Cresswell Lab @ Bath​

George graduated with a 1st class MChem degree from the University of Durham, including a project on the electrophilic fluorination of pyrroles with David Hodgson. His research in the Marken and Cresswell groups is focused on the translation of photoredox reactions into scalable electrochemical processes.

Divyaakshar graduated with a Masters degree in Chemistry from KU Leuven, which included two synthetic organic research projects with Prof. Dr. Erik Van der Eycken. The first focused on ruthenium-catalysed C–H functionalisation for peptide modification, and the second on photoredox-catalysed alkylation of imines with nucleophilic radicals. His research in the Cresswell group is initially focused on visible light photoredox catalysis.

Darren graduated from the University of Bath in 2022 with a 1st class MChem degree in Chemistry. During his undergraduate degree, he carried out a research project in the Hill group focusing on the synthesis and reactivity of +1 oxidation state aluminium compounds. In October 2022, he started his PhD in the Cresswell lab to work in the area of photoredox catalysis for primary amine C-H functionalisation. In his spare time, Darren likes to play the guitar to old-school rock and heavy metal alongside going to the gym.

Marcus graduated from the University of Bath in 2022 with a first-class Master’s in Chemistry. During his third year, he completed a 12-month placement working in Early Chemical Development at AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, applying visual kinetic analyses to establish process understanding and improve the sustainability of precious metal-catalyzed transformations. During his final year project, Marcus studied in the Cresswell Group, investigating the photocatalytic hydroaminoalkylation of vinyl sulfones. Marcus’ PhD research is focused on applying photochemistry and flow chemistry as enabling techniques for modular azacycle construction. Outside of the lab, Marcus is extremely active in Scouting. He holds many roles, including a Queen’s scout, cub scout leader, scout leader, tomahawk throwing instructor, and air rifle instructor!

Emma graduated from the University of Bath in 2022 with a MSci in Natural Sciences, including an industrial placement year in medicinal chemistry at Roche. Her masters project in the Bull group involved investigating a new methodology for the carboxylation of aromatic building blocks. Her PhD project focuses on the development of a new approach to azacycle synthesis using photoredox. When not in the lab, Emma can be found giving historical tours of Bath, hiking up a mountain, or getting lost in a new country. 

Francesca graduated in 2022 with an honour first-class single-cycle Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technologies from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Perugia. As part of her degree, she conducted an internship in the Medicinal and Advanced Synthetic Chemistry Lab Masq focusing on the synthesis and characterization of bile acid derivatives as ligands of the farnesoid X receptor. In October 2022, she started her PhD with Dr Alex Cresswell and Prof. Tony James to research applications of photoredox catalysis in DNA-encoded libraries. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing many sports, such as running, swimming, alpine skiing, canoeing, and hiking.

Rebecca graduated from the University of Bath with a MSci in Natural Sciences (Chemistry with Pharmacology). She completed her MSci project in the Lovell group, synthesising targeted covalent macrocycles to inhibit protein-protein interactions involved in cancer. Her PhD - joint between the Cresswell and Lovell labs - is focused on controlling the topology of macrocyclic peptides. Outside of the lab, Rebecca enjoys walking, cooking, and crochet.

Hannah graduated with a 1st class MChem degree from the University of York in 2023. She undertook her Masters research project in industry, in the chemical synthesis department at the Lubrizol corporation. Hannah's PhD research will focus on using photoredox catalysis for C-H functionalisation of unprotected amines. In her spare time, Hannah enjoys socialising, reading, and keeping active through running, climbing and hiking.

Alex graduated from Queen’s University Belfast in 2024 with a first-class Masters in Chemistry. Between his third and fourth year he completed a 12-month placement working within the ALMAC Group headquarters located in Craigavon , being awarded the Almac McKervey Award for Excellence in Organic Chemistry. Within the Customs and Flow team Alex worked on various synthesis projects including flow chemistry focused work ranging from catalytic hydrogenation to electrochemical oxidations. During his final year project Alex worked in the James Group, investigating mechanochemical depolymerization for sustainable polymer chemistry. Alex’s PhD research is focused on the application of machine learning and flow chemistry towards the optimisation of selective organic reactions for sustainable synthesis. In his spare time Alex enjoys reading fantasy novels, modding his computer and experimenting with slow cooking.

Jamie graduated from the University of St Andrews in 2024 with a 1st class MChem degree in Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry. During this time, he undertook a 12-month industrial placement at GSK performing synthetic organic chemistry on a small molecule drug discovery project in its lead optimisation phase. After returning from placement, he completed his final year project in the Watson group working on the synthesis of boron-based headgroups for medicinal chemistry. Jamie’s PhD project in the Cresswell group is focused on developing synthetic methods to access saturated nitrogen-containing bioisosteres.

Tom started in the Cresswell group in Jun 2025 and is carrying out a part-time PhD. His research is investigating new visible-light mediated reactions of imines.