🔬 READ 1: Light-Boosted Batteries
The cool part?
LSBU researchers found that shining light on a battery material helps it store more energy.
Who was involved?
Prof Steve Dunn and Dr Suela Kellici from Chemical Engineering, part of LSBU’s MADD Research Centre.
Why it’s exciting:
- LSBU students are already doing summer internships on this
- It could be your final year project or research placement
- It mixes sustainability, chemistry and materials science
Summer mission:
- Skim the abstract
- Look at one graph or image
- Ask: where else could light boost performance?
☀️ READ 2: Solar Cells That Fix Themselves
The cool part?
Solar panels are now smarter and more efficient thanks to a chemical tweak.
Who was involved?
Dr Sanjayan Sathasivam (Chemical Engineering), working with a national research team.
Why it’s exciting:
- LSBU students are helping in his lab this summer
- It’s a great fit for a final year or summer research project
- It’s about making solar energy smarter and safer
Summer mission:
- Read the abstract
- Spot the “cyanogen” bit
- Ask: how do chem engineers fix invisible problems?
♻️ READ 3: Waste to Wonder Materials
The cool part?
Sawdust and food waste can be turned into biochar — a material that cleans water and blocks UV.
Who was involved?
Dr Meredith Barr (Chemical & Energy Engineering), who leads sustainable materials research at LSBU.
Why it’s exciting:
- Students are working with her this summer
- Projects include biochar, eco filters, and reuse tech
- It’s engineering that helps clean up the planet
Summer mission:
- Google “biochar”
- Think: how can we turn waste into opportunity?