years combined academia and industrial experience in advanced materials science and technology and is an expert in advanced materials science and technology for Aerospace, Medical Implants, and Medical Materials, and is also a world expert in polymer and polymeric hybrid materials sciences.
As a scientist, Prof. Zhang is passionate about “Science for Industry “, a new mission of the Royal Society, and believes fundamental but applied sciences are the key to industry R&D and solving problems facing the world. He is also Head of the Lucideon Cambridge School of Advanced Materials and Head of Medical Materials and Devices. He is the author of three books.
Prof. Zhang’s industry experience was gained in leading international healthcare companies, where, as Principal Scientist/Technologist, his work covered almost all aspects of medical materials and devices from R&D and manufacturing to technical services and QC. Prior to joining Lucideon, Prof. Zhang worked as Director of a technology company, in the field of nano-conductive materials and diagnostic medical devices.