Dom graduated with a MSc in Chemistry from the University of Bristol in 2018, during which he undertook projects on computational chemistry (Prof. Fred Manby) and gold catalysis (Dr Chris Russell). He then undertook a PhD at the University of Edinburgh under the supervision of Prof. Stephen Thomas on group 13 exchange in catalysis. After graduating in 2022, he took up a postdoctoral with Prof. Lee Cronin at the University of Glasgow working on the automation of air- and moisture-sensitive chemistry, while also serving as leader of the Materials Discovery team. In 2023 he undertook a second postdoctoral position with Prof. Michael Ingleson at the University of Edinburgh, where he focussed on boron-mediated fluorination and computational chemistry. He was appointed as assistant professor of automation at Heriot-Watt University in 2024, where he explores ways to exploit automation and digital technologies to accelerate chemical discovery. Outside of work he gets little coffees and walks around Edinburgh with his partner Charlotte. He also climbs, cycles, and plays keyboard in a band while trying not to get scratched by his two cats (Beansprout and Parsnip).

Josef completed his undergraduate MChem degree at Lancaster University in 2025. During his time at Lancaster, he engaged in a research project with Dr Nicholas Evans and Dr Rebecca Spicer focusing on the self-assembly of pyridyl coordination capsules. Josef then undertook a joint project between Dr Jamie Docherty and Dr Rachel Platel for his MChem, investigating catalytic methods towards alkene hydroamination for the synthesis of complex amines. Josef moved to Heriot-Watt University and joined the Willcox group in 2025 to undertake his PhD, aiming to explore synthetic methodologies towards silicon-switch molecules. In his spare time, Josef enjoys playing cricket, darts, and swimming.

Fern is currently completing her Integrated Masters in Chemistry at Heriot-Watt University. She has a keen interest in biological chemistry, particularly in exploring molecular interactions and synthetic methodologies. Her research experience includes computationally investigating peptide behaviour at fluid-solid interfaces under the supervision of Dr Mark Biggs. Fern joined the Willcox group for her Masters project, where she is excited to pursue hands-on lab work exploring new reactivity with silyl-lithium compounds. Outside the lab, Fern enjoys cooking to relax and is an active member of the university’s cheerleading club.