Dr., Newcastle university, United Kingdom
Luke Saunders is a dynamic researcher specializing in electrochemistry, electrical machines, and battery technology. Currently serving as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at Newcastle University, Luke is contributing to the Future Electrical Machines and Manufacturing Hub, focusing on advancing electric motor performance and manufacturing innovation. His career reflects a blend of academic rigor and industrial relevance, with previous impactful roles at The Faraday Institution and Heraeus Quartz UK. He has worked extensively on lithium-ion battery degradation and amperometric gas sensor technologies. Luke’s research integrates experimental work with computational analysis, aiming to accelerate the adoption of next-generation technologies. He has published multiple papers in internationally recognized journals and has presented his work at prominent conferences. Beyond his research, Luke is actively involved in mentoring PhD students, supporting undergraduates, and contributing to university-level ethical committees. He is also pursuing his HEA teaching fellowship, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in both research and education.
Publication Profile
🎓 Education
Luke Saunders completed his PhD at Newcastle University, focusing on amperometric gas sensors in collaboration with Alphasense Sensor Technologies. His doctoral research emphasized the diffusion behavior of volatile organic compounds through specially designed semi-permeable membranes, combining both laboratory experiments and computational analysis. This industry-sponsored project allowed him to present regularly to senior stakeholders, bridging the gap between academic inquiry and real-world applications. Luke’s solid academic foundation in electrochemistry, sensor technology, and materials science underpins his versatile research portfolio. While the specific undergraduate and master’s education details are not provided, his progression into multi-disciplinary postdoctoral roles and a significant industrial engineering position reflect a strong educational background in chemical or electrical engineering. His current pursuit of the HEA teaching fellowship further highlights his ongoing commitment to both educational development and research excellence, aiming to contribute comprehensively to academia as a researcher, mentor, and future educator.
💼 Experience
Luke Saunders brings a rich blend of academic and industrial experience across multiple high-impact projects. At Newcastle University (2023–2026), he contributes to electric motor innovation as part of the Future Electrical Machines and Manufacturing Hub, collaborating internationally and mentoring young researchers. Previously, at the Faraday Institution (2020–2021), he investigated lithium-ion battery degradation, mastering electrochemical techniques and complex data analysis. From 2022 to 2023, he worked as a Production Engineer at Heraeus Quartz UK, managing process improvement projects for high-grade quartz manufacturing, delivering engineering solutions, and supporting health and safety initiatives. His PhD research (2014–2020) explored amperometric gas sensors, conducted in collaboration with Alphasense Sensor Technologies. Luke has consistently demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and technical expertise, contributing to both fundamental science and industrial applications. His experience encompasses project management, cross-functional collaborations, mentoring PhD and undergraduate students, and presenting at international conferences, positioning him as a well-rounded and impactful researcher.
🔬 Research Focus
Luke Saunders’ research primarily focuses on electrochemistry, energy storage systems, and the performance of advanced electrical machines. His recent work targets the development of novel electric motor designs with enhanced efficiency, durability, and manufacturability, contributing to the global push for sustainable transportation solutions. His earlier research delved into the degradation mechanisms of lithium-ion batteries, where he utilized advanced electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and large-scale data interpretation to uncover failure patterns. Luke’s PhD work in amperometric gas sensors emphasized improving sensor selectivity and response times using tailored semi-permeable membranes. His cross-disciplinary expertise allows him to navigate between materials science, chemical engineering, and electrical engineering, enabling innovative solutions to industry-relevant problems. Through active collaborations with industrial partners and multinational research hubs, Luke aims to accelerate the translation of laboratory discoveries into practical applications. His future research interests include green manufacturing processes, next-generation energy systems, and enhancing the sustainability of electrochemical technologies.
📚 Publication Top Notes
1. Evaluating Single-Crystal and Polycrystalline NMC811 Electrodes in Lithium-Ion Cells via Non-Destructive EIS Alone
Journal: Journal of Applied Electrochemistry
Publication Date: September 2022
DOI: 10.1007/s10800-022-01713-x
Authors: Luke Saunders, Jiabin Wang, Ulrich Stimming
Summary:
This study evaluates the performance of NMC811 electrodes in lithium-ion batteries using non-destructive electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The work compares single-crystal and polycrystalline structures to understand how microstructural differences influence battery life and degradation. The research highlights the benefits of using non-invasive diagnostic tools for assessing battery health, which can improve battery management systems and enhance operational safety.
2. Differentiating Degradation Characteristics in Lithium-Ion Cells
Journal: Journal of The Electrochemical Society
Publication Date: November 2021
DOI: 10.1149/1945-7111/ac3851
Authors: Luke Saunders, Jiabin Wang, Ulrich Stimming
Summary:
This paper investigates the distinct degradation pathways in lithium-ion cells under various operational conditions. By employing electrochemical techniques, the study differentiates the key factors contributing to capacity fade and impedance rise. The findings offer valuable insights for improving battery longevity and inform the design of more robust battery systems for future applications.
Conclusion
Luke Saunders demonstrates strong potential and is highly suitable for a Best Researcher Award at an early to mid-career level. His multidisciplinary research, industrial relevance, leadership in mentoring, and significant collaborative efforts position him as a valuable researcher with impactful contributions. To elevate his candidacy to a truly outstanding level, focusing on independent grant acquisition, completing teaching credentials, and further expanding his international research footprint would be beneficial.