Helen graduated from the University of Manchester in 2011 with a PhD in Plasma Chemistry. During her PhD Helen had the incredible opportunity to complete an industrial placement at the Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (AIST) in Tsukuba, Japan. This collaboration was extremely beneficial in terms of enhancing her research, but also elevated her PhD experience on a personal level, being able to live and work abroad. In addition, Helen worked with industrial partner Johnson Matthey Ltd and was a member of a National consortium for Delivery of Sustainable Hydrogen (Supergen).
Following on from University, Helen spent three years working as a Research Scientist at Element Six Ltd, researching growth of synthetic diamond for industrial applications.
Helen’s prior experience of joint institution collaborations is what sparked her interest in working for the PGI. She joined the team in November 2023 to manage the PhD calls and student management processes. She looks forward to supporting the next generation of scientists through her work at the PGI.
For the last ten years, Helen has owned a mobile dog grooming business, operating in and around Teddington. The experience of managing 1000+ clients, has consolidated her organisational skills which will be vital in her new role at the PGI.